The holy city is fast becoming a Las Vegas for pilgrims, thanks to the £2.3bn megahotel

Abraj Kudai is to become the world's largest hotel located in Makkah, Saudi Arabia and upon completion, will offer 10,000 rooms in 12 separate towers. Designed by Dar Al Handasah, the project has a total built area of 1.4m m2
Abraj Kudai is to become the world's largest hotel located in Makkah, Saudi Arabia and upon completion, will offer 10,000 rooms in 12 separate towers. Designed by Dar Al Handasah, the project has a total built area of 1.4m m2

Designed by Dar Al Handasah, the project has a total built area of 1.4m m2 and will be set in the Manafia area in Makkah's central zone.

The Saudi Binladin Group holds the main construction contract, and work on the $3.5 billion hospitality project has already started. It comprises 12 towers with a total of 10,000 rooms, 70 restaurants, four rooftop helipads, royal floors and a full size convention centre, all roofed under what will become one of the largest domes in the world.

SBG recently awarded Mystas Infra Saudi Arabia (MISA), a subsidiary of Indian company IL&FS Engineering and Construction Company Limited, a contract worth $77m to supply, deliver, install, supervise, and hand over structural and reinforcement concrete works for two 230m-tall towers (2A and 3A) of the project.

The architecture is set to create an iconic landmark that will reflect a contemporary interpretation of a traditional desert fortress.

London-based design practice Areen Hospitality has been appointed to design the interior spaces, which will be complete with palatial luxury typical of the region.

Ten of the towers are intended to provide four-star accommodation while the remaining two will offer luxurious five-star amenities.