How the manufacturing of the Kaaba cover, kiswa, changed over the centuries

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Updated 30 July 2022
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How the manufacturing of the Kaaba cover, kiswa, changed over the centuries

  • Workers and technicians put in hours to immaculately create and embroider the fabric
  • The fabric undergoes vigorous physical tests to ensure its strength and durability

MAKKAH: Every year on the ninth or tenth day of Dhul Hijja, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar, the holy Kaaba is adorned with a new covering (kiswa) to mark the occasion of Eid Al-Adha.

Abdulhamid bin Said Al-Maliki, the deputy general president for affairs at the King Abdulaziz Complex for Manufacturing the Kaaba Kiswa, said the new kiswa would be draped over the Kaaba on the first day of Muharram instead of the ninth day of Dhul Hijja, marking the beginning of the new Islamic year.  

Making the kiswa is no easy feat. Skilled workers and technicians put in hours to precisely and immaculately create and embroider the kiswa to cover the Kaaba, which is a focal point for Muslims around the world throughout the year.

Arab News went on a tour of the King Abdulaziz Complex for Manufacturing the Kaaba Kiswa in Makkah to witness the fabrication of the kiswa firsthand.

The 100,000-square meter complex was previously known as the Kiswa Factory, which was established in 1928.  Its name was changed to the King Abdulaziz Complex for Manufacturing the Kaaba Kiswa in memory of King Abdulaziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia, following a royal decree from King Salman in 2017.

Al-Maliki said the complex had witnessed many developments, such as moving from traditional manual work to an automated system.

The kiswa is made from scratch at the complex, starting by procuring silk and cotton threads that are tested in its laboratory for quality.




Laborers drape a new kiswa, the protective cover that engulfs the Kaaba, made from black silk and gold thread and embroidered with Qur’an verses, in Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Makkah. (AFP)

These threads are dyed and woven into the cloth with the help of high-end machines. After this process, the fabric undergoes vigorous physical tests to ensure its strength and durability to withstand all kinds of environmental factors throughout the year.

Ahmed Al-Sulami, a quality analyst at the laboratory, said: “We are testing the tensile (strength) and elongation and the effect of light on the dyes. The tensile strength must be more than a thousand-kilo force.”

The 658 square-meter kiswa is made from 670 kilos of black silk. It consists of 47 silk pieces stitched together by special machines.

“The sides of the Kaaba are not equal and are not considered a cube of symmetrical lengths. Each side of the Kaaba cube features a different length and width,” said Salman Al-Luqman, who has been head of the textile department at the complex for around 40 years.

The kiswa features the names and attributes of Allah: Ya Allah, Ya Mannan, Ya Dayyan, Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi Subhanallahil Azeem, and La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah.

Al-Luqman told Arab News: “In the first stage, the threads are wound on bobbins of the required length. After that, the warping process takes place, in which the threads are collected and transferred to the weaving machine that works with the jacquard machine, which is the secret behind the texts woven on the black silk fabric.”

 

 

The automated weaving department also manufactures the Ihram, white cotton that covers the kiswa when it is lifted by around 3 meters from the bottom during the beginning of the Hajj season.

The kiswa then moves to the gilding and embroidery department, where the beautiful golden belts around the Kaaba and the curtain of the door are handmade with precision.

Sami Muzayyan, the department supervisor of kiswa gilding and embroidery, told Arab News that over 50 skilled artisans and embroiderers, aged between 23 and 60, hand embroidered verses from the Holy Qur’an and other prayers with 100 kilos of pure silver and 120 kilos of 21-karat gold-coated silver threads on 56 different pieces of silk.

Muzayyan said: “The wires are not made of pure gold because if so, it won’t be flexible enough. Rather it is made of gold-coated silver of German manufacture featuring a good level of flexibility to ease the procedure. The texts on the Kaaba are printed first according to the established manuscripts in Thuluth (a type of Islamic calligraphy) created by the previous Kaaba calligrapher Abdulrahim Amin Bukhari.”




An embroiderer sews with gold thread a verse from the Holy Qu’ran onto a replica of the kiswa. (AFP)

The Kaaba door is made of five connecting curtains featuring different Qur’anic verses and three complete surahs: Al-Fatiha, Al-Falaq and An Nas, and Quraysh.

In addition to the golden belt, the kiswa has 17 qandeels, lamp-shaped medallions with each featuring a name of Allah: Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum, Allahu Akbar, Ya Rahman Ya Rahim.

He said that the embroiderers used manasij, a traditional wooden hoop.

The white fabric is pulled between them before laying pieces of black silk on top. It is then tightened so that workers can do their embroidery. To give the embroidery texture, the letters are filled with cotton threads before being covered with gold and silver.

