Makkah Deputy Emir Leads Annual Washing of the Kaaba

Jul 26, 2026
Share this article
Makkah Deputy Emir Leads Annual Washing of the Kaaba

Makkah Deputy Emir Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz led the annual ceremony for washing the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, carrying out the ritual on behalf of King Salman. The ceremony is held once a year and remains one of the most revered traditions associated with the holiest site in Islam.

During the ceremony, the kiswah curtain was lifted at the start of the proceedings, and the interior walls and floor of the Kaaba were washed using cloths soaked in a prepared mixture of Zamzam water blended with rose water. Oud and other perfumes were used throughout the washing and perfuming process, filling the interior with fragrance in keeping with a long-standing custom.

The annual washing carries deep spiritual meaning for Muslims in the Kingdom and around the world. For residents and expats living in Saudi Arabia, the occasion is a reminder of the special place Makkah holds in daily life and of the care given to maintaining and honouring the Grand Mosque and the Kaaba.

The ceremony followed its familiar annual format, led by the Makkah Deputy Emir, with no changes to the customary procedure. It reflects the continued attention paid to the two holy mosques and to the traditions surrounding the Kaaba, which draws millions of worshippers each year.


Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

Up Next

Riyadh Rises as Regional Hub for Artificial Intelligence

Riyadh Rises as Regional Hub for Artificial Intelligence

Saudi Arabia designates 2026 the Year of AI, with Riyadh emerging as a regional hub hosting data centers, national AI firms, and the Global AI Summit.

Jul 26,2026
Saudi Non-Oil PMI Hits 4-Month High in June 2026

Saudi Non-Oil PMI Hits 4-Month High in June 2026

Saudi Arabia's non-oil private sector PMI rose to 53.3 in June 2026, its highest in four months, on strong domestic demand despite falling export orders.

Jul 26,2026
flyadeal Weighs Post-2030 Fleet Plan for Growth

flyadeal Weighs Post-2030 Fleet Plan for Growth

flyadeal nears a post-2030 fleet decision, targeting over 100 aircraft by 2030 with 20–25% capacity growth in 2026 and expanded domestic and regional routes.

Jul 26,2026
CMA Compensates 20,000 Investors With SAR 293M

CMA Compensates 20,000 Investors With SAR 293M

More than 20,000 investors are being compensated with around SAR 293 million for losses tied to violations in two listed companies' shares.

Jul 26,2026
Makkah Deputy Emir Leads Annual Washing of the Kaaba | Saudi Living