Inside The Kiswa Factory: A Rare Glimpse For Global Media

From Massita Ahmad

MAKKAH, June 4 (Bernama) -- As part of this year’s Hajj programme, members of the international media were taken on a guided tour of the King Abdulaziz Complex in Makkah on Tuesday to observe the production process of the kiswa - the black cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba.

Details provided during the tour stated that the kiswa is made using about 670 kilogrammes of black-dyed raw silk and is embroidered with verses from the Qur’an in 120 kilogrammes of 21-karat gold thread and 100 kilogrammes of silver thread.

The final product reportedly weighs approximately 850 kilogrammes and costs around 25 million Saudi Riyals, making it the world’s most expensive religious covering.

The tradition of making the kiswa was institutionalised in 1927 with the establishment of a dedicated factory under the directive of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud.

The facility underwent modernisation in 1977 and was later renamed the King Abdulaziz Complex under the reign of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and is currently managed by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.

Media representatives were informed that more than 200 skilled artisans work at the facility, across departments specialising in silk weaving, embroidery, gold threadwork, printing, and final assembly.

Although modern equipment such as electronic looms and precision tools is now in use, officials emphasised that the kiswa’s production remains steeped in Islamic tradition and reverence.

The kiswa is replaced annually. Traditionally held on 9 Zulhijjah, the ceremonial changing was recently moved to 1 Muharram to better align with preservation and logistical needs.

In preparation for this year’s Hajj season, the General Presidency had raised the lower part of the kiswa by three metres in May, a standard measure undertaken each year to prevent contact and damage during the peak pilgrimage period.

The process involves lifting the kiswa, covering the exposed section with a two-metre-wide white cotton cloth and repositioning the lamps.

Carried out by specialised teams, this task reflects the kingdom’s high standards of safety, sanctity, and meticulous planning for receiving pilgrims. It is one of several steps taken to ensure the comfort of pilgrims and the smooth proceeding of rituals.

Located in Makkah’s Om Al-Joud district, the King Abdulaziz Complex welcomes Muslim visitors interested in exploring this remarkable aspect of Islamic heritage.

Individuals may book their visits online, while group visits with Hajj, Umrah, or tour operators must be coordinated via the General Presidency’s official website: https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/makkah/attractions/the-kiswa-factory-of-the-holy-kaaba-in-makkah.

-- BERNAMA