MAKKAH: Guests visited Makkah’s King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa as part of the cultural and religious events associated with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Hajj. Guests were given a tour of the different sections of the complex and provided with a detailed explanation of the manufacturing process of the Kaaba’s fabric industry. They were also told about the history of kiswa manufacturing and the raw materials used in the process. Dr. Hadj Issa Sid Ahmed, a professor at Blida University in Algeria, said that visiting the complex offered a unique opportunity to witness the Kingdom’s expertise and skills in manufacturing the kiswa. In relation to the event, he added: “I believe that there is no country in the Islamic world that keeps pace with the crowds and their management with such great capabilities. “May God bless the Kingdom’s efforts and protect its wise leaders.” Mohamed Kadik, a journalist from Algeria, said: “We were very pleased to visit the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa, admiring the capabilities and working hands that expressed their pride and honor to weave the kiswa of the Kaaba. “Words fall short of describing the happiness, joy and pleasure that we live these days on the blessed lands of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “I extend my sincere thanks to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the warm and generous hospitality.” Abdul Karim Tohamy, from Benin, said he was delighted to be able to visit the complex, praising the professionalism displayed in the manufacturing of the kiswa. Muneeb Hassan Al-Rawi, the head of the Czech Muslim Communities Center, also expressed his pleasure at being able to visit the complex and gain a deeper understanding of the significance behind the manufacturing of the Kaaba’s kiswa. The kiswa is replaced annually in a tradition observed for centuries. The cloth is stitched together in five different parts and fixed to the base with copper rings. Around 670 kg of raw silk is dyed black at the complex. The kiswa is decorated with verses from the Qur’an embroidered onto the cloth, which contains 120 kg of 21-karat gold thread and 100 kg of silver thread. The cost of making a new 850 kg kiswa is estimated at SR25 million ($6.6 million), making it the world’s most expensive covering.