Saudi factory stitches gold-laced cover for Islam's holiest site

'THE BEST FEELING'

The kiswa was manufactured in Egypt until 1962. There have been red, green or white coverings in centuries past, but now it is always black with embroidered gold calligraphy.

Nearly 670 kg (1,477 pounds) of silk, enough to cover a structure estimated to measure about 50 feet (15 metres) high and 35 to 40 feet long, is imported from Italy. Silver and gold-plated thread comes from Germany.

But the kiswa is embroidered and stitched together in Saudi Arabia and paid for by the kingdom each year at a cost of $6 million.

Asked about that expenditure at a time of austerity in the kingdom, Bajuda said: "This glorifies the house of God. The Kaaba more than deserves this honour."

Waleed al-Juhani has worked at the factory, which opened in 1977, for 17 years.

"Thanks to God we are working to serve the holy Kaaba. This is a great blessing," he said, while embroidering a Koranic verse that takes 60 days to complete.

"When we succeed in our work, we are glad that Muslims will celebrate a new cover for the Kaaba. This is the best feeling."

At the end of haj, the used cloth will be cut into pieces to be distributed to dignitaries and religious organisations. Recipients regard the fragments as heirlooms.

This year's kiswa is complete, but the workers have already started on the next one.