Mecca

Mecca (Makkah) is the most sacred city in the world for 1.2 billion Muslims. The birthplace of Islam and the prophet Muhammad, Mecca, located in a desert valley hemmed in by arid mountains about an hour’s drive from Jeddah, is only accessible to Muslims. Every able Muslim is required to visit Mecca at least once in their lifetime, and once a year, millions of pilgrims converge on the city as part of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Visiting the vast Masjid al-Haram and praying at the sacred Kaaba, a square stone structure covered with a black cloth that is Islam’s most sacred site, is one of the most important acts of the pilgrimage. Set within the walls of the Kaaba itself is the Black Stone, placed there by the prophet Muhammad in 605 AD. When pilgrims circle the Kaaba as part of the tawaf ritual, many stop to kiss or touch the stone as the prophet, according to tradition, is said to have done himself. Amongst the numerous other sacred sites visited by pilgrims are Hira Cave where the prophet first received his revelations from God, and Mount Arafat, the location where Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon.

Many visitors to Mecca also climb up Jabal Thawr to see the cave in which the prophet hid for three days. Within the city, another site of interest is the library and museum that have been built over the spot where Muhammad was born. Towering over the Masjid Al Haram, the enormous Abraj Al Bait skyscraper is visible for miles around and is one of Mecca’s most popular secular attractions. This distinctive clock tower, shopping mall and luxury hotel has a top-floor observatory with sensational views over the holy city.