Photos: Kaaba adorned with new kiswa in annual longstanding tradition amid Muslim joy

CAIRO – 26 June 2025: Last night, marking the start of the new Hijri year, 1447 AH, Saudi authorities replaced the kiswa (covering) of the Holy Kaaba, continuing the annual tradition, steeped in over a century of history.

The old cover was removed and the new one installed, a scene that has drawn immense attention from Muslims who consider it a moment of joy and celebration.

 

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the new kiswa weighs 1,350 kilograms and stands 14 meters tall, consisting of four separate sides and a curtain for the door.

Ghazi Al-Shahrani, CEO of the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, stated that 154 artisans participated in creating the cover, weaving 850 kilograms of silk and 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver threads.

 

The Kaaba's covering is made at the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, located in the holy city of Makkah.

The annual cost of the Kaaba's covering exceeds 20 million riyals, according to Saudipedia.

 

The changeover process was executed by dozens of qualified national personnel, each assigned to different aspects of the Kaaba and its roof, ensuring tasks were completed with precision, as reported by the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques.

This tradition is a continuation of an ancient custom that embodies a heritage extending over 100 years, starting in 1345 AH during the reign of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia and its first king.

 

The Kaaba is the holiest site in Islam, built by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail for Muslims to perform Hajj, an annual pilgrimage to Makkah that is mandatory for capable Muslims at least once in their lifetime.

During Hajj, Muslims perform tawaf by circumambulating the Kaaba seven times before completing their rituals at other holy sites in Makkah.