Sacred Kaaba Draped in White as Annual Maintenance Gets Underway Ahead of Hajj 2026
Saudi authorities have begun routine upkeep of holiest site, with work expected to wrap up well before millions of pilgrims arrive this season.
The Holy Kaaba in the heart of Makkah is currently undergoing its periodic maintenance, with workers carefully tending to the sacred structure as part of preparations for the upcoming Hajj 2026 season.
The work, which was widely reported beginning Monday, April 6, involves the temporary removal of portions of the Kiswa, the iconic black silk cloth that drapes the Kaaba, to allow inspection teams to access the stone walls, upper bricks, and structural edges beneath.
While the outer covering is lifted, a protective white or black cloth has been placed over the structure to shield it during the process. Safety barriers have also been erected around the site to keep the work area secure, though worshippers continue to perform Tawaf, the ritual circling of the Kaaba, in the surrounding area where access permits.
Rare images and videos shared across social media platforms, including Instagram, X, and Facebook, have offered the public an unusual glimpse of the ancient stonework and the Kaaba’s gold-plated door, which are seldom visible outside of these maintenance windows. The posts, shared by verified accounts between April 6 and 7, have drawn widespread attention from Muslims around the world.
The entire operation is being overseen by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, the Saudi body responsible for the care and management of Islam’s two most sacred sites. Specialized materials and proven techniques are being employed to ensure the structure remains in peak condition ahead of the influx of pilgrims.
This type of maintenance is not unusual. It is carried out on a periodic basis, often scheduled before major Islamic seasons such as Hajj or following the conclusion of Ramadan, as part of a long-standing commitment by the Saudi government to preserve the Kaaba’s integrity.
Importantly, the ongoing work has caused no disruption to Hajj 2026 preparations. Pilgrim departures from countries including Indonesia and Pakistan remain on schedule, and the broader logistics of the season are proceeding as planned.
Anyone intending to perform Hajj or Umrah in the coming weeks is advised to monitor updates from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah or the official Nusuk app for any temporary changes to access around the Mataf area. Maintenance is expected to be fully completed well before the main Hajj rituals begin.
