On 23rd September 2014, Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives (ALJCI), in collaboration with Jeddah Municipality, unveiled the world’s tallest unsupported flagpole measuring in at 171.4m. The launch coincided with Saudi Arabia’s 84th National Day and was attended by a team of experts from Guinness World Records who officially registered the country’s achievement. The previous record was held by Tajikistan for its flagpole which measures 165m.

The record-breaking flagpole is located at the historic ‘Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Square’ on Andalus Street in the heart of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A number of additional symbolic elements have also been introduced to the square, including a physical structure of Saudi Arabia’s national emblem: two swords which are each 75m long and an 85m palm tree. The flag, which displays a banner of monotheism, was purpose-made for this project and measures 49.5m in length, 33m in width and has a total surface area of 1635 sqm. The flag weighs 570 kg and, when unfurled, is almost half the size of a football pitch.

Mohammed Jameel, Chairman and President of ALJCI disclosed that this project is dedicated as a gift to the country, which is the homeland of the wider Abdul Latif Jameel. Speaking about the project, Mohammed Jameel commented: “I believe that this project will become a landmark in Jeddah, which every Saudi citizen will feel proud of.”

Dr. Ibrahim Badawood, Managing Director, Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives said: “This is one of the most important projects that has been carried out by ALJCI to date. Not only does this project reaffirm our commitment and loyalty towards Abdul Latif Jameel’s home country, but it gave us the opportunity to be part of another milestone and the creation of a landmark that will be foremost in everyone’s mind. We are especially thankful for Jeddah Municipality’s efforts and support on this project and for assisting in meeting the challenges that were faced during construction.”

ALJCI was founded in 2003 as the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the Abdul Latif Jameel, one the largest independent automotive distributors in the world. Today, ALJCI runs a considerable set of initiatives. From individual, community and Arab life as a whole in Saudi Arabia and beyond, ALJCI has the welfare of its people at heart. By promoting arts and culture in the Middle East and around the world, working against the unemployment epidemic, enabling research for poverty alleviation, and providing education and training opportunities, ALJCI has successfully promoted positive social change.