Home / News

Featured News


All Other News
Halal Industry
How influencers can amplify halal food reach

Businesses have always welcomed endorsement. Someone who champions their offerings. Which is why brands and star power have historically crossed paths. Celebrities and athletes have endorsed products from food and beverages to cosmetics and household items to amplify their presence and uptake. 

But in today’s time of new-media capitalization, it is almost a matter of course for businesses to leverage the power of technology to bolster their reach. Social media has given rise to a cohort of content creators who have developed a digital presence, focus on engagement and community and have become a trusted presence within their communities, strong enough to exert a considerable 'influence' on their followers.  

This rising clout of influencers has forced businesses to return to the drawing board and pen a new marketing playbook. 

The hype is not misplaced - the global influencer marketing market size has more than trebled since 2019, increasing from $6.5 billion to an estimated $24 billion in 2024, according to data and business intelligence firm Statista. 

The halal food sector is no different. It is an evolving space, both in terms of options and uptake, and is now no longer restricted to Muslims. There has been evidence of its adoption among non-Muslims, throwing the arena wide open for halal food businesses to capture a sizeable chunk of the overall F&B ecosystem.

However, for halal food to find continuous favour among consumers, businesses must tap into the growing power of influencers, forging a personalised connect with the consumer. 

“Influencers, or rather, content creators, are crucial for halal food providers. With social media marketing dominating many brands' marketing budgets, this sector will only get bigger and more indispensable for every business in some way shape or form,” says Amena Khan, a UK-based social media influencer. 

Sealing the deal

Influencers wield considerable hold on consumers' purchasing power – a study by PR agency Matter Communications, that surveyed more than 1,000 US consumers, revealed 69% of respondents are likely to trust an influencer, friend or family recommendation over information coming directly from a brand. Food and beverage generated the most consumer interest and most potential to act on influencer content, followed by health and wellness. 

“Given how widely used social media is in this current day and age, influencers can play a vital role in a brand’s exposure and visibility to their Muslim consumers. All it takes is one image or short video of the restaurant going viral to reach a large and varied audience across the country - much quicker than any word of mouth or an online search would yield,” says Layla Hassanali, founder of Halal Girl About Town, a platform dedicated to finding the best halal restaurants in the UK. 

Influencers can help forge an alliance with the wider non-Muslim consumer base, which may struggle to recognize the benefits of halal food beyond religious context. An all-inclusive approach may also blur the social distance between Muslims and non-Muslims and help combat issues like Islamophobia. 

“To a non-Muslim, a halal restaurant might come across as having closed doors; a place that only caters to Muslims. With influencers continuing to post about halal food and growing their platform reach, they can open the doors to many non-Muslims by showing them that there is more to the restaurant/brand than just a halal certification,” adds Hassanali. 

Impact of 'choices'
Influencers help form a genuine digital interaction, offering their own seal of approval and helping draw businesses and consumers closer. But for that to happen seamlessly, influencers must develop their own credibility. Especially in a field such as halal food, which has religious threads attached to it.

Hassanali explains: “Over time, an influencer’s platform will curate a specific audience that resonate with the influencer’s own lifestyle and brand choices. Lifestyle and brand choices are more impactful if they are in line with what you stand for.”

Halal Industry
Halal industry roundup: Philippines to send halal trade mission to Saudi Arabia 

Here's a roundup of key developments across the halal industry ecosystem during the month of October

 

Editor's note: Philippines aims to strengthen ties with the largest Arab economy, and is sending a halal trade mission to achieve the same. Malaysia is inking a deal with Pakistan to import halal food, while India is setting new guidelines for halal meat exports.

 

Company News


Malaysia

Gigi Coffee gets halal-certified by JAKIM

Gigi Coffee, a Malaysian coffee chain, has received halal certification from JAKIM after passing a thorough examination of its food handling, preparation, and sourcing processes.

 

The certification process includes not only food-related requirements but also broader criteria, such as having a strategic layout plan and employing a minimum number of Malaysian Muslim staff.

