Giant Mecca clock seeks to call time on Greenwich – Makkah Clock Film: The islamists attempt to change from Grenwich Mean Time to islamic time

For more than a century, a point on the top of a hill in south-east London has been recognised as the centre of world time and the official starting point of each new day.

For more than a century, a point on the top of a hill in south-east London has been recognised as the centre of world time and the official starting point of each new day. Image 1 of 2
Big Ben (L) and the Mecca Clock Tower (R) are now in competition to be recognised as the centre of time

But now the supremacy of Greenwich Mean Time is being challenged by a gargantuan new clock being built in Mecca, by which the world’s 1.5 billion Muslims could soon be setting their watches.

Due to start ticking on Thursday as the faithful begin fasting during the month of Ramadan, the timepiece sits atop the Royal Mecca Clock Tower which dominates Islam’s holiest city.

It is at the heart of a vast complex funded by the Saudi government that will also house hotels, shopping malls and conference halls.

Bearing a striking resemblance to both St Stephen’s Tower, which houses the bell of Big Ben, and the Empire State Building, the Saudi upstart aims to outdo its revered British rival in every way.

The clock’s four faces are 151ft in diameter and will be illuminated by 2million LED lights along with huge Arabic script reading: “In the name of Allah”. The clock will run on Arabia Standard Time which is three hours ahead of GMT.

The islamists attempt to change from Grenwich Mean Time to islamic time
See video and read more: http://www.themeccaclocktower.com/