Hajj Metro Train Report 1437

Haj Metro was on track last season, report finds

Some 311,000 pilgrims used the Haj Metro last season, with zero technical malfunctions and a high level of satisfaction with the system, an official report has said.

Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal received a Makkah Development Authority evaluation of the operation of the Mashaer Railway, known as the Haj Metro, covering last year’s busiest pilgrimage season.

It found there were no malfunctions in the systems, trains or equipment at stations during Haj, which took place in September.

The report also said that the Haj Metro transported all passengers holding tickets, numbering around 311,000, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

The Haj Metro links the southeast of Arafat, southwest of Mina and Muzdalifah. The track includes nine stations, each 300 meters long. Each train accommodates about 3,200 passengers, helping eliminate the use of many small vehicles and buses.

The report suggested the continued development and more investments to implement other train lines in the area, the SPA report said.

It noted efforts to distribute information pamphlets on how to use the train, as well as awareness films in three languages (Arabic, English and Urdu).

Makkah Development Authority assigned German TÜV SÜD Rail to inspect and evaluate the operation of the Haj Metro and compare the findings with results of studies over the past six years.

The company conducted field meetings with passengers and service providers and surveys of camps, tracks, stations and facilities, in addition to photography, video and scientific analysis of the data.

Passengers at stations were questioned on their satisfaction with the equipment, sanitation and hygiene services, with 74 percent saying they were very satisfied, 18 percent saying the services were average, and 7 percent saying they were unhappy.

The general satisfaction of users of the Haj Metro stood at 97 percent of respondents. With regard to equipment inside the train, customer satisfaction reached 95 percent, the survey found.

For next year’s Haj season, the German company has proposed the necessity for calibrating all the operating systems. The company urged the authorities to continue to prevent irregular access to the train areas and stations, and to prevent unauthorized pilgrims from accessing the railway areas.

It also said that pilgrim guides should comply with the grouping schedules put in place, and stressed the necessity of covering the station paths and slopes from direct sunshine, and to install cold water sprays to reduce the temperature.

Top 10 Reasons Pilgrims Get Lost in Makkah

Reasons why pilgrims get lost in Makkah

Old age, language problem, getting separated from group are some of the reasons why pilgrims get lost in the Grand Mosque and the central area around it. 

Makkah Arabic daily has put together a list of the top ten reasons. Usually, pilgrims try to find those who speak their language or police officers to ask for direction to their hotel. This becomes a real problem when a pilgrim is unable to communicate with authorities or when he or she is unaware of the name or location of his or her hotel.

“You also need to take into account the age of pilgrims and their social and cultural backgrounds,” said supervisor of Turkish pilgrims Ahmad Halabi, who stressed that the Saudi Ministry of Haj pays special attention to lost pilgrims and make sure that they reach their destination.

He cited a number of reasons and factors why pilgrims get lost, which include old age. Elderly pilgrims find it difficult to remember the doors through which they entered the Grand Mosque. “The Grand Mosque is big and the streets and roads around it are confusing. Some insist on leaving their hotels alone and refuse to stay with the group. That’s when most of the accidents happen,” Halabi said.

“Some pilgrims refuse to carry wrist bands, which contain their names and location,” he said.

The Makkah Municipality is working to develop an indicative map of Makkah and major important sites in the city, he said.

1. Old age

2. Language problem

3. Unfamiliarity with maps

4. Not knowing the name and location of accommodation

5. Not knowing the name of the office for pilgrim affairs

6. Unfamiliarity with the name of the street or neighborhood

7. Not paying attention to nearby landmarks

8. Ditching the group

9. Removing the wrist band

10. Going to the Grand Mosque from one road and leaving from another.

Source : http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/reasons-why-pilgrims-get-lost-in-makkah/

Taif Airport For Hajj Umrah in 2020

Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, emir of Makkah and adviser to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, on Wednesday announced plans to an international airport in Taif and a regional airport in Qunfudah, both in Makkah region.

“The Taif International Airport will be no more a dream. It will become a reality as work on the project will start in 68 days and the airport will be ready by the beginning of 2020,” Prince Khaled said.

