Saudi Arabia has begun the annual replacement of the Kiswa, the black cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, working through the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, started the carefully coordinated ceremony this week. It continues a tradition the Kingdom has upheld for more than a century.
The new covering is already on its way to the Grand Mosque, escorted by a full system of logistical and operational support. According to the General Presidency, every stage of the work follows strict standards to protect the cloth and to keep the process orderly inside one of the busiest sites in the Muslim world.
How the Replacement Is Carried Out
A fully Saudi team of 154 trained craftsmen is overseeing the work. Each member is described by the complex as scientifically and practically qualified for the task. Their duties include raising the old Kiswa, detaching the gilded elements and installing the new covering with precision.
The process began with the removal of the gilded curtain from the door of the Kaaba. That curtain alone measures 6.35 metres in length and 3.33 metres in width. The team also dismantled the chandeliers and decorative ornaments before the old cloth could be lifted away and the new one fitted in its place.
The replacement is not a rushed event. It is staged so that the dignity of the site is preserved and so that worshippers performing Tawaf and prayer face as little disruption as possible.
Inside the New Kiswa
The new Kiswa is a major work of craftsmanship. It comprises 47 black silk panels, intricately embroidered with 68 Quranic verses stitched in 24-karat gold-plated silver thread. The complete covering weighs roughly 1,415 kilograms.
The materials used to produce it reflect the scale of the undertaking. According to the King Abdulaziz Complex, the team used:
- 825 kilograms of silk, dyed black for the main body of the cloth
- 410 kilograms of raw cotton for the inner lining
- 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver thread for the embroidery
- 60 kilograms of pure silver used within the gilded work
In addition, 54 gilded pieces were produced using eight specialised weaving machines housed within the complex. The combination of silk, cotton, silver and gold-plated thread gives the Kiswa its distinctive depth and its gleaming inscriptions.
A Tradition Renewed Each Year
Clothing the Kaaba is one of the oldest continuous traditions associated with the sanctuary. The Saudi state has overseen the manufacture and replacement of the Kiswa for more than a hundred years, and the work is now carried out entirely within the Kingdom by Saudi specialists.
In 2022 the timing of the ceremony was moved so that the renewal coincides with the first day of the Islamic year, 1 Muharram, aligning the new covering with the start of the new Hijri calendar. Previously the cloth was changed during the Hajj season. The General Presidency describes the annual renewal as an enduring symbol of the care given to Islam's holiest sites.
For the millions who view the Kaaba in person or through broadcasts each year, the fresh black cloth with its bands of gold calligraphy is among the most recognisable images in the Muslim world.
Practical Notes for Pilgrims
Pilgrims planning Umrah around the time of the changeover should keep a few points in mind. The work is carried out by authorised teams only, so visitors should follow the directions of security and Grand Mosque staff and avoid crowding the area near the Kaaba door during the operation. Tawaf continues during the season, but pilgrims may find certain zones temporarily managed for crowd flow.
Those hoping to witness the renewal should rely on official announcements from the General Presidency for exact timing rather than informal social media claims. As with all visits to the Grand Mosque, pilgrims are advised to stay hydrated, guard their belongings in crowded areas and treat the sanctuary and its caretakers with the respect the occasion deserves.