People walking around Holy Kaaba seven circles in Grand Mosque of Makkah (Image source: Shutterstock)

The History of Al Kiswa

The annual replacement of the Kiswa, the covering of the Kaaba, is a significant event in the Islamic calendar which takes place in the month of Dhul Hijja. In this post, I will tell the history and details of this process. The Kiswa, or the ceremonial covering of the Kaaba, is more than just a cover. It imparts a distinctive elegance to the Kaaba and symbolizes its importance in Islam. The practice of covering the Kaaba with a cloth predates Islam, with various Arabian tribes contributing.

by Dahlia Rahaimy | 25th Jun 2023

Society

Aerial view, Mecca (Image: Shutterstock)

Mecca's Transformation: Adapting to Hajj Growth

The video showcases pervasive construction work in Mecca, particularly around Masjid al-Haram, the Grand Mosque. This ongoing development of the city has taken place over several years in stages, aiming to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims annually. The Saudi government continues to enhance the city's infrastructure to cater to this influx of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. AlMasjid AlHaram has been central to numerous expansion projects.

Jun 17, 2023

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Janadriah Festival. A group of men perform a traditional Saudi Arabian dance and singing (Image Source: Shutterstock)

The Saudi Love For Music

Music and singing is significant in Saudi Arabia, acting as channels of communication and a way for people to express their emotions. While Saudi Arabia’s population is youthful, the country’s music taste spans across all ages. Modern Saudi music includes a wide variety of genres from jazz, hip-hop, rap to techno and rock ‘n roll.

Jun 10, 2023

A Saudi farmer surrounded by a bed of pink roses in Taif, the ultimate summer city in Saudi Arabia. (Image source: Saudi Press Agency)

Taif, Saudi Arabia’s former Summer Capital

Located in the western Makkah Province of Saudi Arabia, Taif is known as the “City of Roses.” This nickname stems from its being the home of 700 farms where roses are grown, which are used in the production of rose water and rose oil. In springtime, the city and surrounding bloom with rose bushes stretching from the valley of Wadi Mahram to the towering mountains of Al Shafa. Taif is also famous for its bountiful fruit orchards.

Jun 3, 2023

The national Saudi Arabian dish chicken Kabsa. (Image: Shutterstock)

Kabsa: The Dish at the Heart of Saudi Cuisine

Step beyond oil and desert to uncover Kabsa. Much like the UK's love for Fish and Chips, Kabsa holds a dear place in the hearts of Saudis. Explore the origins of this dish, its connection to Spanish Paella, and its role in Saudi Arabia’s gastronomic heritage.

May 13, 2023