First Makkah Clock: Historic Symbol of Saudi Care for Holy Sites

The first Makkah clock ordered by King Abdulaziz in 1933 (Darat al-Malik Abdulaziz/The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives)
The first Makkah clock ordered by King Abdulaziz in 1933 (Darat al-Malik Abdulaziz/The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives)
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First Makkah Clock: Historic Symbol of Saudi Care for Holy Sites

The first Makkah clock ordered by King Abdulaziz in 1933 (Darat al-Malik Abdulaziz/The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives)
The first Makkah clock ordered by King Abdulaziz in 1933 (Darat al-Malik Abdulaziz/The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives)

In the 1930s, as Muslims began their regular pilgrimages to the holy sanctuary in Makkah for Umrah and Hajj, signs of modernization emerged under the Saudi reign.

One significant addition was a giant clock atop Makkah’s government building, commissioned by King Abdulaziz. This clock served the worshippers’ need for accurate timing during their religious rituals and prayers in the Grand Mosque.

King Abdulaziz made caring for the holy mosques and the well-being of pilgrims a top priority for the Saudi government. He set the groundwork for future kings to improve services and make the pilgrimage experience smoother for visitors to Makkah and Medina.

From the early days of Saudi rule, King Abdulaziz showed a strong commitment to serving the holy sites and pilgrims from around the world.

He pledged to protect pilgrims and ensure their comfort and rights. In a statement published in the official newspaper before the Hajj season of 1343 AH, he expressed happiness in welcoming Muslims and making their journey to Makkah easier.

Recognizing the need for better timekeeping at the Grand Mosque, King Abdulaziz imported a large clock. Its hands were visible from far away, helping worshippers in Makkah and nearby areas keep track of prayer times.

King Abdulaziz ordered the construction of the clock in 1933, placing it atop the Hamidiyah Government Building. A tower reaching 15 meters high housed the clock, elevating it over 30 meters above street level.

The clock’s white background and black hands made it visible from afar, with electric lighting illuminating it at night. Construction began and finished in 1933.

Since then, the Two Holy Mosques have received special attention from Saudi leadership, particularly under the ambitious “Vision 2030” initiative, which has made the pilgrimage easier and enhanced the spiritual experience for millions of pilgrims.



Saudi Arabia: Tuwaiq Sculpture Hosts Panel Discussions, Workshops

Tuwaiq Sculpture is one of the flagship projects of Riyadh Art. SPA
Tuwaiq Sculpture is one of the flagship projects of Riyadh Art. SPA
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Saudi Arabia: Tuwaiq Sculpture Hosts Panel Discussions, Workshops

Tuwaiq Sculpture is one of the flagship projects of Riyadh Art. SPA
Tuwaiq Sculpture is one of the flagship projects of Riyadh Art. SPA

The sixth edition of Tuwaiq Sculpture 2025, running from January 15 to February 24, has launched an engaging series of panel discussions and workshops as part of its Community Engagement Program. Designed to foster dialogue between artists and the public, this initiative offers an immersive exploration of art, highlighting its impact on urban landscapes and cultural identity.
Held at ROSHN Front under this year’s theme, "From Then to Now: Joy in the Struggle of Making," the program reflects Tuwaiq Sculpture’s commitment to establishing Riyadh as a global center for art and creativity.
The panel discussions bring together local artists, urban planners, and cultural experts to explore the evolving relationship between public sculptures and urban landscapes. These conversations highlight how sculptural art enhances city aesthetics, contributes to placemaking, and transforms public spaces into cultural landmarks that reflect the visual identity of Saudi cities.
In addition to thought-provoking discussions, the Community Engagement Program offers a diverse lineup of hands-on workshops designed for students, families, and creative enthusiasts. Participants can engage in Paper-Mache Workshop – A family-friendly session introducing sustainable art practices, where participants learn about recycling materials to create sculptural pieces, and Natural Dyeing Workshop – An interactive experience teaching traditional techniques to extract pigments from plants and minerals for coloring sculptures.
By offering accessible, educational, and interactive experiences, these workshops encourage artistic exploration and cultural appreciation across all ages.
The panel discussions and workshops serve as a dynamic platform for idea exchange, creative expression, and skill development, aiming to enhance cultural awareness and inspire new artistic perspectives. Through these initiatives, Tuwaiq Sculpture continues to expand the horizons of sculptural art, reinforcing its role in shaping cultural identity and engaging the community in meaningful ways.
Tuwaiq Sculpture is one of the flagship projects of Riyadh Art, one of the world’s largest public art programs. The initiative aspires to transform Riyadh into an "open-air gallery," fostering creativity and enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike. This vision aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, positioning Riyadh as a global hub for art and culture.