MAKKAH: On behalf of King Salman, Makkah Gov. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal on Friday visited the Grand Mosque to perform the washing of the Kaaba. The ceremony took place amid strict precautionary measures aimed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Upon arrival at the Grand Mosque, Prince Khalid was received by the president of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, and a number of other officials.

The governor then washed the Kaaba from inside and rubbed its walls using pieces of cloth moistened with Zamzam water mixed with rose oil.

Meanwhile, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques held a virtual exhibition showcasing Saudi Arabia’s efforts in the service of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims.

The exhibition also highlighted the support, care, and attention given to visitors in order to help them perform their rituals and displayed some of the special copper tools now used to wash the Kaaba in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“They consist of a number of tools, including four 10-liter gallons containing the mixture for washing the Kaaba, four cloths dipped in fine oud perfume, rose fragrance, and rose water mixed with Zamzam water,” said Abdul Hamid bin Saeed Al-Maliki, deputy president of the King Abdul Aziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, exhibitions, and museums.

He added that Taif roses and amber were then added to the Zamzam water. Four straw brooms with silver handles were used on blemishes and impurities inside the Kaaba before washing it.

Al-Maliki said: “We use four other silver-plated mops to clean the high and out-of-reach walls of the Kaaba. Four pieces of cloth with wooden grips are used to clean the floors of the Kaaba and dry the water.”