What is the Kiswah?
The Kiswah is the sacred black cloth that covers the Kaaba in Makkah. Every year, on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, just before the Day of Arafah, the Kiswah is replaced with a new one in a grand ceremony. This exquisite fabric is crafted using high-quality silk and intricately embroidered with gold and silver Quranic inscriptions. The tradition of covering the Kaaba with a Kiswah dates back centuries, ensuring the sanctity and reverence of the Holy Kaaba.
How is the Kiswah Made?
The Kiswah 🧵 is meticulously produced by expert artisans at the Kiswah Factory in Makkah, a process that takes 8-10 months. The key highlights of this sacred production include:
✔️ Over 200 skilled artisans are involved in weaving, dyeing, and embroidery.
✔️ Approximately 670 kg of silk, 120 kg of gold, and 100 kg of silver are used annually.
✔️ The embroidery process involves carefully stitching Quranic verses in gold and silver threads.
✔️ The final cloth is prepared in different sections and later assembled to cover the Kaaba.
The tradition of covering the Kaaba with a Kiswah dates back to Prophet Ismail (A.S.), and over centuries, different rulers have contributed to this sacred practice. Today, the Saudi Arabian government upholds this responsibility with the highest standards of artistry and devotion.
How to Visit the Kiswah Factory?
Aimah Tours offers exclusive appointments to visit the Kiswah Factory, allowing you to witness the craftsmanship involved in creating the sacred Kiswah. Our tour includes:
✅ Pickup & Drop-off from your Makkah hotel 🚐
✅ Guided tour of the Kiswah Factory 🎤
✅ Visit to Sulah Hudaibiya site (You can wear Ihram for Umrah) 📜
✅ Complimentary refreshments ☕
✅ Official appointment Permit booking included 📅
Refreshments Included in Tour
Your visit will be made comfortable with a selection of refreshments:
✔️ Water Bottle 💧
✔️ Chips (48g) 🍟
✔️ Orange Juice 🥤
✔️ Chocolate & Hazelnut Croissant 🥐
Tour Timings
🕚 Morning Slot: 11:00 AM
🕔 Evening Slot: 5:00 PM
📅 Available Days: Sunday to Thursday
Tour Experience – What to Expect?
During the visit, you will witness the detailed craftsmanship behind the Kiswah:
✔️ The embroidery section, where skilled artisans stitch gold and silver threads.
✔️ The silk dyeing process, where pure silk is transformed into deep black fabric.
✔️ The calligraphy design studio, where intricate Quranic verses are prepared.
✔️ An interactive session explaining the historical and spiritual significance of the Kiswah.
Many visitors describe this as a spiritually enriching experience, seeing firsthand the devotion and precision involved in creating the Kiswah.
Sulah Hudaibiya – A Historic Visit
Along with the Kiswah Factory tour, you will visit the historic site of Sulah Hudaibiya, where the famous treaty was signed between Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and the Quraysh of Makkah in 628 CE. This treaty was a significant moment in Islamic history, leading to the peaceful Umrah of the following year.
Islamic References
Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said:
“The Kaaba will be clothed with Kiswah every year.” (Ibn Hibban)
Hazrat Umar (R.A.) once advised:
“Honor the Kaaba and its Kiswah, for it is the House of Allah on Earth.”
Historically, the tradition of covering the Kaaba with the Kiswah has continued since the time of Prophet Ismail (A.S.). The Abbasid Caliphs, Ottoman Sultans, and now the Saudi government have upheld this sacred duty.
Kiswah Factory Visit Pricing
The tour price includes both Kiswah Factory and Sulah Hudaibiya visits. Below are private transport rates:
🚗 Toyota Camry (4 Pax) – 480 SAR
🚐 Hyundai Starex (7 Pax) – 840 SAR
🚐 Hyundai Staria (7 Pax) – 840 SAR
🚙 GMC XL Yukon (2019/20, 7 Pax) – 620 SAR
🚙 GMC XL Yukon (2023/24, 7 Pax) – 820 SAR
🚐 Hiace Grand Cabin (10 Pax) – 870 SAR
🚌 Coaster (20 Pax) – 990 SAR
For group tour pricing, contact Aimah Tours.
Kiswah Prices (As per Factory Rates)
At the Kiswah Factory, various sizes and designs of the Kaaba cloth are available for purchase:
✔️ Small Kiswah Piece – SR 4,000
✔️ Medium Kiswah Piece – SR 6,000
✔️ Large Kiswah Piece – SR 12,000
✔️ Full Door Kiswah (Exclusive Design) – SR 1,800,000
✔️ Gold-Embroidered Panel – SR 500,000
The Kiswah Factory of the Holy Ka’aba
📍 Address: حي، 8308 Old Makkah Jeddah Rd, Al Hamra Umm Al Jud, 2903, Makkah 24321, Saudi Arabia
📞 Phone: +966 538672456
🕘 Open: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Historical Significance of the Kiswah
The Kiswah tradition has deep historical roots:
✔️ Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) first covered the Kaaba with Yemeni cloth after the conquest of Makkah.
✔️ The Abbasid Caliphs introduced fine silk for the Kiswah.
✔️ During Ottoman rule, the Kiswah was prepared in Egypt and sent in a grand caravan called the Mahmal Procession.
✔️ Today, Saudi Arabia continues this legacy with modern technology while preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Testimonials from Visitors
💬 “Seeing the Kiswah being embroidered in front of my eyes was breathtaking. The artisans put their heart into every stitch.” – Ahmed Raza, Pakistan 🇵🇰
💬 “This visit deepened my appreciation for sacred Islamic traditions. Highly recommended for all pilgrims!” – Aisha Khan, UK 🇬🇧
💬 “The Treaty of Hudaibiya site brought tears to my eyes. I could feel the history surrounding me.” – Mohammad Faisal, India 🇮🇳
Book Your Kiswah Factory Tour with Aimah Tours
Experience the making of the sacred Kiswah and relive Islamic history with Aimah Tours!
Our Luxury Umrah Package includes a Kiswah Factory Permit.
To book your visit, contact us today! ✅
