The Holy Kaaba received its new Kiswa at the start of the Islamic year 1448 AH, continuing a tradition that Saudi Arabia has upheld for more than a century. According to the Saudi Press Agency, specialists carried out the replacement at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on the eve of the first day of Muharram, corresponding to mid-June 2026. By dawn, the Kaaba had donned its fresh black-and-gold garment, marking the beginning of the new Hijri year.
The annual ceremony is one of the most closely watched moments at Islam's holiest site. It reflects the care devoted to the Two Holy Mosques and the craftsmanship that goes into producing a covering worthy of the House of Allah.
How the Kiswa Is Made
Preparation of the Kiswa begins months in advance at the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa in Makkah. There, specialists weave the covering from pure natural silk and embroider it with gold- and silver-plated threads. Every stage, from dyeing the silk black to stitching the Quranic verses, is handled by trained Saudi craftsmen using a blend of traditional techniques and modern technology.
According to Saudi media reports, the new Kiswa was produced by a fully Saudi team of trained craftsmen. The covering is made up of 47 embroidered silk panels carrying 68 Quranic verses. It weighs roughly 1,415 kilograms and uses about 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver thread, 60 kilograms of pure silver, and hundreds of kilograms of silk and raw cotton. Dozens of gilded pieces were produced on specialized weaving machines within the complex.
The most recognizable feature of the Kiswa is the embroidered belt, known as the hizam, that encircles the upper portion of the Kaaba. The belt, the curtain covering the Kaaba's door, and the gilded decorative elements are among the most intricate parts of the covering.
The Replacement Operation
The SPA described the replacement as a carefully sequenced operation carried out by specialized technical and engineering teams. On the eve of the change, workers first remove the gilded elements and embroidered pieces attached to the existing Kiswa. Sections of the old covering are then detached, and the new Kiswa is installed piece by piece across the Kaaba's four sides.
The sequence is designed to ensure perfect alignment and harmony between all sections. On the same night, teams install the embroidered belt around the Kaaba and hang the curtain that covers its door. Final inspections of the Islamic motifs and Quranic verses are completed before installation begins, leaving no detail to chance.
A Change of Timing and Its Meaning
For many years the Kiswa was replaced on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Arafah, while pilgrims stood in worship on the plain. In recent years the timing has shifted to the first of Muharram, tying the renewal to the start of the new Hijri year. The change reduced congestion during the peak of Hajj and allowed the ceremony to be carried out with greater precision.
The Kingdom has developed world-leading expertise in producing and installing the Kiswa, combining the preservation of Islamic heritage with advanced weaving, embroidery, and manufacturing methods. Officials describe the annual renewal as an expression of the leadership's commitment to serving Islam and caring for the faith's holiest sites.
The replacement of the Kiswa carries deep religious and cultural significance for Muslims worldwide. It stands as a visible reminder of the reverence in which the Kaaba is held and of the continuity of a tradition passed from one generation to the next.
Practical Notes for Pilgrims and Visitors
Pilgrims performing Umrah in the early weeks of the Hijri year will see the freshly installed Kiswa in place. The lower portion of the covering is sometimes raised and protected with a white cloth during the busiest seasons to prevent worshippers from pulling at the fabric, so its appearance can vary through the year.
Visitors are reminded that touching or attempting to cut pieces from the Kiswa is not permitted. The covering is the property of the authorities responsible for the Grand Mosque. Those who wish to learn more about how it is made can visit exhibitions in Makkah dedicated to the history and craftsmanship of the Kiswa. For pilgrims, the most meaningful response to the sight of the renewed covering is quiet reflection and sincere supplication before the House of Allah.