In an impressive report, Saudi Arabia prominently features in the list of the world’s most expensive buildings, led by the Grand Mosque of Makkah and the Abraj Al Bait, followed by prestigious architectural landmarks in Singapore and the United States.
1. The Grand Mosque of Makkah, Saudi Arabia: It tops the list as the most expensive building in the world. The Grand Mosque represents not only the qibla towards which Muslims pray but also a symbol of unique architectural engineering. Since establishing the Saudi Kingdom, the area has seen extensive expansions and renovations, with a total cost of about $100 billion. These investments reflect the great importance of this site for Saudi rulers, not only religiously but also as a historical and cultural landmark.
2. Abraj Al Bait, Saudi Arabia: With a cost of $16 billion, Abraj Al Bait stands as a testament to modern architecture and luxury in the heart of Makkah. This massive complex, which includes seven five-star hotels and a variety of commercial and recreational facilities, is part of the King Abdulaziz Endowment Project, built at the expense of Saudi Arabia, with its profits allocated to the operation of the Grand Mosque. The complex is distinguished by the towering Royal Clock Tower, which ranks fourth in height globally and contains the largest and highest clock face in the world. This project reflects not only architectural brilliance but also Saudi Arabia’s commitment to updating infrastructure to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims.
3. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore: Costing $5.7 billion, this iconic structure symbolizes wealth and luxury, combining a hotel, a convention center, and entertainment facilities.
4. SoFi Stadium, California, USA: With a cost of $5.5 billion, this stadium is considered the most expensive in the world, featuring an innovative design with a transparent roof and an open-air structure.
5. Apple Park, California, United States: Costing $5 billion, this famous headquarters of Apple Inc. embodies the company’s commitment to innovative design and sustainability, operating 100% on renewable energy.
These buildings are not just architectural landmarks but also reflect the rich identity and culture of the countries they are located in.
