The streets of the central part of the city, adjacent to the Al-Haram Mosque, where the Kaaba is located, can hardly cope with the influx of pilgrims during the Hajj. Also in Mecca during this period there are not enough hotels and infrastructure facilities. To solve the second problem, a huge hotel complex "Abrazh el-Bayt" is currently being built near Al-Haram, in the center of which is the Makkah Clock Tower Royal Hotel (in 2010, upon completion of work, it will reach a height of 577 m, according to other sources - 595 m).
To the south of this complex, along Ibrahim El-Khalil Street, is the Darb El-Khalil district, which will be reconstructed according to the Jensler plan: this project is designed to solve both main problems of the city at the same time. One of the main objectives of the architects was to create comfortable streets and public spaces designed for pedestrians; it was also important to link the southern part of the city adjacent to Darb al-Khalil with the open areas surrounding the mosque al-Haram.
As a result of the implementation of the new master plan, 1 km2 will be built up - mainly with high-rise buildings. Half of them will be hotels, the rest will be residential buildings, government offices, shops.
All buildings will be oriented to the north: this will give them a view of the Al-Haram Mosque, as well as reduce the heating of their facades by the sun's rays.