“As for Qunfudah Economic Airport, the project’s site was handed over to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and the authority has started carrying out studies with regard to implementation of the project,” he said. Prince Khaled made the remarks while speaking at a meeting of the Taif Airport Committee at his office in Jeddah, the Saud Press Agency reported.

Prince Khaled said the modus operandi in the implementation of the Qunfudah airport would be similar to that of the Taif airport.

“Once completed, Taif airport will have a capacity to handle 5 million passengers a year, including Haj and Umrah pilgrims,” Prince Khaled said.

The emir said the airport will be the first mega project to be implemented in Makkah province in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The airport, which will be implemented on an area spreading over 48 million sq. meters, is located 40 north east of Taif city, and close to Souk Okaz.

Prince Khaled said the airport project reached the phase of implementation thanks to the great efforts being exerted by the government and private sectors, including the Ministry of Transport, represented by GACA, National Water Company (NWC), and Saudi Electricity Company (SEC). He thanked the Ministry of Transport, which has already started implementing the road leading to the airport, and the Taif Municipality, which has made available land.

The new airport was incorporated in the plan for New Taif City along with the University City, technology oasis, Souk Okaz, a residential township and an industrial city.

“All these projects have passed their design phases and now started the phase of actual implementation,” Prince Khaled said.

The emir was briefed on the reports presented by GACA, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, NWC and SEC with regard to the airport project.

The reports showed that work related to infrastructure reached the phase of execution. The emir drew attention to the recommendation in the GACA report that participation of the private sector has expedited the project’s implementation.

The airport will be the main highlight of the New Taif City whose design is based on “A city within a garden.”

The city project will be implemented on a total area spreading 1,250 sq. km with a capacity to accommodate 750,000 residents. Plots of land on a total area of 14 sq. km have been allotted to the Ministry of Housing for building the residential township. It is expected that the technology oasis can draw more than 500,000 citizens.

Source: http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/taif-airport-ready-2020-says-prince-khaled/

Taif Airport For Hajj Umrah in 2020

Plans to Link Holy Sites and Grand Mosque

Plans to link Holy Sites and Grand Mosque with tunnels approved

The Makkah Region Development Authority approved plans and studies to build service tunnels linking Arafat and Jamarat in Mina via Muzdalifah, and tunnels linking Jamarat with the courtyards of the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

The meeting was chaired by Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, emir of Makkah and adviser to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, at the governorate office in Jeddah on Wednesday.

The plans and studies will be presented to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for final approval and execution on a time-bound basis.

Minister of Haj and Umrah Muhammad Bantan, Assistant Minister of Finance Muhammad Al-Mazeed, Dr. Ahmad Muhmmad Ali, advisor to the chairman of the authority, and the authority members attended the meeting.

The plans also include construction of residential towers on the mountain slope of Mina in a way not violating the sanctity of the Holy Site.

A total of six towers have already been constructed in Mina and these have the capacity to accommodate around 12,000 pilgrims.

The studies also recommended developing the tents in Arafat and making more facilities and arrangements for the stay of pilgrims in Muzdalifah. There are also plans for boosting means of transportation in between the Holy Sites and between Holy Sites and the Grand Mosque.

Hashim Al-Faleh, secretary general of the authority, said that the meeting endorsed adoption of innovative methods to develop unplanned districts in Makkah region through the participation of citizens. According to the plan, the citizens will be allowed to develop their properties within these districts and that is in cooperation with the concerned government agencies. The meeting also discussed the plan, prepared by Jeddah Municipality, to develop the southern neighborhoods of the new King Abdulaziz International Airport. He said that the meeting also decided to organize a forum to attract investments to Makkah, as well as to encourage the private sector to take part in implementing development projects in the region.

Source : http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/plans-link-holy-sites-grand-mosque-tunnels-approved/

List of Historical Places of Makkah

Place to Visit in Makkah al-Mukarramah Saudi

It is the heart of the Islamic world, the cradle of revelation and the most sacred land on the earth. Islamic civilization and the mission of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), have started from its high mountains. Makkah is the home of science and varied cultures. Since, hundreds of years ago to this day, it receives and welcomes millions of visitors from all over the globe. 

The sites of Islamic history in Makkah tell the history of a great civilization that has spread to most parts of the world. It is still vibrant, full of memories of the past and anticipation for the future.

