Everything You Need to Know About the Kiswah Factory

A place where the thread of Devotion weaves a sacred legacy of faith!

Hidden away in the city of Makkah is a place where art, religion, and craftsmanship come together. This place is known as the Al Kiswah factory in Makkah, where the black cloth of the Kaaba is woven, designed, and embroidered with gold threads by some of the best artisans in the world. With the full name of King Abdul Aziz Complex for Holy Kiswa, this factory stands as a symbol of devotion, art, and talent, serving the house of Allah with centuries of hard work. So, without wasting any time, let's explore more about this factory where Islamic faith meets pure artistry.

Kiswah Factory Makkah dates back to the early days of Islam, between 700 and 900 CE, when the Abbasids and Umayyads ruled the land of Makkah. Since its beginning, the factory’s sole purpose has been to design and create the Kiswah for the Kaaba. For centuries, it has served as a symbol of devotion and guidance in the religion of Islam.

Back in the time, the Kiswah was not made with high-end cloth and gold embroideries; instead, the artisans used simple cotton fabrics, and the color used to be red instead of black. Annually, a large number of artisans use to migrate from all parts of the world to take part in Kiswah embroidery, and through that, this factory gained immense popularity and prosperity, which has remained constant to date.

The Al Kiswah Factory is close to Masjid Al Haram, located only 11 kilometers away from the mosque in the Umm Al Joud area of the city. The strategic location helps to efficiently move the cloth from the factory to Kabaa for its annual ceremony without covering a long journey.

In recent times, the production of Kiswah includes computers, high-end threads, robotic machineries, and other modern tools to create a perfect piece of cloth which preserves the purity of Islamic art and heritage.

But if we look into earlier times, the Kiswah art was much more intricate and detailed, composed of hand-drawn geometrical shapes and calligraphy using silver and gold threads. Many of these design elements were taken from the Holy Quran, and specifically, black cloth was selected by the Abbasids for its association with humility and practicality.

If you're wondering whether you can enter the factory and see the Kiswah making process with your own eyes, good news—it's possible. The Al Kiswah factory allows groups of at least 20 people to tour the facility, whether visiting alone or with family. To gain access, visitors must be affiliated with one of three groups: an authorized organization (such as Umrah pilgrims), educational institutions (schools, colleges, and universities), or official delegations. The maximum number allowed to enter is 100, so make sure to enter in groups.

Reserving a group or solo tour to the Kiswah Factory can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry, we are here to help. Usually, the public has these available options to choose from:

• Group Tours:

You can join a group of at least 20 people, typically organized through a licensed travel agency, to gain access to the Kiswah Factory for a guided tour. These group visits are coordinated in advance and often include pilgrims, educational institutions, or official delegations.

• Travel Agency:

The best way, in our opinion, is through a verified travel agent who specializes in Hajj and Umrah tours. These agents are experts in their field and can get you the permit to enter the factory easily.

It’s quite difficult to obtain an original piece of Kiswa for several reasons. The first reason is its religious significance for Muslims; the Kiswa holds great spiritual importance and is not handed out to locals randomly.

Typically, the old Kiswa is respectfully cut into small pieces and distributed after its replacement ceremony. These pieces are either used for religious purposes or given to special dignitaries. The second reason is limited availability: Due to its purity and importance, the original Kiswa is not sold to the general public.

The Kiswah Factory is not an ordinary production outlet in Makkah, but also holds the status of an important cultural landmark. Apart from the cloth, the factory also holds important antiques, artefacts, and other valuable items from Masjid e Nabawi and Masjid Al haram. For this purpose, annually, the factory hosts thousands of visitors who want to learn about Kabaa and gain more insights into its valuables, making it one of the best places to visit in Makkah. 

In the Islamic month of Dhul Qa'dah, the Kiswah Factory holds an annual celebration to mark the completion of the Kaaba’s new covering. During this ceremony, held within the sacred precincts of the Haram, the finished Kiswah is officially handed over to the Custodian of the Kaaba. In addition, a specially crafted bag containing the key to the Kaaba is presented by the General President of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.

Staying near the Kiswah Factory? Explore our handpicked hotels and book your perfect stay today!

6.7 Pleasant

Diary Ahlam Al-Fawz Hotel-فندق دياري أح

حي الستين - شارع عبدالله عريف - خلف كافتيريا خلود Mecca, SA

6.8 Pleasant

OYO 167 Dar Al Raies Hotel

2227 Qasr Al Diyafah Road An Nuzhah Dist Mecca Mecca, SA

6.7 Pleasant

منتجع القمرين

Makkah - Jeddah Hwy Makkah منتجع القمرين منتجع القمرين Mecca, SA