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21 November 2011 Last updated at 05:12 ET Help
It is Islam's most holy site and millions make a pilgrimage to the Grand Mosque at Mecca every year.
But Mecca is also now being compared to Manhattan with the pace of high-rise buildings that are dotting the skyline.
Luxury hotels are being built by the local authority to provide accommodation for the rich visitors that come to the city.
But some Saudi archaeologists are angry than historical sites and buildings are being destroyed to make way for them.
Ahmed Maher, from BBC Arabic Television, reports from the city.
It is Islam's most holy site and millions make a pilgrimage to the Grand Mosque at Mecca every year.
But Mecca is also now being compared to Manhattan with the pace of high-rise buildings that are dotting the skyline.
Luxury hotels are being built by the local authority to provide accommodation for the rich visitors that come to the city.
But some Saudi archaeologists are angry than historical sites and buildings are being destroyed to make way for them.
Ahmed Maher, from BBC Arabic Television, reports from the city.