The towering mountains and distinctive valleys form the identity of Makkah Al-Mokarramah.

When you visit the museums in Makkah, you will hear, see and even touch the history and stories of the past.

Given below are some important places in Makkah which, though not connected with Hajj or Umrah rites in any way, are worth visiting due to their significance in the early history of Islam. But your travel schedule should be such that you can offer all your prayers in Masjid al-Haaram with jam'at. To be present in the House of God is undoubtedly better than sightseeing.

1. Birth Place of the Holy Prophet: The house where the Holy prophet was born is situated in Suq al-Lail Street. At this place, there exists a library and a school today. If you come out of Haram near Safa hill, this house is about two furlongs away on the right side.
2. House of Hazrat Khudija al-Kubra: This house is situated in Fatima az-Zahra Street and is the birth place of all the children of the Holy prophet from Hazrat Khudija. After his marriage, he stayed here until his migration to Madinah.
3. Jannat al-Mu'alla: This is a famous graveyard of Mecca where the Holy Prophet’s mother, Hazrat Khadija, his wife and many other companions were buried. This graveyard is on Ghaza Street near Masjid Jinn.
4. Masjid Jinn: This mosque is near the graveyard of Jannat al-Mu’alla. This is also known as Masjid Bai’et. Here the Holy Prophet recited the Qur’an to the Jinns and took bai’et (oath of allegiance) from them.
5. Masjid al-Ra'et: This mosque is near Masjid Jinn on the right side. In Arabic ra’et means flag. This is the place where the Holy Prophet installed his flag at the time of the Conquest of Mecca.
6. Cave Hira: Cave Hira is situated on Jabl Noor about three miles from Mecca. The Holy Prophet used to retire here in solitude and spend long hours in reflection and meditation. Here he received his first Divine Revelation: "Read in the name of your Lord who created, Who created man out of a clot of congealed blood. Read, and your Lord is most Bountiful, Who taught (man) the use of pen, Taught man what he knew not." (Surah al-Alaq 46 : 1-5)
7. Cave Thaur: This is a cave in Jabl Thaur about eight kilometers to the south of Mecca, in which the Holy Prophet and Hazrat Abu Bakr lay hidden for three days at the time of their migration to Madinah.
8. Jabl Abu Qubais: This is a hill near Safa , right in front of Baitullah. This hill is said to be associated with the Holy Prophet’s miracle of splitting the moon asunder. Bilal mosque is situated atop this hill.
9. Masjid Aai'sha: This mosque is outside the bounds of Haram in Tan'eem, situated on Madinah Road. People enter into Ihram here for Umrah, that is why it is also known as Masjid Umrah. To go there, buses are always available in front of Bab Abdul Aziz of al-Haram. If you intend to perform Umrah, get a ride to this mosque, enter into Ihram and come back to Mecca to perform Umrah.
10. The Museum of the Two Holy Mosques: If you want to learn more about the history of the Two Holy Mosques, make this museum your first destination.                                                                                          It is the most important museum in the province due to its significant collections of documents, photographs and collectables that tell the stories of different periods of the history of the Two Holy Mosques. It consists of seven halls, each one specializing in certain exhibits.
11. The Kiswa (Covering) of Ka’aba Factory:  The factory has been working on making the covering of the Ka’aba since in 1346 (AH) (1927 A.D.) when King Abdulaziz ordered that it be created. . The factory has been renovated,  and it reopened in 1397 (AH) (1976 (A.D.) in Om Al-Jood in Makkah. It has been equipped with modern machines for weaving Kiswa fabric, and the latest section of the automated fabric machines, while retaining the manual production style, due to its highly technical value. The factory is still keeping up with current advances while maintaining the manual ancient heritage to produce Kiswa at its best form.
12. Namirah Mosque: This is a mosque in Makkah, located in Arafat. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prayed in this mosque on the day of Arafa during Hajjat Al-Wada’. Dhuhr and Asr prayers are held collectively there at the day of Arafa during the pilgrimage seasons.
13. Khayf Mosque: It is located at the southern foot of Mina Mountain near the Minor Jamarat. Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), and other prophets before him have prayed in this mosque. It was a subject of interest and attention of Muslims throughout history and has been expanded and renovated.
14. Hudaybiyah: Located 22 kilometers west to the Holy Mosque near the border of Haram, this was a station on the commercial caravan route connecting Yemen and Syria. It is an important place in the Prophet's biography, when Prophet (peace be upon him) and 1,400 of his companions intending to go to Makkah to perform Umrah stopped here in the fifth year of Hijrah. Bay’at Ridhwan was performed in this place under a tree, when the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) called people to the pledge of Allegiance. In the Quran, the Almighty said, “I am pleased with the believers when they swore to pledge under the tree”.
15. Tuwa Water Well: This well is located in Jarwal. Its historical significance comes from when the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) arrived for the opening of Makkah, and spent a night near this well. In the morning he stopped at it, drank, bathed, and then entered Makkah. It has been maintained over the centuries.

