Makkah: Kiswa maintenance staff work hard to ensure Kaaba cover looks its best during Ramadan

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The Kiswa is checked on a daily basis and maintained by a specialized Saudi team with the experience of some of its members exceeding 26 years. (SPA)
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Muslims pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in the Saudi city of Makkah, during the fasting month of Ramadan, on April 9, 2022. (AFP)
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Updated 10 April 2022
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Makkah: Kiswa maintenance staff work hard to ensure Kaaba cover looks its best during Ramadan

  • The recent work they have carried out to maintain the Kiswa included repairs to its edges and a tightening of the belt that surrounds it

MAKKAH: The Grand Mosque’s Kiswa Maintenance Department said that it has carried out work recently to maintain the Kiswa that covers the Kaaba, fix its edges and tighten the belt that surrounds it, to help ensure it looks its best during Ramadan.

The department’s director, Fahd Al-Jabiri, said: “This comes as part of the periodic work undertaken by the unit charged with taking care of the Kaaba’s Kiswa. It is carried out in accordance with a fixed program that is implemented through the Kaaba’s comprehensive maintenance and cleaning processes throughout the year.”

This comes as part of the periodic work undertaken by the unit charged with taking care of the Kaaba’s Kiswa. It is carried out in accordance with a fixed program that is implemented through the Kaaba’s comprehensive maintenance and cleaning processes throughout the year.

Fahd Al-Jabiri, Department director

Based on the department’s operational and technical plan, he added, the Kiswa is checked on a daily basis and maintained by a specialized Saudi team “with the experience of some of its members exceeding 26 years. The team charged with this task inspects all of the Kiswa’s parts as well as the rings keeping it in place.”

Describing the most recent work, Al-Jabiri said: “The team of specialists and technicians organized the work and set the priorities based on the adopted plan. It started by tightening the Kiswa on the rings and the rope in preparation for the holy month of Ramadan, because the Kiswa requires tightening, maintenance and cleaning.

“It also maintained the frames of the Black Stone, Al-Hajar Al-Aswad, and Rukn Al-Yamani. All of the technical team’s members are keen to apply the highest standards of accuracy, quality, performance and completion within a record time in order to finish the task while complying with the preventive measures to ensure everyone’s safety.”


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He said that the maintenance department, which is affiliated with the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, makes use of the latest technology and the finest materials during work to maintain the Kiswa “due to the attention and care given by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors.”

During the era of the First Saudi State, the Kiswa received great attention. It was imported from Egypt for many centuries, a tradition that only ended in 1925. At that time King Abdulaziz ordered the establishment of a factory in Ajyad district, near the Grand Mosque, to weave the Kiswa. It was the first such facility dedicated to the task in the Hijaz region.

BACKGROUND

During the era of the First Saudi State, the Kiswa received great attention. It was imported from Egypt for many centuries, a tradition that only ended in 1925. At that time King Abdulaziz ordered the establishment of a factory in Ajyad district, near the Grand Mosque, to weave the Kiswa. It was the first such facility dedicated to the task in the Hijaz region.

King Abdulaziz, and later his sons, continued to oversee and direct the manufacture and development of the Kiswa. In March 1977, the factory was moved to new premises in the Umm Al-Joud district of Makkah. It was equipped with the most advanced machines available at the time and it continues to manufacture the Kiswa to this day.

In May 2017, King Salman issued an order to change the factory’s name to the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa.

The complex has its own desalination division tasked with maintaining the quality of the water used during the production process, which is a vital component that affects the quality and texture of the silk. It desalinates the groundwater used in the washing and dying process, ensuring that the total dissolved solids ratio does not exceed one part per million.

The complex also has its own dyeing division, which first removes a protein layer known as sericin from the silk threads. The silk is then dyed black and green in hot pools of special chemicals that are carefully measured and mixed to achieve the desired colors. The outer cover is dyed black, and the inner cover is dyed green.


Exhibitions at Prophet’s Mosque bring Islamic heritage to life

The exhibitions enrich the visitor experience with historical and cultural insights reflecting Islamic heritage. (SPA)
Updated 21 June 2025
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Exhibitions at Prophet’s Mosque bring Islamic heritage to life

  • The Rare Manuscripts exhibition in annex 204 of the southern courtyards, which is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., showcases “historical manuscripts, documents, and inscriptions that trace the evolution of Islamic writing”

MADINAH: The corridors and courtyards of the Prophet’s Mosque feature “unique sites and exhibitions that enrich the visitor experience, offering historical and cultural insights that reflect Islamic heritage and Madinah’s hospitality,” according to an article published by the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

A key attraction is the Architectural Evolution of the Prophet’s Mosque exhibition, located on the southern courtyard opposite exits 308 and 309, which uses interactive displays to highlight the mosque’s architectural development. It is open daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Opposite exits 306 and 307 is the International Exhibition of the Prophet’s Biography. Open from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily, it offers “a contemporary presentation of Prophet Muhammad’s life and teachings.”

The Rare Manuscripts exhibition in annex 204 of the southern courtyards, which is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., showcases “historical manuscripts, documents, and inscriptions that trace the evolution of Islamic writing.”

The mosque’s library, at gate 10 on the western side, is open 24 hours a day and includes sections on manuscripts, rare books, audio archives, and art collections.

