They tore down the Ajyad fortress, because it was Ottoman nd the Ottomans opposed the Saudi extremist interpretation of the faith it was a political, and religious move as much as financial.
This tower looks grotesque, and to have yet another building (the kings huge Palace) towering over the Kabba is abominable.
I believe the comparison with Las Vegas is apt, in the process of transformation The Prophet Muhammads schools where he first taught, and and his first house! Countless other historic buildings have also been demolished.
This is not a middle eastern mind set as same have claimed, but rather a Saudi one,
this would never happen in Iran, Syria, Jordon, or Egypt.
What a shame!