List of Historical Places of Makkah

Ceramic Tiles For Mina Tent Floors

he floors of the tents in Mina will be covered with ceramic tiles under a three-year project which began before the beginning of last year’s Haj season.

So far about 30 percent of the floors have been covered with ceramic tiles under contracts being financed by the Public Investment Fund of the Finance Ministry.

The first phase of the project covered locations specified for external pilgrims. The locations included the Jamarat area, the Wadi (valley), Al-Shuabateen and east of Mina sector.

Sources said the project has been assigned to two national companies responsible for the maintenance of the holy sites.

The two companies will install ceramic tiles in an area of 120,000 square meters.

Prior to last Haj season, 30% of the old air conditioners in the tents at Mina were upgraded.

The tents, which measure 8 meters by 8 meters, were permanently constructed by the Saudi government in the 1990 and were upgraded in 1997 to be fireproof.

The first phase of the project covered locations specified for external pilgrims. The locations included the Jamarat area, the Wadi (valley), Al-Shuabateen and east of Mina sector. 

New Marks To Help pilgrims Performing Tawaf

For the first time, the covering cloth of the holy Kaaba, also known as Kiswa, will have a new addition to indicate the starting and ending points of circumambulation — or Tawaf — around the sacred structure.

This will help pilgrims count the number of Tawaf they have performed.

The gilded four lantern shaped patches with Allah-u-Akbar (Allah is greatest) sewn in its center, were placed above the Black Stone.

This new addition is the fourth directional signage that has been assembled recently to guide the pilgrims to where circumambulation starts and ends in a bid to prevent any confusion.

Prior to this change, there used to be a brown line adjacent to the Black Stone, which was removed as it was causing congestion.

The gilded four lantern shaped patches with Allah-u-Akbar (Allah is greatest) sewn in its center, were placed above the Black Stone.

World’s Biggest Cooling Stations at Two Holy Mosques

With a record number of Haj and Umrah pilgrims visiting the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah, this year’s Ramadan and Haj seasons saw unprecedented success that proved Saudi Arabia’s unparalleled capabilities for the service of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims — the Guests of Allah. For some 5.8 million Umrah visas were issued, 5.5 million Umrah pilgrims arrived into the Kingdom, along with a total 1.8 million Haj pilgrims.

Al Salem Johnson Controls “YORK” is proud of its leading role in providing prominent landmarks at the two Holy Cities with cooling and maintenance services. The company owns the world’s largest cooling station at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, as well as a one of the world’s largest cooling plants at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and providing comprehensive maintenance services to the two Holy Mosques, in addition to Zamzam water-cooling station.

It also plays a great role in cooling and providing maintenance services to some of the Two Holy Cities’ prominent hotel chains that accommodate countless Umrah performers and pilgrims around the year, including the Clock Tower and Makkah Hilton, as well as cooling and maintaining Muzdalifah Hospital.

The company’s 1,200-workforce of qualified engineers and technicians is the Middle East’s largest after sales and maintenance team, helping the company remain a major contributor to the success of the Haj and Umrah seasons, during which the company redoubles its efforts, resources and manpower to ensure speedy responses to any emergencies that might arise anywhere at any time. Quick, effective, and innovative solutions ensure that pilgrims can perform their rites safely in the comfort of a cool, breezy environment.

During this year’s Haj season, Al Salem Johnson Controls “YORK” maintenance and service teams saw all of their projects through with minimal delays, and lowest possible costs. The teams guaranteed an uninterrupted flow of a staggering 200,000 refrigeration tons in various HVAC&R service contracts in and around the mosque. Another achievement recorded was the operation of 1OM Centrifugal chiller in the New Ajyad Plant.

