The periodic maintenance work on the Holy Kaaba and the Hijr Ismail has been completed

The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, in coordination with relevant authorities, announced the completion of the periodic maintenance work on the Holy Kaaba and the Hijr Ismail (the semi-circular wall adjacent to the Kaaba). This achievement culminates a comprehensive project aimed at preserving the architectural and structural elements according to the highest international engineering, technical, and operational standards. This work reflects the ongoing commitment of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince – may God protect them – to ensuring that maintenance work is carried out using the best available technological solutions to guarantee its sustainability.

A long history of caring for the Sacred House of God

Historically, the Holy Kaaba has received immense attention and meticulous care from the leaders of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from the era of its founder, King Abdulaziz Al Saud (may God have mercy on him), to the present prosperous era. This care has not been limited to the annual renewal of the Kaaba's covering, but has encompassed the comprehensive maintenance of its infrastructure and surrounding facilities. This ongoing upkeep is a continuation of this great historical legacy, with every restoration and maintenance step meticulously documented to ensure the continued resilience of this magnificent Islamic edifice against the elements and the passage of time. The ongoing care of the Two Holy Mosques is a fundamental pillar of the Kingdom's policy, reflecting its profound commitment to serving Islam and Muslims throughout the world.

A meticulous operational plan and tremendous national efforts

The authority explained that the project was implemented according to a meticulous operational plan that ensured the smooth flow of pilgrims in the circumambulation area without disrupting the performance of the rituals. The work was carried out with high efficiency and within carefully planned timeframes to guarantee the highest levels of safety. The maintenance work took approximately 4,700 working hours, distributed across 31 main packages encompassing 305 diverse activities. These included the maintenance of the interior of the Kaaba, its roof, and its outer perimeter, in addition to conducting thorough inspections and tests of internal elements such as wood, stones, marble, and gold-plated metals, along with implementing corrective treatments according to approved technical methodologies.

Modern technologies serving the Grand Mosque in Mecca

In addition, specialized environmental studies were conducted by measuring the characteristics of the Kaaba's interior environment to ensure the preservation of its internal components and covering with the highest standards of quality and sustainability. The Authority emphasized that the work included replacing over 30 linear meters of silicone expansion joints around the Kaaba in all affected areas. It also included regrouting over 50 linear meters of marble joints and performing complete polishing and buffing of the surrounding marble flooring on all sides, including the side facing the Kaaba's door, reflecting meticulous attention to detail.

The regional and international impact of the successful periodic maintenance of the Holy Kaaba

The successful completion of the periodic maintenance of the Holy Kaaba holds immense significance and far-reaching implications at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, this achievement enhances operational efficiency and ensures the long-term sustainability of its components, providing a safe and conducive environment for performing religious rites with ease and tranquility. Regionally and internationally, this event sends a message of reassurance to millions of Muslims worldwide whose hearts are turned towards Mecca, affirming the Grand Mosque's constant readiness to receive pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah seasons. This work also highlights the Kingdom's pioneering role in managing and maintaining major religious landmarks using state-of-the-art technologies and qualified national expertise, making it a global model to be emulated.