Near Uthman Gate, the Manuscripts and Rare Books Department serves researchers and enthusiasts. It houses more than 4,000 original manuscripts, nearly 60,000 digital copies, 4,600 photocopies, and 450 different editions of the Qur’an. It operates in two shifts: 8 a.m.–noon and 4–8 p.m.

“Together, these exhibitions and centers enhance the cultural and educational value of visiting the Prophet’s Mosque, offering pilgrims a more enriching experience,” the SPA stated.

 


New campaign urges Saudis to safeguard artifacts

Updated 21 June 2025
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New campaign urges Saudis to safeguard artifacts

  • Nationwide effort aims to curb threats to heritage sites and artifacts

RIYADH: The Heritage Commission launched the “Aadat” national awareness campaign to enhance public understanding of the importance of Saudi antiquities.

The campaign underscores the vital role of artifacts in reinforcing the Kingdom’s cultural and national identity, reflecting the succession of civilizations across its land over millennia.

It is part of a broader series of initiatives by the commission to spotlight Saudi antiquities and raise awareness of threats they face, such as encroachments and illegal trafficking.

HIGHLIGHT

The campaign promotes the idea that protecting antiquities is a shared responsibility, rooted in a deep appreciation of their role in the nation’s cultural heritage.

The campaign promotes the idea that protecting antiquities is a shared responsibility, rooted in a deep appreciation of their role in the nation’s cultural heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It adopts a comprehensive approach using various media and outreach tools, including field campaigns in public areas, markets, malls, and universities across multiple regions.

The commission also plans to introduce interactive pavilions to showcase key archaeological sites and highlight the Kingdom’s geographical and cultural diversity.

It stressed that the campaign continues its ongoing efforts to safeguard artifacts, which are rich in symbolic and cultural meaning.

Each artifact, the commission noted, tells a story from the past, and its preservation is essential to maintaining the national memory for future generations.

The commission announced last week that 744 new archaeological sites have been added to the National Antiquities Register, raising the total to 10,061 across the Kingdom.

This milestone underscores the richness and diversity of Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and reflects the commission’s ongoing commitment to documenting and preserving these sites.

The newly registered sites are spread across several regions: Riyadh (253), Makkah (11), Madinah (167), Qassim (30), Eastern Province (13), Asir (64), Tabuk (72), Hail (13), Northern Borders (2), Jazan (23), Najran (86), and Jouf (10).

Stressing the importance of community involvement in heritage preservation, the commission urged citizens and residents to report unregistered sites via the Balagh platform, social media, or the Unified Security Operations Center at 911.

 


Saudi Arabia, France civil aviation authorities discuss boosting cooperation

Saudi and French civil aviation officials pose for a group photo in Paris. (SPA)
Updated 21 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia, France civil aviation authorities discuss boosting cooperation

  • Discussions were held on mutual investment opportunities in aircraft design and assembly, as well as the incentives Saudi Arabia offers to attract high-quality investments in the aviation industry

PARIS: A delegation from the Saudi civil aviation sector, led by General Authority of Civil Aviation President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, visited the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France, as part of the 55th Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, which ends on June 22.

The visit strengthens cooperation with France in areas such as manufacturing, technology transfer, and localization of the aerospace industry, Saudi Press Agency said in a report.

Discussions were held on mutual investment opportunities in aircraft design and assembly, as well as the incentives Saudi Arabia offers to attract high-quality investments in the aviation industry.

 

 


Saudi FM reaffirms support for Palestine, condemns Israeli strikes on Iran at OIC meeting in Istanbul

Updated 21 June 2025
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Saudi FM reaffirms support for Palestine, condemns Israeli strikes on Iran at OIC meeting in Istanbul

  • Was speaking during opening session of 51st meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reaffirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause during the opening session of the 51st meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held in Istanbul on Saturday.

The foreign minister also condemned the Israeli strikes on Iran, describing them as a “blatant” violation of international law and an infringement on Iranian sovereignty and security.

The meeting, hosted by Turkiye, marked the start of its presidency of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. Prince Faisal congratulated Turkiye on assuming the role and extended thanks to Cameroon for its efforts during its previous term.

In his address, Prince Faisal underscored the importance Saudi Arabia placed on the Palestinian issue, highlighting the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to end the war in Gaza, alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis, and unify Arab and Islamic positions on the conflict.

He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s firm support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Turning to the Israeli-Iranian conflict, he said: “These attacks threaten the security and stability of the region,” and called for an immediate halt to military operations, de-escalation, and a return to negotiations between Iran and the international community.

Prince Faisal also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s continued backing of efforts to resolve the crisis in Yemen, expressing support for a comprehensive political solution and the restoration of peace, stability, and security in the country.


Saudi foreign minister holds talks with Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on OIC sidelines

Updated 21 June 2025
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Saudi foreign minister holds talks with Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on OIC sidelines

ISTANBUL: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate meetings on Saturday with his Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on Saturday.

The discussions were held on the sidelines of the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul.

During talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, the two sides reviewed the close relations between the Kingdom and Egypt and discussed regional developments and their impact on the security of the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Faisal also met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The discussions focused on bilateral ties, as well as regional and international developments and ongoing efforts to address them, SPA added.

Both meetings were attended by Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, advisor to the Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, and Fahd bin Asaad Abu Al-Nasr, Saudi ambassador to Turkiye.