Grand vision.

(From Gulf Construction)

The mega Zamzam Tower, which is now taking shape very close to the Grand Mosque, is heralding a new era of real estate development in Makkah

Construction work is progressing at a rapid pace on the highly prestigious Zamzam Tower, considered to be the first BOT (build-own-operate) project to be implemented in Makkah

One of the five developments that make up the Al Bait Towers complex, the Zamzam Tower will also be the first Islamic timeshare property, being developed under the Sokouk Al-Intifa'a scheme,which allows Muslims from all over the world regardless of their nationalities to obtain a residential suit in the tower for the duration of a week or two weeks per year over the next 24 years. The Kuwait-based Munshaat Real Estate Projects Company, which has invested in the development, is the company behind the Sokouk Al-Antifa'a concept

Zamzam means Holy Water in Arabic and true to the sanctity of its name, the seven-tower complex enjoys a close view of the Grand Mosque, and is considered to be the tallest structure overlooking the Holy Haram and within walking distance of King Abdulaziz Gate. The project sits on the same site that was previously occupied by the historic Ajyad Castle, on land owned by the King Abdulaziz Foundation and dedicated to the two Holy Mosques. The Saudi Binladin Group is the overall developer of the entire Al Bait Towers complex under a BOT scheme that extends for 24 years. Turner International and Project Analysis & Control Systems (Projacs) are the consultants for the project

The Zamzam Tower, which has a built-up area of 91,326 sq m, will feature 31 residential floors, containing 1,240 luxurious residential suites. The Munshaat Group has selected Accor to manage the development, which will be known as Zamzam Sofitel Grand Suites

The five-star hotel complex being built at a total cost of $390 million will include a convention centre, a shopping mall and a floor of restaurants that can seat up to 5,000. The tower will offer a range of accommodation facilities including two types of studios (33 sq m and 38 sq m respectively), two types of Junior suites (approximately 50 sq m), large suites (55 sq m with two bedrooms rooms and a living room), Amiri suites (76 sq m with two bedrooms and a living room) and royal suites (76 sq m). Most of the suites will be marketed on a time-share basis. Accor will manage all of the establishment's hotel services. The ...