How To Visit The Kiswa Factory

The Kiswa factory produces the cloth that covers the Kabah throughout the year. The factory takes around ten months to make it. On every 9th of Dhul Hajjah, the new Kiswa replaces the old one during the annual pilgrimage.

You can visit the factory for an hour or so to watch the lucky few who sew the gold letters onto the fabric. The factory is about a 10-minute drive from Masjid al-Haram and requires an appointment for a visit.

This appointment allows for easy entry for visits to the factory and thus can be acquired online.

Who is Eligible to Enter?

An appointment requires a minimum of 20 people, so if you want to visit alone or with your family, this can be a problem.

Moreover, you must also be part of one of the three groups: Entities and Institutions – Pilgrims and Umrah pilgrims, Schools/Colleges/Universities, and official delegations. The maximum number of people in the group is 100.

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How To Make An Appointment

First thing first, you need an account on the e-service website. To make the account, click here.  

This is how the login dashboard will appear on the link. This requires you to enter basic information like nationality, ID number, and mobile number.

The website is originally in Arabic, but the webpage can be translated into English using Google Chrome.

Once you’ve logged into your newly made account, click this link. 

• Firstly, you’ll select the “permit of the King Abdul Aziz Complex for the coverings of the Kabaa.” 
• This will show a dropdown menu where you can select “log in to the system.”
• Here, you’ll enter your account information again for verification.
• This will lead you to an entry form.
• You’ll also have to attach an official request letter from the requesting party. Ideally, this letter should be from the official delegation for which you’re taking a permit.
• Make sure the date and time of the appointment are correct, and be punctual on the day of the visit.

FAQ

Can anyone go to Kiswa Factory?

Public tours are unavailable at the Kiswa factory, but limited visiting opportunities exist.

• Scheduled Tours: Visitors can take guided tours on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. These tours are likely very popular, so it is best to inquire well in advance if you are interested.
• Videos: Several online videos offer a virtual tour of the Kiswa Factory. You can see the artisans at work and learn about the process of creating the Kiswa.
• Documentaries: Documentaries may also explore the history and tradition of the Kiswa and the work of the Kiswa Factory.

How do I book a visit to Kiswa Factory?

Booking a visit to the Kiswa Factory can be tricky because it’s closed for general public tours. Here are your options:

1. Travel Agent: The most reliable way to visit is through a travel agent specializing in Umrah or Hajj packages. These agents may be able to include a visit to the Kiswa Factory in your itinerary.
2. Group Tours: While information is limited, some sources suggest joining a group of 20 people with a travel agent to get permission to enter.
3. Important things to remember:

If you’re set on visiting the Kiswa Factory, contact a reputable travel agent specializing in Umrah or Hajj packages. They can check on current possibilities and inclusions for a visit.

How much does Kiswa cost?

The Kiswa, the cloth covering the Kaaba, is considered the most expensive cloth in the world. Estimates place the cost at around USD 6.5 million. This high cost is due to several factors:

• Materials: The Kiswa is made from 670 kilograms of pure silk dyed black.
• Embroidery: It’s elaborately decorated with Quranic verses embroidered with 120 kilograms of 21-karat gold thread and 100 kilograms of silver thread.
• Craftsmanship: The entire Kiswa is handcrafted by skilled artisans in a specialized factory.

Why is Kiswa so expensive?

The Kiswa’s high cost of around USD 6.5 million stems from a combination of factors:

• Premium Materials: The Kiswa is crafted from luxurious materials. It uses a whopping 670 kilograms of pure silk, meticulously dyed black.
• Intricate Embellishment: The elaborate embroidery adds to the cost. Skilled artisans meticulously stitch verses from the Quran onto the Kiswa using a significant amount of precious metals. We’re talking about 120 kilograms of 21-karat gold thread and 100 kilograms of silver thread!
• Expert Craftsmanship: The entire Kiswa is not machine-made. It’s a testament to human skill and dedication, handcrafted by experienced artisans in a specialized factory. Their expertise commands a premium.
• Symbolic Importance: Beyond the materials and labor, the Kiswa holds immense symbolic value as the cloth covering Islam’s holiest site, the Kaaba. This significance adds a layer of value that’s hard to quantify financially.

Is Kiswa made of gold?

The Kiswa is not made of gold but is elaborately decorated with gold thread. Here’s a breakdown:

• Base Fabric: Kiswa’s main body is made of a substantial amount of high-quality material, around 670 kilograms of pure silk dyed black.
• Embroidery: The gold adorning the Kiswa comes from the threads used for embroidery. Skilled artisans stitch calligraphy featuring verses from the Quran onto the Kiswa. This embroidery utilizes a significant quantity of precious metals—120 kilograms of 21-karat gold thread, to be exact!

So, while the Kiswa isn’t a giant golden cloth, the extensive use of gold thread contributes significantly to its value and intricate beauty.

Can I buy a piece of the Kiswa?

Obtaining a piece of the real Kiswa, the cloth covering the Kaaba is very difficult for a few reasons:

• Religious Significance: The Kiswa is of immense religious importance to Muslims. After its annual replacement ceremony, the old Kiswa is cut into small pieces and distributed with great respect. These pieces are often given to dignitaries or used for religious purposes within Islam.

• Limited Availability: Due to its significance, authentic Kiswa pieces are not publicly sold.

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