Yesterday, the first day of the holy month of Ramadan 2010/1431 witnessed the start-up of the world’s giant clock functioning.  This clock has got four fronts with diameters of 43 metres.

Mecca clock is 400 metres altitude and it is set on the peak of the tallest hotels in the world. Thus, It is the tallest skyscraper. It overlooks the Holy Mosque, where Muslims pray their daily five prayers.

The Saudi state news agency SPA announced: "The Holy Mecca Clock started with the order of King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud ... one minute after 12 am, the first day of the holy month of Ramadan." Equally, it has been reported that more than 90 million pieces of colored glass constitute the mosaic of the clock’s four faces. Each face has got a huge inscription of the name of «Allah". This inscription is visible from all the corners of the Mecca.

According to the Saudi state news agency, Mecca’s clock will be in continuous testing during the first three months and all that period is considered a trial period. Additionally, More than 21.000 lamps will illuminate the clock’s peak.

Saudi officials hope that the new clock will be established as an alternative time for Greenwich.

Muslims all over the world could set their watches to the new Holy city time.