“Al Salem Johnson Controls is proud to have a leading role in cooling, air conditioning, and maintaining the two Holy Mosques, Zamzam water cooling station, and other major locations year-round,” said Dr. Mohannad Alshaikh, chief executive officer of Al Salem Johnson Controls. “We take great pride in being a key cooling and service provider to ensure the comfort and safety of the Holy Cities’ visitors during Haj & Umrah seasons. Our technical team is the largest in the Middle East, and is more than capable of responding to emergencies in record time.”World’s Biggest Cooling Stations at Two Holy Mosques

With Jeddah being the gateway to the Holy Sites, the company’s aftermarket team has been achieving phenomenal success over the past 6 years in serving the Haj Terminal with an excellent emergency action plan, whilst maintaining continuous operation of a 15,000TR chilled water plant, including a 12-megawatt back up power reserve for contingencies.

World’s Biggest Cooling Stations at Two Holy Mosques

Emir of Makkah Prince Washed Holy Kaaba

This is how the Kaaba is washed

Prince Khaled and the accompanying dignitaries cleaned the inside walls of the Kaaba using cloths dipped in Zamzam water mixed with Oud perfume, which are then used to wash the interior walls .

The ceremony of cleaning the Holy Kaaba was carried out on Monday by Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.

The ceremonial washing of Kaaba is held following the example of Prophet Muhammad.

Prince Khaled and the accompanying dignitaries cleaned the inside walls of the Kaaba using cloths dipped in Zamzam water mixed with Oud perfume, which are then used to wash the interior walls.

Preparations for the washing start a day before the agreed date, with the mixing of Zamzam water with Taif rose, oud and other luxurious perfumes. Towels were used to wipe the walls of the Kaaba, and after the guests leave its hall, its floor covered with washed marble, will be processed.

The interior walls were cleansed with a white cloth dipped in rose, and musk perfumes. Zamzam water mixed with rose perfume was splashed on the floor and was wiped with bare hands and palm leaves.

 The whole process was completed in two hours.

The interior walls of Kaaba are three meter long and the inner surface of the roof is covered with green silk and the key of Kaaba is 25cm long.

On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Emir of Makkah Prince Khaled Al-Faisal washed the Holy Kaaba with Zamzam and rose water on Monday. The Emir was received at the Grand Mosque by Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, chief of the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, and several senior officials. Participants in the washing ceremony included princes, ministers, officials, members of Islamic diplomatic corps accredited to the Kingdom, and a group of citizens

On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal will wash the Holy Kaaba on Monday.

Prince Khaled and the accompanying dignitaries will clean the inside walls of the Kaaba using cloths dipped in Zamzam water mixed with Oud perfume.

Those who will accompany the Emir in washing the Kaaba include General President of the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, ministers, Ulema, the Kaaba caretakers, members of the Islamic diplomatic corps, a number of citizens and worshippers.

Meanwhile, the Kiswa (the cloth covering the Kaaba) around the Black Stone corner and the edges of the Meezab (the golden spout from where rainwater from the roof of the Kaaba falls) was embellished with golden borders on Sunday.

“We wash the Kaaba from the inside using 45 liters of scented Zamzam water,” said the main caretaker of the Kaaba, Sheikh Saleh Bin Zainalabdeen Al-Shaibi, who opens the door of the Kaaba for the washing right after dawn prayers.

“It takes us two hours to fully wash the inside of the Kaaba. Praying inside the Kaaba is a great honor as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself had prayed inside,” said Al-Shaibi.

He said the walls of the inside of the Kaaba are three meters high and the ceiling is covered with green silken cloth.

“We also wash the Maqam Ibrahim, where the footprints of Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) are imprinted. We clean the Maqam using scented Zamzam water. It takes us four hours to clean it from inside and outside,” said Al-Shaibi.

“Taking care of the Kaaba has been a family tradition for many decades. Most of the caretakers are from Al-Shaibi family and we consider it as an honor that has been granted to us,” said Al-Shaibi. He added he has the key to the gate of the Kaaba.

