The Great Mosque of Mecca: $100 billion
The Great Mosque of Mecca, also known as Masjid al-Haram, is one of the most significant and sacred sites in Islam. Located in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, it surrounds the Kaaba, which Muslims believe to be the holiest place on Earth. Here are some key points about the Great Mosque of Mecca:
Kaaba: At the center of the Great Mosque is the Kaaba, a cubic structure covered in a black cloth (kiswah) adorned with gold calligraphy. Muslims face towards the Kaaba during their daily prayers (Salah).
History: The mosque has a long history dating back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Prophet Isma'il (Ishmael), who Muslims believe built the Kaaba as the first house of worship dedicated to one God.
Expansion: Over the centuries, the mosque has been expanded and renovated multiple times. The most recent major expansion, ongoing as of recent years, aims to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims (Hajj and Umrah) visiting the site.
Significance: Muslims around the world face towards the Kaaba when performing their daily prayers. It is the focal point of the Hajj pilgrimage, which every Muslim who is physically and financially able must undertake at least once in their lifetime.
Architecture: The mosque complex covers a vast area and includes outdoor and indoor prayer spaces, as well as accommodation for pilgrims. The minaret of the mosque is one of the tallest structures in Mecca.
Umrah: Aside from Hajj, Muslims also perform the lesser pilgrimage known as Umrah, which involves a series of rituals performed within and around the Great Mosque.
Accessibility: Entry into the Kaaba itself is restricted, but pilgrims perform Tawaf, circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction as part of their rituals.
Islamic Heritage: The Great Mosque of Mecca is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Islamic unity and devotion. It holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide.
Abraj Al Bait, also known as the Mecca Royal Clock Tower, is a prominent complex of buildings located near the Great Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Here are some key points about Abraj Al Bait:
Location: Situated in the heart of Mecca, Abraj Al Bait towers over the surrounding landscape and is adjacent to the Masjid al-Haram, where the Kaaba is located.
Design and Architecture: The complex consists of several skyscrapers, with the central tower being the tallest. The tallest tower reaches a height of over 600 meters (1,970 feet), making it one of the tallest buildings in the world.
Features: The most distinctive feature of Abraj Al Bait is the massive clock face on the tallest tower, known as the Mecca Royal Clock Tower. The clock faces are among the largest in the world and are visible from a distance, serving as a landmark for pilgrims in Mecca.
Functionality: The complex serves multiple purposes, including luxury hotels, shopping malls, residential apartments, and prayer halls. It provides accommodation for the large number of pilgrims who visit Mecca for Hajj and Umrah.
Islamic Heritage: While Abraj Al Bait is a modern architectural marvel, it also incorporates elements of Islamic design and aesthetics. The clock tower, in particular, blends traditional Islamic motifs with modern engineering.
Development: Construction of Abraj Al Bait began in 2004 and was completed in phases. The complex has significantly altered the skyline of Mecca and continues to be a focal point for both religious and commercial activities.
Impact: The presence of Abraj Al Bait has sparked discussions regarding the balance between modern development and preservation of the sacred heritage of Mecca. It reflects the growing infrastructure needed to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims each year.
Marina Bay Sands: $5.7 billion
Marina Bay Sands is an iconic integrated resort located in Singapore, known for its distinctive design and comprehensive facilities. Here are the key features and aspects of Marina Bay Sands:
Location: Marina Bay Sands is situated in Marina Bay, Singapore, near the central business district and overlooking Marina Bay itself. Its location provides stunning views of the city skyline and the waterfront.
Architecture: The most notable feature of Marina Bay Sands is its unique design, which includes three 55-story towers topped with a connecting roof structure that resembles a ship balanced atop the towers. This rooftop structure is known as the SkyPark and includes gardens, restaurants, and an infinity pool.
Accommodation: The resort features over 2,500 hotel rooms and suites, offering luxurious accommodations for guests. The rooms are spread across the three towers, each offering panoramic views of the city or the bay.
Entertainment: Marina Bay Sands is renowned for its entertainment options. The resort houses a large casino offering a variety of table games and slot machines, a state-of-the-art theater that hosts international shows and performances, and a nightclub with panoramic views from the top floors.
Shopping and Dining: The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is a high-end shopping mall within the complex, featuring luxury brands, designer boutiques, and gourmet dining options. The mall also houses a canal with indoor gondola rides, adding to its unique appeal.