 

This approval ensures that Gigi Coffee adheres to strict halal guidelines. (Vulcano Post)

 

Malaysia

Maybank, Borong partner to launch Malaysia's first B2B halal marketplace

The Salaam Market initiative aims to position Malaysia as a global leader in the halal industry by supporting SMEs in overcoming challenges related to halal certification, financial services, and sourcing.

 

It simplifies participation in the halal economy for businesses in Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Singapore, facilitating international expansion.

 

The platform also enables SMEs to purchase halal products at competitive prices without minimum order requirements, reducing costs and streamlining operations. (Says)

 

Trade Developments


Philippines / Saudi Arabia

Philippines to send halal trade mission to Saudi Arabia 

The Philippines is set to send a halal trade mission to Saudi Arabia from October 27 to November 5, aiming to strengthen trade ties with the kingdom.

 

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, the mission will visit Riyadh and Jeddah to promote the country’s growing halal industry.

 

Philippine officials are working to expand the domestic halal sector while enhancing economic relations with Saudi Arabia, according to Rommel Romato, charge d'affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. (Arab News)

 

Malaysia / Pakistan

Malaysia inks deal with Pakistan to import halal meat, rice

During a bilateral meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced Malaysia’s agreement in principle to import 100,000 metric tonnes of halal meat and Basmati rice from Pakistan.

 

Anwar, on a three-day state visit to Islamabad, described the trip as personally significant. He expressed confidence that Pakistan's halal meat exporters could meet Malaysia's strict halal regulations, ensuring the quality of their products. (The Star)

 

Azerbaijan

SESRIC ready to implement joint projects with Azerbaijan in halal sector

Azerbaijan's growing halal industry is enhancing its integration into global markets and boosting trade with Islamic countries, according to Zehra Zumrut Selcuk, head of SESRIC.

 

Speaking at the Azerbaijan Halal Business and Tourism Forum, she emphasized Azerbaijan's strategic position and economic growth, making it a key player in the Islamic world.

 

The halal sector holds significant potential for the country's economy and trade, with forums like AZHAB fostering collaboration on both business and governmental levels.Top of FormBottom of Form (Azerbaycan24)

 

Vietnam

Government strives to build a sustainable halal ecosystem in Vietnam

Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, led by Minister Huynh Thanh Dat, aims to build a sustainable halal ecosystem in collaboration with domestic and international partners.

 

Speaking at the National Halal Conference, Minister Huynh emphasized the growing demand for halal products, with global spending projected to reach $1.67 trillion by 2025. (Vietnam VN)

 

Indonesia

BPJPH signs 52 halal certification deals with 24 countries

Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) announced the signing of 52 mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) with halal certification bodies from 24 countries at the Halal-20 (H20) forum in Tangerang, Banten, held from October 9-12.

 

This brings the total number of MRAs to 92.

 

BPJPH head Aqil Irham highlighted the importance of the forum in expanding global networks and leveraging technological innovation to benefit halal stakeholders, marking a key step in strengthening the global halal ecosystem. (Halal Focus)

 

Regulatory


Indonesia

Indonesia delays Halal important conditions

Indonesia has announced a delay in implementing a new regulation requiring exporting countries to provide Halal certification for raw food products, including beef. Initially set to take effect last week after four years of development, the requirement has been postponed, with a new deadline yet to be determined.

 

According to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Australian government is actively working with Indonesia to gain clarity on the duration of the delay and will keep exporters informed as new information about Indonesia’s requirements becomes available.

(Beef Central)

 

Malaysia

Jakim recognises five more foreign halal certification bodies

Malaysia’s Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has amended the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Halal Marking) Order 2011, adding new overseas halal certification bodies recognized by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

 

The update includes five additional foreign bodies - two from Russia, and one each from Brazil, Mongolia, and Uruguay - bringing the total number of recognized bodies to 88 across 49 countries. (The Star)

 


UPCOMING EVENTS :

Islamic Lifestyle
How decentralized autonomous organizations reflect an ancient Islamic principle

When we talk about DAOs (decentralized autonomous organizations), the conversation usually revolves around blockchain technology, decentralized governance, and the future of the internet.

