Kiswa folded up by three meters to avoid damage

As is the custom every year during the Haj season, the Kiswa (the black cloth covering the Kaaba) has been folded up by three meters from the ground and a piece of white cloth has been placed to cover the folded portion. 

Mohammed Bin Abdullah Bajoudah, director of the Kaaba Kiswa factory, said the measure was meant to keep the Kiswa clean as many pilgrims want to touch it for blessing or even try to cut off a piece of the cloth to take with them.