The expansion of the King Abdul Aziz International airport has begun and several contracts will be awarded at the end of this month. The $11.3 billion (Dh41.5) will increase the current 16 million passenger capacity to 80 million in 2025 when all phases are completed. Last year passenger growth at the airport was 6.6% compared to 2007.
The runways are being increased to 4,000 meters in length and 75 meters wide in order to accommodate the newer generation of larger aircraft like the A380. Following the upgrade of the runways, terminal expansion will begin. The first phase is scheduled for completion in 2012 with a new air traffic tower, 46 gates, and an air cargo village capable of handling more than 1.5 million tons of cargo each year.
Believed to be the site of the grave of Umm Haram, the wife of Ubada bin al-Samit, Hala Sultan Tekke is a prominent shrine for Muslims. The tombs were discovered around the 18th century, and have attracted lots of visitors since. The grave and tomb has now been transformed into a magnificent mosque on its premises, with an extensive octagonal fountain structure next to it. The site is visited by t...
The Ottoman Clock Tower was built on the grounds of the Grand Serail in 1897. It marked the 10th anniversary of Sultan Abdul Hamid II’s coronation. The need was felt for a public clock that would indicate the Muslim prayer timings. The clock that stands 25 meters tall was the tallest structure in Beirut at the time of its completion. The Clock Tower houses a huge bell weighing 300 kgs on its third...
The Hasan II Mosque is the largest mosque in Casablanca. It was designed by French architect Michel Pinseau and built by Bouygeus. It stands on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic which can be seen through a gigantic glass floor with room for 25,000 worshippers. A further 80,000 can be accommodated in the mosque's adjoining grounds for a total of 105,000 worshippers present at any given time at ...
These gardens are lovely to take a stroll through. At the entrance of the garden, a marble monument has been erected to honor soldiers killed during WW II. Known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it was built to commemorate especially those Russian cities that suffered atrocities under Nazi rule. ...