But what if I told you that the essence of a DAO — community-driven decision-making, mutual responsibility, and shared ownership — has been a core part of Islamic history for centuries?

DAOs offer an opportunity to revive these values in a modern, digital context. Let’s explore how DAOs are not just a tech innovation but a continuation of cooperative systems we’ve practiced for centuries in Islam.

What is a DAO?

A DAO is an organization governed by code, not by a central authority. Decisions are made collectively by stakeholders through blockchain technology.

Think of it as a global cooperative where each member has a voice, and all decisions are transparent and executed automatically via smart contracts. DAOs operate on decentralization, trust, and shared ownership - values that resonate deeply with Islamic ethics.

Shura: The Islamic tradition of collective decision-making

One of the foundational elements of DAOs is collective decision-making, and that’s where Islam has a lot to teach us. The concept of shura (consultation) is central to Islamic governance.

In the Qur’an, Allah instructs the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to consult with his followers in matters of mutual concern: “…and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah” (3:159).

Shura involves the community in decision-making - a system where individuals’ opinions are valued. This reflects the democratic essence of DAOs, where every participant has a vote. Shura can be seen as a precursor to DAO governance. Decisions are made collectively, with no single person dictating the organization’s future.

Waqf: The Islamic model of decentralized charity
DAOs often manage collective funds transparently, paralleling the Islamic practice of waqf. A waqf is an endowment, typically for charitable purposes, managed by trustees on behalf of the community.

The waqf system operates independently from centralized control, with trustees ensuring the community benefits. The structure is transparent, much like DAOs, where resources are decentralized and managed for the collective good with accountability at its core.

The Ummah: Community and mutual ownership

Islam emphasizes the ummah - the global Muslim community united by faith, support, and shared responsibility. In a sense, DAOs extend this concept into the digital age. The ummah is decentralized, spread across continents and cultures, yet connected by faith and a collective sense of belonging.

DAOs, much like the ummah, function on shared ownership and responsibility. Each member of a DAO has a stake in its success, with decisions made for the collective benefit. Just as the ummah operates without a central leader, relying on mutual cooperation, DAOs embody this decentralized approach to governance.

Zakat: Financial responsibility and fair distribution

The principle of Zakat (obligatory charity) parallels another critical component of DAOs: fair and transparent wealth distribution.

In the same way that Zakat ensures equitable wealth distribution in the Muslim community, DAOs can ensure resources are allocated fairly. Whether focused on charity, community projects, or business, DAOs are designed to prevent exploitation and promote fairness.

What’s compelling about DAOs is their removal of intermediaries. Just as Zakat is a direct transaction between the giver and those in need, DAOs allow participants to decide directly how funds are used, cutting out middlemen who could misuse resources.

A return to Islamic values through technology

So, where does that leave us as Muslims in this increasingly decentralized world? The answer is clear: DAOs are not just compatible with Islamic values - they are an opportunity to revive and enhance those values using modern technology.

We live in an age where transparency, collective decision-making, and mutual ownership are not just ideals; they are achievable realities thanks to blockchain and decentralized systems.

By embracing DAOs, we are not merely adopting a new technological trend. We are returning to the heart of our Islamic tradition - one that values consultation, transparency, mutual support, and equitable resource distribution. DAOs allow us to create a new kind of ummah, one that is digital but grounded in the principles of our faith.

This is more than just an opportunity; it’s a responsibility. We now have the tools to build systems that reflect the best of Islamic governance, charity, and cooperation.

The question is, are we ready to step into this new digital frontier, guided by the values that have been with us all along?

Sharene Lee is chief operating officer and Ameerah Langer is brand & communications head at Takadao

Islamic Lifestyle
Tourism Australia launches consortium in Indonesia to draw Muslim travellers

Tourism Australia has launched its first consortium of travel agencies in Indonesia, to expand its outreach to Muslim travellers. 

The consortium has been launched with four travel partners in Indonesia: AntaVaya Umroh, As-Salam by Dwidaya Tour, Cheria Holiday, and Ramah Umroh & Halal Tour, TTG Asia reported. 

The agencies have rolled out an array of travel itineraries across Australia featuring Muslim-friendly experiences. 

