Thai translator recounts leading 1979 Kaaba door construction

Abdullah bin Abdul Muttalib, a 78-year-old Thai translator and Al-Azhar University graduate, has shared his history of leading a team of craftsmen to construct the Kaaba door in 1979.

During the reign of King Khalid, Abdullah led six Thai craftsmen—including three carpenters and three goldsmiths—to Saudi Arabia. The project involved using wood shipped from Thailand to build the door's structure, which was then plated with 280 kg of gold. The design was created by Syrian designer Munir Al-Jundi, and the Quranic calligraphy was executed by Sheikh Abdul Rahim Amin Makki.

Abdullah, who was noted as the only Arabic speaker in Thailand at the time, acted as both the head of the group and their translator. He is currently visiting Saudi Arabia through the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program.