The Kiswa, or that garb of the Holy Kaaba, was replaced Monday by officials of the The General Presidency for the Grand Holy Mosque and the Prophet's Holy Mosque.

The cloth is normally changed on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, or the day of Arafat.

Pilgrim are required to be at the plain of Arafat on Monday for the climax of the Haj, allowing authorities to work with ease in the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

The Director General of Kaabah Kiswa Factory in Makkah, Mohammed Abdullah Pajudeh, said in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that more than 240 workers and employees are working in the factory. He said the cost of making Kiswa amounts annually to more than SR 22 million.

He pointed out that 700 kilograms of silk and 120 kilograms of silver and gold wires are used in making the Kiswa.