“The key is 25-cm long. I am the only one authorized to open the Kaaba for washing and then to close it after the washing is over and the King has performed his prayers. Sometimes we have Muslim diplomatic guests coming from different countries. We let them pray inside the Kaaba,” said Al-Shaibi.

Al-Sudais explained that the ceremony is a sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who washed the Kaaba after the Makkah victory. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais Washed Kaabah Before 2016

Beautiful Clicks of Kaaba Grand Mosque

Muslims are must to face the Kaaba when performing salat (prayer). From any point in the world, the direction facing the Kaaba is called the qibla. The sanctuary around the Kaaba is called Al-Masjid al-Haram.

The Kaaba is the holiest site in Islam, and is often called by names such as the House of God or the House of Allah.

Special Perfume for the kaabthaulla. Kaabah also considered the "House of Allah". The kaabthaulla is Suitated in  the center of Islam's most sacred mosque, Al-Masjid al-Haram, in Mecca, al-Hejaz, Saudi Arabia. It is the most sacred Muslim site in the world.

Muslims are must to face the Kaaba when performing salat (prayer). From any point in the world, the direction facing the Kaaba is called the qibla. The sanctuary around the Kaaba is called Al-Masjid al-Haram

The Kaaba is the holiest site in Islam, and is often called by names such as the House of God or the House of Allah.

Special Perfume for the kaabthaulla. Kaabah also considered the "House of Allah". The kaabthaulla is Suitated in  the center of Islam's most sacred mosque, Al-Masjid al-Haram, in Mecca, al-Hejaz, Saudi Arabia. It is the most sacred Muslim site in the world.

Beautiful Clicks of Kaaba Grand Mosque, Fast moving Pictures in Kaabah, Grand Mosque Pictures in Makkah,Eagle View of Kaabah,Eagle View of Grand Mosque

Beautiful Clicks of Kaaba Grand Mosque

South Gates of Grand Mosque closed for Expansion

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques closed down the south gates of the Grand Mosque in Makkah to complete the expansion work.

The project will increase the Grand Mosque’s capacity to 107,000 worshippers inside the Mataf in one hour.

It will also improve the level of services with the installation of the latest technologies.

Last July Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman launched five projects as part of the third phase of expanding the Grand Mosque.

The expansion projects comprise the King Abdullah Expansion Structure; courtyards; tunnels; buildings for service facilities; and, the first ring road.

The development is touted to be the “project of the century.”

The late King Abdullah had laid the foundation stone for the expansion of the Grand Mosque at a ceremony held in Makkah on 19 August, 2011. The King Abdullah Expansion Project is estimated to cost over $26.6bn (SAR100bn).

The expansion covers an area of 45.6ha, and is expected to accommodate up to 1.2 million further worshippers.

Courtyards of the expanded mosque alone are expected to house at least 250,000 worshipers.

Kiswah is Being Lowered After Hajj

The Kiswah is being lowered right now, as the Hajj season comes to an end.

In The Hajj time , Kiswa was rolled up slightly. Every year of Dhul Hajj they chnaging the new kiswa.

Kaaba gets new Kiswa, embroidered with 120kg of gold threads

A Saudi worker sews Islamic calligraphy in gold thread on a drape to cover the Kaaba at the Kiswa factory in the holy city of Makkah.

Islam’s holiest site, the Kaaba, was dressed in its new Kiswa (the cloth that covers the Kaaba) after Fajr prayer on Sunday by as many as 86 technicians and weavers.

The Kaaba is dressed in its new Kiswa on the Day of Arafat every year. During the same daym, the Grand Mosque is usually empty because all the pilgrims are gathered in Arafat.

The Makkawis, especially women, avail this opportunity to spend the entire day in the Grand Mosque praying and doing tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba.

The Kiswa is made of pure silk with gold threads at the cost of more than SR22 million. It is manufactured in a special factory in Makkah which is manned by 240 technicians, weavers and administrators.

The Kiswa is 95 centimeters wide and nine meters high. It is made upon 47 pieces which are joined together to cover all the corners of the Kaaba.

Some 86 technicians and weavers take part in changing the Kiswa (the cloth that covers the Kaaba) in the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Sunday. The Kiswa is changed once a year when pilgrims leave for the plains of Arafat for Haj.