The kiswa is distinguished by three things: “Makkah Al-Mukarramah” embroidered in Arabic, the year in which it will be used, and the name of the reigning king.




Over 50 skilled artisans hand embroider verses from the Holy Qur’an and other prayers on the kiswa using pure silver and gold-coated silver threads on 56 different pieces of silk. (AFP)

It takes eight to 10 months to finish all the embroidery. Once completed, the silk pieces are collected, stitched together, and gilded. All parts of the kiswa are stored in special warehouses at the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and can be used only after permission from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The complex will soon become a cultural attraction and create more job opportunities.

“We are working closely with the general president of the complex Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais to develop programs, initiatives, and projects which will result in making the complex a cultural landmark and a point of attraction for all those coming to Makkah, so visitors from all over the world can enjoy a rich experience,” Al-Malki said.

The complex is working on using artificial intelligence to enrich the visitor experience through robots that will assist visitors in different languages by explaining the origin of the kiswa, the choice of Qur’anic verses, and calligraphy.

Al-Maliki also said that some initiatives would focus on women’s empowerment and training Saudi women to participate in the manufacture and embroidery of the kiswa in the future.

The complex will also soon launch a restoration center, where different pieces of the kiswa can be restored.

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More than 5,000 volunteers support pilgrim healthcare

Updated 53 min 22 sec ago
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More than 5,000 volunteers support pilgrim healthcare

  • The initiative aligns with the goals of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program

MAKKAH: More than 5,000 healthcare volunteers are participating in this year’s Hajj season, the Ministry of Health said, as part of efforts to enhance the quality of services for pilgrims.

The initiative aligns with the goals of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program, aiming to increase volunteer participation and strengthen their role in serving pilgrims.

Volunteers support healthcare services in three main areas: preventive, curative, and support, the ministry said.

Their efforts cover various locations within the holy sites, including Makkah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, as well as hospitals and healthcare centers.

According to a report, more than 147,000 medical services have been provided to pilgrims so far.

Healthcare data shows that 80,603 pilgrims benefited from primary care centers, while emergency departments received 35,176 cases.

Outpatient clinics treated 7,541 patients, and 5,619 cases were admitted to hospitals, including 2,626 in intensive care.

Additionally, 248 cardiac catheterizations and 18 open-heart surgeries were performed.


Arab Parliament congratulates Saudi leadership on managing Hajj season

Updated 08 June 2025
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Arab Parliament congratulates Saudi leadership on managing Hajj season

  • Mohammed Al-Yamahi, the speaker of the Arab Parliament, congratulated King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
  • He said that Saudi Arabia’s use of the latest technologies and innovative services has contributed to safeguarding pilgrims during Hajj

LONDON: The Arab Parliament congratulated the Saudi leadership and the Kingdom for organizing and managing the Hajj season, which nearly 1.4 million Muslim pilgrims undertook from Wednesday.

Mohammed Al-Yamahi, the speaker of the Arab Parliament, congratulated King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on their great success in managing the pilgrimage this year, the Kuwait News Agency reported.

Saudi Arabia has employed artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to manage the Hajj pilgrimage and provide the 1.4 million pilgrims with water, food, accommodation, as well as transportation and health services in various holy sites in Makkah and Madinah.

Al-Yamahi added that the use of the latest technologies and innovative services has contributed to safeguarding pilgrims and creating an environment for performing rituals in a safe and comfortable manner.

He mentioned that the integration of advanced technologies in the Muslim holy sites in Saudi Arabia has greatly enhanced comfort, security, and safety for pilgrims and the approach serves as a model for effectively managing one of the largest annual gatherings of people in the world, the KUNA added.


Veteran Mutawwif on serving pilgrims: ‘A privilege, not a duty’

Updated 08 June 2025
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Veteran Mutawwif on serving pilgrims: ‘A privilege, not a duty’

MAKKAH: For more than 30 years, Mohammed Sabgha has witnessed the evolution of one of Islam’s most sacred professions — serving as a “Mutawwif,” or official Hajj guide, a hereditary calling that has shaped Makkah families for centuries.

The Tawafa profession is one of the oldest Hajj-related occupations, practiced exclusively by Makkah residents devoted to welcoming, hosting and guiding pilgrims through their sacred journey.

These guides coordinate every aspect of the pilgrimage — from airport reception and accommodation, to healthcare and ritual guidance — according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

Sabgha described it as a sacred inheritance: “This work passes from fathers to sons through generations. Serving Allah’s guests is a privilege, not a duty.”

Throughout his career, Sabgha has witnessed remarkable changes to Hajj, especially the rapid improvements of recent years.

“The pilgrim service system is enhanced every year — from crowd management and group coordination to medical care, ritual facilitation and overall experience,” he said.

