Preparations Begin for Kaaba Washing Ceremony Under Highest Standards of Care

The honoring, maintenance, and service of the Kaaba is a long-established tradition dating back to the reign of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. (SPA)
The honoring, maintenance, and service of the Kaaba is a long-established tradition dating back to the reign of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. (SPA)
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Preparations Begin for Kaaba Washing Ceremony Under Highest Standards of Care

The honoring, maintenance, and service of the Kaaba is a long-established tradition dating back to the reign of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. (SPA)
The honoring, maintenance, and service of the Kaaba is a long-established tradition dating back to the reign of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. (SPA)

The first stage of the Holy Kaaba washing ceremony began with the raising of the Kaaba's gate curtain, in preparation for the main stage: the washing of the Holy Kaaba itself, carried out according to the highest standards of care and precision, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday.

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque stated that the honoring, maintenance, and service of the Kaaba is a long-established tradition dating back to the reign of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, and continuing through the era of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

President of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais said that the washing of the Kaaba reflects Saudi Arabia’s enduring care for the sacred site, its reverence for Islamic rites, and its commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. 

He said the Kaaba is the qibla of Muslims and that its washing carries profound spiritual significance, reflecting the divine command to purify it.  

Al-Sudais said the presidency is dedicated to conveying the religious message of the Two Holy Mosques, enriching visitors' religious experience, and promoting the values of moderation and balance. 

He added that washing of the Kaaba reflects its sanctity and symbolizes the honor of serving it and of honoring the sacred rites of Islam. 

The Kaaba washing ceremony begins with sweeping the interior floor to remove dust before washing. (SPA)

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has mobilized its technical, operational, and human resources for the occasion, supported by specialized teams to ensure the ceremony is conducted efficiently.

The Kaaba washing ceremony begins with sweeping the interior floor to remove dust before washing. Zamzam water mixed with rose perfume and fine oud is then prepared in copper vessels, and cloths soaked in the mixture are used to wipe the interior walls of the Kaaba.

The three columns inside the Kaaba and its floor are also washed, followed by drying with specially designed cloths.

The ceremony concludes with perfuming the walls using modern tools to ensure complete coverage of the Kaaba's interior.



Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Rejection of Using Vital Waterways to Harm States' Interests

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Riyadh - SPA
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Riyadh - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Rejection of Using Vital Waterways to Harm States' Interests

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Riyadh - SPA
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Riyadh - SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Riyadh.

At the outset of the session, the Crown Prince briefed the Cabinet on the contents of phone calls with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin; Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani; and President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of the Republic of Sudan Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan.

He also briefed the Cabinet on his meeting with United Arab Emirates Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The discussions reviewed relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and these brotherly and friendly nations, as well as ways to strengthen and develop these ties across various fields. Additionally, the talks addressed regional developments and efforts to enhance security and stability at both regional and international levels.

In a statement to the SPA following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said that the Cabinet reviewed the outcomes of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's participation in the High-Level Week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

In this context, the Cabinet praised the national efforts and the Kingdom's significant role in this global event, particularly its leadership and support for multilateral action at various levels. These efforts promote international peace and security, enhance dialogue and diplomacy, aid in addressing global crises and challenges, and strengthen responses to humanitarian needs.

The Cabinet viewed the Kingdom's financial support for the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Center's programs as an essential part of its ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms. This support underscores the importance of the center in enhancing national capacities, unifying global efforts, and strengthening international cooperation in this field.

The Cabinet noted the progress made in establishing the General Secretariat of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement and forming its committees and working groups.

It also noted the steps taken at the meetings of the foreign ministers and chiefs of general staff of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Republic of Türkiye to advance coordination and integration among the three countries and begin translating the agreement's commitments into military cooperation that strengthens deterrence and collective defense.

The Cabinet followed developments in political issues at the regional and international levels, expressing its welcome for the statement issued by members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which condemned the continued attacks by the Houthi terrorist militia against Saudi Arabia and commercial vessels, threats to the security of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the undermining of efforts aimed at achieving peace in Yemen.

The Cabinet also stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden, and of restoring conditions in the Strait of Hormuz to those prevailing before February 28, while imposing no fees or restrictions.

It rejected the use of these vital waterways as a means of exerting pressure, issuing threats, or harming the interests of states, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

Minister Al-Dossary said the Cabinet strongly condemned continued assaults by officials of the Israeli occupation authorities and extremist settlers on the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque and its religious and historical status, as well as continued expansionist attempts to infringe upon the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

He also indicated that the Cabinet renewed Saudi Arabia's affirmation that a just and lasting peace can only be achieved through implementing the two-state solution and establishing an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Cabinet also reviewed a number of reports on domestic affairs, commending the successive international recognition of the leadership of the “Saudi Model for Education and Training Quality” in building an integrated ecosystem of programs, tools, and measures, supported by a broad database of data and information.

This contributes to ensuring the adequacy of education outcomes, preparing national talent capable of competing globally, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation, in line with the objectives of the Human Capability Development Program and Saudi Vision 2030.


Crown Prince, Italian Prime Minister Discuss Bilateral Ties, Maritime Security

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister. SPA
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister. SPA
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Crown Prince, Italian Prime Minister Discuss Bilateral Ties, Maritime Security

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister. SPA
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister. SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a phone call on Tuesday from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with whom he discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation across various fields and addressed the latest developments in the region.

They also emphasized the importance of supporting efforts to ensure the security and freedom of navigation in vital waterways to bolster regional stability.


Albudaiwi: Ministerial Committees Continue Drive to Advance Joint Gulf Action

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
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Albudaiwi: Ministerial Committees Continue Drive to Advance Joint Gulf Action

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi underscored that ministerial committees remain actively engaged in following up on milestones achieved through ministerial sessions and workshops alongside member states, building upon their outcomes to complete the execution of decisions issued by the Consultative Meeting of the Supreme Council, thereby fulfilling the aspirations of the Leaders of GCC states and bolstering the march of joint Gulf action.

​Albudaiwi's remarks were delivered during the 10th meeting of the High-Level Committee for Following up on the Implementation of Decisions of the GCC Supreme Council Consultative Meeting, convened in the presence of committee members on Tuesday at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh, SPA reported.

​"The upcoming phase demands rigorous monitoring of achieved progress and intensified coordination with relevant authorities across member states to identify remaining steps and resolve potential hurdles," he stated.

He underlined the imperative of translating the outcomes of ministerial meetings and workshops into concrete practical measures, tracking their execution in accordance with designated timelines.

Concluding his statement, the GCC secretary-general commended the efforts exerted by member states, ministerial committees, and specialized working teams, praising their sustained collaboration in advancing the rollout of resolutions.

He emphasized the General Secretariat's keenness to maintain continuous follow-up and engagement, ensuring the durability of accomplishments and propelling Gulf integration pathways toward further advancement.