How to Visit the Kiswa Factory in Makkah — Complete Visitor Guide
Every Muslim who has ever seen the Kaaba has seen the Kiswa without always knowing how it was made. The King Abdulaziz Complex (often referred to as the Ghilaf e Kaaba factory) is the one place in the world where that black silk cloth comes to life. Yes, pilgrims with Umrah visas can visit free of charge, but an advance permit is required. Below is everything you need to know about the location, hours, permit process, and private transfer options.
What Is the Kiswa Factory?
The Kiswa is the majestic black silk cloth covering the Kaaba, beautifully adorned with Quranic verses in gold and silver threads. It is traditionally replaced annually on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah.
- History: First established in 1927 by King Abdulaziz to produce the Kiswa within the Kingdom, ending the era of importing it from Egypt. The current state-of-the-art facility opened in 1977.
- Production Scale: Over 200 skilled artisans work year-round. They use approximately 670 kg of raw silk (sourced from Italy), 120 kg of gold, and 100 kg of silver annually.
- The Process: The outer covering is woven using a Jacquard machine with nearly 10,000 threads per metre. The whole process takes 8 to 10 months.
- Value: The cost of producing the Kiswa is approximately 25 million SAR each year.
Where Is the Kiswa Factory Located?
Umm Al-Joud Area
حي، 8308 Old Makkah Jeddah Rd, Al Hamra Umm Al Jud, 2903, Makkah 24321
The complex is approximately 10 km from Masjid Al Haram, taking roughly 20–25 minutes by car. Since there is no public bus service to this specific zone, booking a private transfer or taxi is the most reliable way to get there.
Who Can Visit the Kiswa Factory?
As an operational facility with high security surrounding precious metals and national heritage, entry is restricted.
- Any Iqama holder, Umrah visa holder, or visitor with an active Absher account, registered mobile number, and Nafath access can apply.
- Visits are typically reserved for Muslims.
- Individual applicants can bring up to 10 companions.
- Maximum of 4 reservations per applicant per week.
How to Get a Kiswa Factory Permit (Step-by-Step)
To visit, you must secure an appointment through the Saudi government's digital portals. Here is the exact process:
- Go to the official General Presidency of Haramain website or app.
- Log in via النفاذ الوطني (National Access / Nafath) using your Iqama or Border number.
- Navigate to خدمات المسجد الحرام (Grand Mosque Services) → زيارة مجمع الملك عبدالعزيز لكسوة الكعبة, and click ابدأ الخدمة to begin.
- Select إضافة تصريح زيارة لمصنع الكسوة (Add Visit Permit) from the dropdown.
- Agree to the terms, fill in the form with your preferred date, time, and companion names and nationalities.
- Submit the form and await SMS confirmation. First you will receive an acknowledgment, followed by final permit approval.
Need Help with the Permit?
If you are on an Umrah visa and don't have an Absher account, securing a permit can be complicated. When you book your private transfer with UmrahTransit, we handle the Kiswa factory permit on your behalf as part of the service.
Book your private transfer with permit includedVisiting Hours & Days
Monday – Thursday
8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Friday – Sunday
Closed to Public
What Will You See Inside?
The facility is divided into several specialized departments:
- The Dyeing Hall: Where raw Italian silk is treated and naturally dyed black.
- The Jacquard Weaving Machines: High-precision automated looms operating under close supervision.
- The Printing Department: Established in 1979, where the intricate Quranic calligraphy is applied via silkscreen to the fabric base.
- The Hand Embroidery Section: The most breathtaking area, where cotton base threads are meticulously covered with gold-plated silver wire to create raised embroidery (1–2.5 cm above the fabric).
- The Assembly Hall: Where the 14-metre long panels are stitched together using the world's largest sewing machine equipped with laser alignment.
- The Museum: Housing historical pieces of the Kiswa, tools, and ancient artefacts from Masjid al-Haram.
Honest Expectation Note
Many visitors report arriving with hopes of seeing the active production floor, only to be guided exclusively through the museum and a video presentation. Access to the live weaving and embroidery areas varies greatly depending on the visit's timing, the current phase of production, and operational security. Setting proper expectations will ensure a beautiful, educational visit without disappointment.
How to Get to the Kiswa Factory from Your Hotel
The complex is located in a mixed residential/industrial area of Makkah. There are no tuk-tuks or waiting taxis outside the gates. While Uber and Careem operate in Makkah, getting a return pickup after your visit finishes is notoriously unreliable. The best option is a pre-booked private return transfer.