Kingdom Holding to build world’s tallest tower

By Reuters Available at: http://www.emirates247.com/property/real-estate/kingdom-holding-to-build-world-s-tallest-tower-2010-10-21-1.307108

Saudi-based Kingdom Holding Company plans to build the world’s tallest tower as part of a project worth 75 billion riyals in the city of Jeddah, a newspaper report said on Thursday. Alsharq Al-Awsat newspaper, citing Kingdom’s Chairman Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, said the company will officially announce the project at a press conference in three weeks.

The skyscraper will be at the centre of the mixed-use project, which will stretch over 3.5 million square metres of land, the newspaper added. It also said Kingdom Holding plans another development in the capital city of Riyadh with an estimated investment value of 25 billion riyals. It will include a park, a hotel and other entertainment elements, as well as 10,000 residential units.

Kingdom Holding, the investment firm of the Saudi billionaire prince, posted a 52.6 per cent rise in third-quarter earnings on Monday, driven by higher investment returns. Kingdom, 95-per cent owned by the nephew of Saudi ruler King Abdullah, has stakes in some of the world’s top companies the most valuable of which is Citigroup. The world’s tallest building at present is Dubai’s 828-metre Burj Khalifa, developed by Emaar Properties.

`Umar ibn Khattab (Allah be well pleased with him) said:

“As we were sitting one day before the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), a man suddenly appeared. He wore pure white clothes and his hair was dark black-yet there were no signs of travel on him, and none of us knew him. He came and sat down in front of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), placing his knees against his, and his hands on his thighs.

He said, “O Muhammad! Tell me about Islam.” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “Islam is to bear witness that there is no god but God and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God; and to perform the prayer; pay zakat; fast Ramadan; and to perform Hajj to the House if you are able.” The man said, “You have spoken the truth,” and we were surprised that he asked and then confirmed the answer.

Then, he asked, “Tell me about belief (iman).” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “It is to believe in Allah; His Angels; His Books; His Messengers; the Last Day; and in destiny-its good and bad.”

The man said, “You have spoken the truth. Now, tell me about spiritual excellence (ihsan).” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “It is to serve Allah as though you behold Him; and if you don’t behold him, (know that) He surely sees you.”

“Now, tell me of the Last Hour,” asked the man. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “The one asked knows no more of it than the one asking.”

“Then tell me about its signs,” said the man. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied,

“That slave women give birth to their mistresses; and that you see barefoot, unclothed, beginning shepherds competing in the construction of tall buildings.”

Then the visitor left, and I waited a long time. Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked me, “Do you know, Umar, who the questioner was?” I replied, “Allah and His Messenger know best.” He said (Allah bless him and give him peace), “It was Jibril. He came to you to teach you your religion.”

(Sahih Muslim and the 2nd Hadith in the acclaimed Forty Ahaadith by An-Nawawi).

Best Regards
ZULKIFLI HASAN

University of Oslo, Norway