Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Minister of Haj Bandar Hajjar will open the 40th annual Haj symposium on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The secretary general of the symposium, Hisham Al-Abbas, said the Ministry of Haj has always held a summit on the first day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. This year's symposium is titled “The Knowledge of Haj: a religious goal and a humanitarian duty. More than 200 researchers and experts in the fields of religion, Islam and Haj will attend the event, said Al-Abbas. He added the symposium is an opportunity for experts of various fields and sciences to share their knowledge under the umbrella of Haj. “The summit welcomes guests from all parts of the world as it is set on an inclusive agenda to discuss the latest technologies and scientific discoveries available to enhance the Haj experience. The summit is also a platform to discuss the latest needs and demands of pilgrims,” said Al-Abbas. He also said the Kingdom plays an instrumental role in the development and expansion of the two holy mosques. “From the founding father of this country to the current King, Saudi Arabia has mobilized all resources and efforts in serving the pilgrims from all over the world. The Kingdom has accomplished a number of projects with regard to Haj and has always relied on the latest technologies to be a pioneering nation in serving Islam,” said Al-Abbas. He added the Kingdom is aware of the significant position it holds to the Islamic world. “The Kingdom takes the responsibility of educating the pilgrims about their religion and guides them through the journey of Haj. In a time of spiritual endeavors, the Kingdom values and respects all pilgrims in the holy mosques and views them as guests of Allah at His house,” said Al-Abbas. Kaaba kiswa Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, will hand over the new kiswa, the black cloth covering of the Kaaba, to the Kiswa Factory on Monday, SPA said. Kiswa Factory Manager Mohammad Bajoudah said replacing the kiswa of the Kaaba is an annual custom carried out at the beginning of Dhul Hijjah. “The Kaaba will be adorned with the new kiswa on Dhul Hijjah 9. More than 240 Saudi employees at the factory worked on the new kiswa. The factory will keep the old kiswa for record,” said Bajoudah. “The factory has the biggest sewing machine in the world. The machine is 16 meters long and it is automated. The factory also has a lab and a room for fabric treatment,” said Bajoudah. He said the annual change of the kiswa costs around SR22 million for the materials used and the expenses of the labor.
