Khalid bin Salman: Defense Ministry Will Continue Development in Line with Crown Prince’s Vision

Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at the Defense Ministry in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at the Defense Ministry in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Khalid bin Salman: Defense Ministry Will Continue Development in Line with Crown Prince’s Vision

Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at the Defense Ministry in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at the Defense Ministry in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)

Newly named Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz stressed on Wednesday that the Defense Ministry had enjoyed the attention of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman when he acted as its minister.

In his first remarks since his appointment to his post, he vowed that the Ministry will continue along Crown Prince Mohammed’s vision and the path he laid out.

In a tweet, he praised the trust shown by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed in his appointment, asking God Almighty to support him in serving his religious, leadership and nation.

King Salman issued a Royal Decree on Tuesday that named Crown Prince Mohammed prime minister and Prince Khalid defense minister.

Prince Khalid underlined the vision for the development of the ministry that was outlined by Crown Prince Mohammed under his leadership.

The ministry had enjoyed great interest and direct supervision by the Crown Prince that led to the launch of its development program, he noted.

This reflects his faith in the importance of developing its capabilities and staying abreast of military development according to the highest standards, stressed Prince Khalid.

He vowed that the ministry will continue to forge ahead along the path outlined by the Crown Prince “so that it will be transformed into a modern institution with professional military forces that can protect the nation and its interests.”



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.