InterContinental Dar Al Tawhid Makkah Destination

Islam’s holiest shrine, the Kaaba, holds a position of unmatched importance for Muslims, drawing pilgrims and travelers from all over the world. Beyond its spiritual significance, it serves as the focal point for millions of Muslims during their daily prayers, dictating the direction they face, known as the Qibla. Derived from the Arabic word for “cube,” its symbolic geometric form is referred to by many names, including Bayt Allah, Al Bayt, Al Bayt Al Atiq, and Al Bayt Al Haram.

Steeped in history, the Zamzam Well is an awe-inspiring testament to divine providence, standing as a source of water bestowed by God’s benevolence. Its miraculous origin traces back to when Prophet Ibrahim’s son, Ismail, cried out of thirst as a baby. Located to the east of the Kaaba and close to our Makkah suites and rooms, today the well draws millions of visitors annually, yet despite the substantial amount of water used each year, the precious well remains ever flowing.

Steeped in history, the Zamzam Well is an awe-inspiring testament to divine providence, standing as a source of water bestowed by God’s benevolence. Its miraculous origin traces back to when Prophet Ibrahim’s son, Ismail, cried out of thirst as a baby. Located to the east of the Kaaba and close to our Makkah suites and rooms, today the well draws millions of visitors annually, yet despite the substantial amount of water used each year, the precious well remains ever flowing.

Every year, millions of Muslims embark on a pilgrimage to undertake once-in-a-lifetime rituals with deep religious significance. A pivotal part of this journey is their stay in Mina, a temporary tent city, where they are united by prayer. At sunrise on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah, they then move to Arafat, where the day is spent seeking repentance and prayer, before departing to Muzdalifah. When staying in Makkah, these experiences offer meaningful insight into the essence of faith.

The Kaaba, Allah’s sacred dwelling, is veiled by a black cloth called the Kiswa, which is produced and changed every year at a specialized factory in Makkah called Umm Al Joud. The 658-square-meter cloth contains 670 kilograms of silver and costs around SAR 17 million to produce. To inscribe the Quranic verses on the cloth requires a further 120 kilograms of pure gold and 50 kilograms of silver, reflecting the devotion and reverence it embodies.