Located on the southeastern edge of Masjid al-Haram, Ajyad is a bustling Mecca neighbourhood that was mentioned in the ancient poetry of Al-Ashi bin Maimon bin Qais. It’s clustered with restaurants and stores catering to pilgrims and lies adjacent to the soaring modern skyscrapers of the Clock Towers.
Things to do in Ajyad
Ajyad is on the doorstep of Masjid al-Haram or the Grand Mosque, which is a major site of pilgrimage during the Hajj. It encompasses the Zamzam Well and Maqam Ibrahim, a small, square stone with links to Ibrahim and Ismail. One of the most important rites for pilgrims is the circumambulation of the Kaaba, which is set with the revered Black Stone.
Topped by a four-faced clock is the 601-metre-high skyscraper of the Makkah Clock Royal Tower, which is the tallest building in Saudi Arabia. It forms part of the Abraj Al Bait complex, home to the five-story mall of the Clock Towers Shopping Center. In addition to clothing, jewellery and electronics stores, you’ll find casual eateries serving hamburgers, falafel and kebabs.
Occupying the top four floors of the Makkah Clock Royal Tower is the Clock Tower Museum, which explains the design and construction of the complex. Learn about time measurements used throughout history and discover how the sun, moon and Earth’s rotations have traditionally been used to organise daily activities. The Clock Tower Museum also features a balcony offering panoramic views of the Grand Mosque.
Getting around Ajyad
Ajyad is around an hour’s drive from Jeddah and 1.5 hours from King Abdulaziz International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to Ajyad and taxis are readily available for getting around. Many of Ajyad’s attractions can easily be accessed on foot.