Abdullah Al Thani Calls on Qataris to Convene to Set Record Straight

Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al-Thani. Asharq Al-Awsat
Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al-Thani. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Abdullah Al Thani Calls on Qataris to Convene to Set Record Straight

Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al-Thani. Asharq Al-Awsat
Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al-Thani. Asharq Al-Awsat

Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al-Thani has called on the ruling family and the people of Qatar to a national, family and fraternal meeting to discuss the crisis and set the record straight.

Sheikh Abdullah said in a statement on Sunday that he “felt pain at seeing the dispute going from bad to worse,” reaching direct provocation against the Gulf stability and intervening in others’ affairs.

He affirmed that during his two meetings with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz he saw the king’s keenness on the safety of Qatar and its people.

Sheikh Abdullah expressed concern that the fate of his country would become similar to other states that ended in chaos and destruction, saying “we can no longer remain silent in this crisis.”

He asserted that his statement is not aimed at showing off but he is optimistic towards serving his citizens and facilitating their affairs in the kingdom.



Ceremony Begins to Replace Kiswa of Holy Kaaba, Continuing a Legacy of Over 100 Years

The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms. (SPA)
The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms. (SPA)
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Ceremony Begins to Replace Kiswa of Holy Kaaba, Continuing a Legacy of Over 100 Years

The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms. (SPA)
The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms. (SPA)

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, through the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, officially started the annual ceremony to replace the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba, a tradition that has been carried out for over a century.

As part of the carefully coordinated process, the complex began by removing the gilded curtain from the Kaaba door, which measures 6.35 meters in length and 3.33 meters in width, as well as dismantling the chandeliers and decorative ornaments, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

This marks the beginning of replacing the old Kiswa with a new one, crafted with exceptional precision and spiritual significance. The new Kiswa is currently en route to the Grand Mosque, accompanied by a comprehensive system of logistical and operational support that follows the highest global standards.

A fully Saudi team of 154 trained craftsmen, each scientifically and practically qualified, is overseeing the process. Their duties include raising the old Kiswa, detaching the gilded elements, and installing the new Kiswa, which comprises 47 intricately embroidered black silk panels featuring 68 Quranic verses stitched with 24-karat gold-plated silver threads. The entire Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilograms.

To create the new Kiswa, the team used 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver thread, 60 kilograms of pure silver, 825 kilograms of silk, and 410 kilograms of raw cotton. Additionally, 54 gilded pieces were produced using eight specialized weaving machines within the complex.

The ceremony is a profound expression of the Kingdom's dedication to serving Islam’s holiest sites. The continued renewal of the Kaaba's Kiswa stands as a majestic and enduring symbol of reverence, care, and spiritual legacy upheld by Saudi Arabia for over a century.