MAKKAH, 30 January — Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed yesterday oversaw the ceremonial washing of the Holy Ka’aba as Saudi Arabia stepped up preparations for the annual Haj pilgrimage.

The ceremony, during which the Ka’aba was washed with Zamzam mixed with rose water, was attended by members of the royal family, ministers and diplomats from Muslim countries.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, the governor said it was a great honor for him to wash the Holy Ka’aba on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd.

Prince Abdul Majeed expressed his hope that Muslims will unite under the banner of Islam and set an example to other communities by following the divine teachings of Islam.

The governor also expressed the wish that the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who have started coming for Haj will be able to carry out their religious duties with ease and comfort.

Prince Abdul Majeed, who is chairman of the Central Haj Committee, said the government was making final preparations to receive the pilgrims. He urged Saudi officials to extend the best possible service to the guests of God.

The Ka’aba, located at the heart of the Grand Mosque, is washed twice a year, once for the fasting month of Ramadan and again for the Haj.

According to tradition, Prophet Adam, the father of humankind, founded the Ka’aba, which was subsequently rebuilt several times. The present structure dates from the seventh century, but has undergone several subsequent restorations.

The Ka’aba is covered by a black cloth (kiswa), which is replaced every year before the Haj. Some 450 kilograms of silk and 15 kilos of gold thread are used to make the 658 square-meter kiswa.

Prince Abdul Majeed later inspected the Ain Zubaida renovation project including water tanks built along the Nuaman valley.

Dr. Omar Abu Zinada, head of the project's scientific team, briefed the prince on the historic significance of the spring. The governor commended Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, for ordering the restoration of the spring.