The Gulf loves its hyperbolic real estate and now it seems that Mecca is getting in on the game with the announcement of the world's largest hotel opening in two years.
With 10,000 rooms, 70 restaurants, a shopping center and helipads, it is easy to see how the project is valued at $3.5 billion.
Named Abraj Kudai, the hotel is located one mile from the Grand Mosque and is expected to host millions of pilgrims. Spanning an area of 686,000 square feet, it certainly has the extra room, between royal suites, prayer halls and a convention center that are all housed in 12 separate towers. London-based Areen Hospitality is designing the interiors.
However, the hotel comes at a high price point for many pilgrims, as it is a four-star luxury hotel in 10 towers and five-stars in two.
But, no matter how big their wallets, all pilgrims will be able to appreciate the central dome, which is expected to be one of the largest and tallest domes in the world. Collectively, the exterior is certainly something to behold, an oversized Art Deco building that in some ways, is reminiscent of the dream sequences in "Inception."