The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has completed extensive maintenance work on the Ka'bah and Maqam Ibrahim ahead of the Hajj 2026 season. The project, carried out to international standards, involved approximately 4,700 man-hours of work across 31 main packages comprising more than 305 individual activities.
Scope of the Restoration
The maintenance covered the interior, roof, and surrounding areas of the Ka'bah. Workers replaced more than 30 linear metres of expansion joints, re-grouted over 50 metres of marble joints, and polished and finished the marble flooring around the structure. Extensive technical inspections and testing were performed throughout the process.
The Kiswa - the black cloth covering the Ka'bah - was also raised in preparation for the Hajj season, as is customary each year to protect it from potential damage during the intense crowding of the pilgrimage days.
Maqam Ibrahim Maintenance
Alongside the Ka'bah work, maintenance was also carried out on the Maqam Ibrahim - the stone bearing the footprints of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), which is encased in a gold and crystal structure near the Ka'bah. Pilgrims pray two rak'ahs behind the Maqam after completing their Tawaf, making its upkeep essential for the smooth flow of worship during peak season.
Ready for the Season
As reported by Gulf News, the completion of these works coincides with the arrival of the first international pilgrims in Jeddah and Madinah. With 3.1 million seats allocated across more than 12,000 flights, the holy sites are now prepared to receive what is expected to be one of the largest Hajj gatherings in recent years. Pilgrims can be assured that the Ka'bah - the House of Allah, built by Ibrahim and Ismail (peace be upon them) - stands ready to welcome them in the best possible condition.