Latest news with #Makkah
Arab News
2 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Replacement of Holy Kaaba's kiswa completed
RIYADH: The Grand Mosque in Makkah faced the dawn of the first day of the first month in the Islamic calendar, Muharram, with the kiswa-changing ceremony by the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, represented by the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa. This annual event embodies the Kingdom's commitment to serve the Two Holy Mosques — not only in organizational and administrative aspects but also on a symbolic and sacred level, given the central place the Kaaba holds in the hearts of more than a billion and a half Muslims worldwide. They installed the embroidered curtain with gold-plated threads, the hizam (belt), the samadiah (decorative elements), lantern-shaped pieces, and decorations surrounding the mizab (rainwater spout), the corners, and other adornments, creating a captivating scene infused with feelings of reverence and supplication. The occasion also highlights the pioneering role of Saudi youth, who form the backbone of production, supervision, and execution within the complex. National competencies demonstrate leadership in guiding work teams, overseeing design details, and innovative technical solutions that ensure the highest standards of precision — merging exquisite craftsmanship with modern technological aspirations. The kiswa exceeds 14 meters in height and is adorned with Quranic verses embroidered with gold-coated silver and pure silver threads, written in the Thuluth script, forming a masterpiece that demands precise engineering, care and artistic expertise to preserve its identity and quality over time. This annual event is not merely a repeated occasion but an extension of a historical legacy established by the Founding King Abdulaziz — and reinforced by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It is part of the national vision centered on serving the Two Holy Mosques and enhancing the quality of services provided to pilgrims and other visitors. Every year, the ceremony to change the kiswa is a memorable scene in the collective memory of the Islamic nations and a living symbol of how the care for the holy sanctuaries has evolved from a responsibility into a leadership role.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
On Its Centennial: The Occasion of Replacing the Kiswa of the Noble Kaaba Embodies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Enduring Care for the Two Holy Mosques
MAKKAH, SAUDI ARABIA, SA / ACCESS Newswire / June 26, 2025 / The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, represented by the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, presided over the occasion of the replacing of the Kiswa on the first day of the month of Muharram (Hijri). This took place within an integrated operational system that reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's willingness and dedication to serving the Two Holy Mosques-continuing a legacy of over 100 years of care in producing the Kiswa for the Ancient Kaaba The Ceremony of Changing the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba The occasion was conducted with meticulous organisation. As the previous Kiswa was carefully prepared for removal, the new Kiswa was raised and securely fastened to all sides of the Kaaba. Additionally, the door curtain embroidered with golden embellishments, lantern-shaped pieces, the belt, and samadiyah pieces were affixed-a scene embodying high craftsmanship and precision. The King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa is the sole specialist entity responsible for the production of the Kiswa. The production stages are carried out within the complex through a precise production process that begins with the purification of water designated for dyeing, followed by automated weaving, printing, embroidery, and assembly. It concludes with quality assurance measures undertaken by 154 skilled Saudi specialists and technicians. During the production of the Kiswa-which weighs up to 1,415 kilograms-high-quality raw materials are utilised, including 825 kilograms of black-dyed natural silk and 410 kilograms of cotton. The Kiswa is embroidered with 120 kilograms of gold thread and 60 kilograms of silver thread. Additionally, it features 54 gold-coated pieces, comprising the belt, Quranic verses, the door curtain, lantern-shaped pieces, and embellishments surrounding the Mizab and corners. The Kiswa is adorned with 68 Quranic verses from 11 surahs, while the door curtain contains 763 words from the Quran. It is secured using 100 precisely positioned ropes, evenly distributed across all four sides of the Noble Kaaba. The Kiswa stands over 14 metres tall and is made up of five main parts-four of which cover each side of the Kaaba, while the fifth forms the door curtain, embroidered with Quranic verses in gold and silver threads, crafted using precise techniques and profound expertise. The occasion of replacing the Kiswa represents a continuation of the legacy established by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since the time of its founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud-may Allah have mercy upon him. It reaffirms the continuation of this blessed legacy under the direct care of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and his Deputy, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz-may Allah preserve them both. This initiative aligns with the national vision that emphasises excellence in the services provided to the visitors of the Sacred House of Allah. Source: About the Authority: An independent body overseeing the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. Contact: (+966) 8254241 - (+966) 0148233610 Unified Contact Centre: 1966 Contact Information The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques Makkah (+966) 0148233610 SOURCE: The General Authority for the Care of The Two Holy Mosques press release
Arab News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Madinah governor receives Iraqi consul general
Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz received at his office on Wednesday Mohammed Samir Al-Naqshbandi, consul general of Iraq and permanent representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, as his term in the Kingdom comes to an end. During the meeting, they discussed various topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Meanwhile, Fareed bin Saad Al-Shehri, director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' branch in Makkah, received Consul General of Singapore Chandra Kumar in Jeddah on Wednesday.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Arab News
Head of Iran's Hajj organization commends Saudi Arabia for quality services
RIYADH: The head of Iran's Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, Alireza Bayat, has commended Saudi Arabia for its organization and the facilities provided to pilgrims during the Hajj season 2025. He said Iranian pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the quality of services upon completing the Hajj rituals and complimented the efficiency of the Saudi authorities in operating air transport, crowd management at the holy sites and healthcare services. Bayat added the Kingdom had become a role model when serving Muslim worshippers and pilgrims at the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Science
- Arab News
New climate study to shield the Two Holy Mosques from extreme weather
RIYADH: The Regional Centre for Climate Change has launched an advanced scientific study to analyze the effects of climate change on urban environments in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. The study seeks sustainable solutions for extreme weather phenomena while supporting quality-of-life improvements in these religiously significant regions with unique urban planning requirements. These include analyzing climate effects on urban infrastructure and studying extreme weather patterns through modern climate modeling techniques. The initiative also uses data to optimize urban planning and propose resilience solutions to ensure visitor safety and comfort at the Two Holy Mosques. Ayman Salem Ghulam, the CEO of the Saudi National Center for Meteorology and general supervisor of the RCCC, said that this research is a fundamental pillar supporting adaptation strategies to climate variables for the Two Holy Mosques. He said that the centers are committed to providing scientific solutions to enhance future projects' efficiency at both holy cities. Mazen Assiri, executive director of RCCC detailed the methodology, saying that the integrated scientific approach analyzes weather phenomena affecting urban environments, incorporating international best practices to deliver outputs that align with national development requirements. He said that to ensure comprehensive solutions, the center held workshops with government and research entities, performed field studies in central Makkah and Madinah, and analyzed practical implementation pathways. This initiative aligns with the RCCC's mission to advance specialized climate knowledge and data-driven decision-making. It directly supports environmental sustainability in major developmental projects throughout the Kingdom, particularly those accommodating millions of pilgrims annually. The study reinforces national efforts to address climate challenges in strategically vital regions while enhancing institutional cooperation in climate resilience planning.