The transformation reflects Saudi Arabia’s systematic approach to service excellence. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah works with government agencies, private companies and nonprofit organizations in year-round planning cycles that begin immediately after each Hajj concludes.

“Every service is measured and evaluated. We identify areas for improvement and implement changes — all aimed at better serving pilgrims,” Sabgha said.

“The Kingdom invests enormous resources and spares no expense in fulfilling this sacred mission.”

He highlighted the Nusuk digital platform as particularly revolutionary, calling it “the foundation stone for delivering every service pilgrims need, regardless of type.”

Among countless pilgrim encounters, one story deeply moved Sabgha. “A few years ago, I served a man who had converted to Islam just months before his Hajj. He said his conversion was inspired by a specific Qur’anic verse.”

The pilgrim had been profoundly affected by verse 70 of Surat Al-Isra: “And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created.”

Sabgha said: “He reflected deeply on the verse’s meaning — that Allah, the One God, honored humanity with intellect to distinguish good from evil and benefit from harm, in both worldly and spiritual matters.”


Saudi youth volunteers shine in Hajj

Updated 08 June 2025
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Saudi youth volunteers shine in Hajj

MAKKAH: Saudi youth from across the Kingdom have made significant contributions to serving pilgrims through volunteer work during this year’s Hajj season.

Their initiatives included providing medical care in collaboration with service providers, managing crowds at the Grand Mosque and holy sites, and directing pilgrims to ensure smooth ritual performance.

Volunteers exemplify generosity and support various sectors serving pilgrims, while also developing their skills and capabilities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, the Technical and Vocational Training Corp. is participating with 1,068 male and female volunteer trainees this year in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites.

Abdullah Al-Duhailan, the corporation’s director general of activities, said the number of volunteers has increased by over 60 percent in four years, from 655 in 2022 to 1,068 this year.

Volunteers join public service camps organized by the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association, in cooperation with government and civil society organizations.

Their roles include guiding lost pilgrims, assisting patients at clinics and hospitals, transporting those in need with hospital vehicles, and supporting tasks alongside the Ministry of Commerce and Makkah municipality.

Volunteers also identify lost pilgrims’ nationalities and service office numbers by scanning barcodes on Nusuk cards and guide them to accommodations via the shortest routes under field scout leaders’ supervision.

Scout teams are also stationed at more than 180 mobile guidance points across Mina, providing rapid support and enhancing service quality to facilitate pilgrims’ smooth Hajj rituals.


Saudi Arabia achieves unprecedented integration, efficiency during 2025 Hajj, says minister

Updated 08 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia achieves unprecedented integration, efficiency during 2025 Hajj, says minister

MINA: Saudi Arabia has achieved unprecedented levels of integration, efficiency and service excellence during this year’s Hajj, according to the Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Tawfiq Al-Rabiah was speaking at the annual reception for dignitaries and senior Islamic figures who performed Hajj this year, which was held on Saturday in Mina and attended by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

This year saw the launch of the Hajj Transport Center, which served as the central hub for transportation across Makkah and the holy sites and was one of this year’s notable achievements, said Al-Rabiah.

In terms of infrastructure, he added, the electric power capacity in the holy sites increased by 75 percent, with total investments exceeding SR3 billion ($800 million).

Logistically, the minister said: “More than 7,000 flights from 238 destinations around the world were received. In addition, 4,700 Haramain High-Speed Railway trips and 2,500 shuttle bus journeys were operated, supported by the deployment of over 20,000 buses.”

He added: “In the health sector, hospital bed capacity was expanded by over 60 percent. A new emergency hospital was inaugurated, and 71 rapid response units were deployed, tripling the emergency response capacity compared to previous years.”

Al-Rabiah also emphasized the success of the “No Hajj Without a Permit” campaign, which played a vital role in maintaining order, protecting pilgrims and ensuring the safe management of crowds.

He said the campaign was launched to reinforce discipline, protect legitimate pilgrims and facilitate crowd management in a safe environment, enhancing smooth flow and improving organizational efficiency.

On the volunteer front, the Ministry of Health announced the participation of more than 5,000 health volunteers during this year’s Hajj season, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of medical services provided to pilgrims.

This initiative aligns with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Guests of God Service Program, launched in 2019 under Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to increase the number of volunteers and enhance their contribution to serving pilgrims.

The ministry said: “The volunteers supported healthcare services across three main areas, preventive, therapeutic and support services, in various locations throughout the holy sites … as well as through active participation in hospitals and health centers.”

Authorities also praised the role of advanced technology and digital platforms that streamlined pilgrims’ movements and access to services, while thousands of security personnel, health workers, and volunteers were deployed to offer support.