Convention and Exhibition Facilities: Marina Bay Sands is a major venue for conventions, conferences, and exhibitions in Singapore. It boasts extensive meeting and event spaces, including the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, which can accommodate large-scale events.
Art and Culture: The resort is home to the ArtScience Museum, a distinctive lotus-inspired building that showcases exhibitions at the intersection of art, science, culture, and technology. It has hosted various internationally acclaimed exhibitions.
SkyPark: The SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands is a highlight of the resort, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline and Marina Bay. It features landscaped gardens, multiple dining options including a rooftop restaurant, and the famous infinity pool, one of the world's largest and highest.
Resorts World Sentosa: $4.93 billion
Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is another prominent integrated resort in Singapore, known for its diverse array of attractions, entertainment options, and luxurious accommodations. Here's an overview of Resorts World Sentosa:
Location: Resorts World Sentosa is located on Sentosa Island, a popular leisure destination in Singapore. It is easily accessible from the main island via road, cable car, or monorail.
Attractions and Theme Parks:
- Universal Studios Singapore: One of the main attractions at Resorts World Sentosa is Universal Studios Singapore, a theme park featuring rides, shows, and attractions based on blockbuster movies and television series.
- S.E.A. Aquarium: This aquarium is one of the largest in the world and showcases marine life from various habitats around the globe. It offers immersive experiences and educational exhibits.
- Adventure Cove Waterpark: A water-themed park with thrilling slides, wave pools, and snorkeling experiences. It is a popular attraction for families and water sports enthusiasts.
- Dolphin Island: Offers interactive dolphin encounters and educational programs for visitors interested in marine conservation and learning about these intelligent creatures.
Hotels and Accommodations:
- Resorts World Sentosa features several hotels catering to different preferences and budgets. These include the luxurious Crockfords Tower, Hotel Michael, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, and others offering a range of amenities and themed experiences.
Entertainment and Nightlife:
- Beyond the theme parks, Resorts World Sentosa offers a variety of entertainment options. This includes live performances, musicals, and concerts held at venues such as the Resorts World Theatre.
- The resort also has numerous bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues, providing dining and entertainment options for guests.
Shopping and Dining:
- The resort features shopping options with a mix of luxury boutiques, souvenir shops, and specialty stores offering a range of products.
- Dining at Resorts World Sentosa includes a diverse selection of restaurants serving international cuisine, celebrity chef establishments, and themed dining experiences.
Convention and Events:
- Resorts World Sentosa has facilities for hosting conferences, exhibitions, and private events. This includes meeting rooms, ballrooms, and outdoor spaces suitable for corporate gatherings and social events.
Casino:
- RWS is home to one of the two casinos in Singapore, offering a range of gaming options for guests.
SoFi Stadium: $5.5 billion
SoFi Stadium is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue located in Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles. Here are some key features and facts about SoFi Stadium:
Location: SoFi Stadium is situated in Inglewood, a city in the Greater Los Angeles area, and is part of the larger Hollywood Park development.
Construction and Opening: Construction of SoFi Stadium began in November 2016 and was completed in September 2020. The stadium officially opened in September 2020, although its first public event was held later that year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design and Architecture: SoFi Stadium is renowned for its innovative and striking design. It features a transparent roof that covers the seating bowl but leaves the field exposed to natural light. The stadium has a capacity of approximately 70,000 seats, which can be expanded to 100,000 for special events.
Home to NFL Teams: SoFi Stadium serves as the home stadium for two NFL teams: the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams relocated to Los Angeles from other cities and now share the stadium as their home venue.
Technology and Amenities: The stadium is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including one of the largest video boards in sports, measuring over 70,000 square feet. It also features premium seating options, luxury suites, and hospitality areas.
Events and Entertainment: In addition to NFL games, SoFi Stadium hosts a variety of events, including concerts, international soccer matches, college football games, and major sporting events like the Super Bowl and the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Environmental Sustainability: SoFi Stadium incorporates sustainable design features, such as energy-efficient systems and materials, and aims to achieve LEED Gold certification for its environmental performance.
Surrounding Development: The stadium is part of a larger development known as Hollywood Park, which includes retail, office space, residential units, and a hotel. This development aims to create a vibrant entertainment district in Inglewood.
