MECCA: Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaibi (74), the chief key holder and caretaker of the Kaaba, has passed away on Saturday. He died in Makkah. He retired as a university professor and published many books on religion and history. Dr. Saleh Bin Zainul Abideen Al-Shaibi was the 109th caretaker of the Kaaba.
Shaibi's family has been entrusted with the custodianship of the Kaaba since the Islamic era. The elder in the family is usually given the responsibility. Al-Shaibi was one of the main performers of the ceremonies related to the Kaaba.