The Holy Kaaba is adorned with its new covering at the beginning of the new Hijri year

With the start of the new Hijri year 1448 AH, the Holy Kaaba was adorned with its new Kiswah (cover) in an annual ceremony that embodies Saudi Arabia’s care for the Two Holy Mosques. This is part of a comprehensive system overseeing the manufacture and replacement of the Kiswah according to the highest standards of precision and craftsmanship.

One hundred and fifty Saudi artisans and craftsmen participated in crafting the new Kiswah, working for 11 months within the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba. The Kiswah is considered one of the most prominent Islamic symbols and one of the most intricate works of art in the world.

It consists of 47 pieces of natural black silk, embroidered with 30 verses from the Holy Quran using silver threads plated with 24-karat gold. The total weight of the Kiswah is approximately 1,410 kilograms.

The Kiswah is considered one of the most prominent Islamic artistic works, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, and is produced annually with meticulous attention to detail.

The production of the Kaaba cover (Kiswah) involves seven main stages, beginning with water purification and washing of the raw silk, followed by dyeing, weaving, printing, embroidery, and assembly, culminating in final inspection and quality assurance.

Each stage is subject to meticulous procedures designed to preserve the quality of the materials and the precision of the execution, ensuring the cover’s readiness for the annual replacement process.

After the manufacturing stages are complete, the cover is transported in a specially designed trailer that safeguards it until it reaches the Grand Mosque, where it is replaced in a well-organized process carried out according to precise technical procedures.

This process reflects the great care the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia devotes to the Two Holy Mosques, as well as showcasing the national expertise that undertakes the creation of this Islamic heritage that is renewed annually.