Saudi plans world largest hotel

Riyadh

Plans have been unveiled to build the world's largest hotel, which could be open as early as 2017.

The Abraj Kudai, will be located in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, a city visited each year more than 15 million Muslims.

With twelve 44-story towers containing 10,000 rooms, the hotel, which is being created by multi-national design group Dar Al Handasah will have a total area of 4.6 million square feet. 

Work has already begun on the £2.25 billion project, which will feature 70 restaurants, multiple helipads, whole floors devoted to royalty and one of the largest domes in the world, according to reports by design websitedesignMENA.

Ten of the towers will cater for four-star guests, while the remaining two will offer luxurious five-star amenities.

On its website, Dar Al Handasah states: 'With a total site area of approximately 60,000 m² and total built-up area of around 1.4 million m², the project is a residential and commercial complex that consists of a large podium topped by 12 towers accommodating several elements such as a podium housing a bus station, a shopping mall, restaurants and food courts, a convention centre and car parks.

The five star towers offer all related services for the visitors of the Holy Kaaba. 

The interiors - expected to match the opulence expected of the local area will be designed by London-based Areen Hospitality design practice. 

Much of Mecca's historic architecture has now been demolished, including the house of Khadijah, the wife of Muhammad, and the house of Abu Bakr, which is now the site of the Hilton hotel. 

Many of the world's largest hotels are currently situated in Las Vegas, where until the Abraj Kudai opens, the Venetian and The Palazzo is the world's largest hotel. 

With 4,049 suites and 4,059 rooms, the hotel is 36 stories and is 475 feet high and known for its singing gondoliers.