Travellers depart on February 19, April 2, April 23 and May 28 next year, on Qantas Airways flights.

Itineraries include visits to the Blue Mountains, the alpacas of Port Stephens, Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill, the Sydney Harbour and Australia’s largest shopping mall - Chadstone Shopping Centre.

Agitya Nuraini, country manager for Indonesia, Tourism Australia, said that Indonesia has been one of Australia’s top five recovery markets in rebuilding to 2019 arrivals and trip expenditure levels. 

“In the past financial year, Australia welcomed 213,000 Indonesian travellers – 96% of 2019 levels – who collectively spent A$1.1 billion ($737.36 million) which was 26% more compared to 2019.

“Around 80% of Indonesia’s middle class is Muslim, and this population has a high discretionary income, a strong desire to travel, and are looking for authentic cultural experiences. Our consortium is another leap in our ongoing efforts to extend Australia’s many Muslim-friendly experiences to Indonesians planning their next holiday.”

Tourism Australia has been marketing Muslim-friendly visitor experiences for more than 20 years, offering promotions to Muslim travellers.
 

Halal Industry
Indians shun Western brands in response to Gaza conflict

In the central Indian city of Bhopal, 12-year-old Hashir Ahmed and his brother Ashaz use the website bdnaash.com to check beverage brands before making purchases. They wish to avoid products from companies that support Israel. The brothers rely on this resource for all their purchases at local stores, whether it's chips, biscuits, or chocolates.

"We've seen the difficult situation in Gaza. Many innocent children and adults have suffered. The least we can do is avoid products of companies that support Israel and its allies," Ahmed tells Salaam Gateway.

Although they are unaware of the origins of bdnaash.com, they've been using it for nearly a year since the escalation of the crisis in Palestine. They didn't initially understand the broader implications of their choices, but they are pleased to have stopped frequenting places like McDonald's and have not purchased brands like Lays and Uncle Chipps for quite some time.
 
Strong support in Kolkata, other cities 
The sentiment is also resonating with adults, and across other cities, such as the eastern Indian town of Kolkata. 

The Concerned Citizens of Kolkata launched their initiative with a week-long campaign titled the ‘7 Days 7 Products Boycott Movement’ last year. This was soon followed by another initiative called ‘40 Days 40 Products.’

Dr. Sarfaraz Adil, a physician and a member of the group that launched the campaign, explained, “The key aspect of this campaign was encouraging people to boycott 40 specific products while providing them with alternative brands that are locally made in India.”

“The campaign is ongoing, and many participants, primarily from the Muslim community, have ceased using products associated with Israel and the US government,” Dr. Adil tells Salaam Gateway. 

The organization of this campaign was unprecedented for a city with a population of nearly 16 million, making it the third-largest city in India, he noted. As a result of the boycott, production of a local detergent powder – Zill - began in Kolkata to fill the gap left by the products people were choosing to avoid. While its production is currently limited and it is only available in Kolkata, it is gaining traction among users.
 
Similar sentiments trend across Jammu and Kashmir, India’s only Muslim-majority region, where a boycott of products associated with Israel is gaining force. 

“We stopped using such products. While we may not be able to do much for the people of Palestine, we can show our support through this boycott,” Adil Hashmi, a local resident of Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, tells Salaam Gateway. 

Asif Mujtaba is a shopkeeper in a Muslim neighbourhood in Nagpur in the western state of Maharashtra. Since October of last year, he has shifted to stocking only Indian-produced items in his grocery shop. Soft drinks like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, once favorites among the youth, are no longer sold.

“I don’t want to sell those products because the money we spend indirectly supports Israelis. Even young children have stopped buying these products in solidarity with their brothers and sisters,” Mujtaba explained.

In India, which has nearly 211 million Muslims - making it the country with the third-largest Muslim population after Indonesia and Pakistan - calls to boycott products that support Israel have been ongoing since the crisis escalated last October. The conflict has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians thus far. 
 
Technology facilitates purpose
Over the past year, several apps have emerged in India to help consumers identify products and their connections to Western companies. While not all Western companies are boycotted, those perceived to be close to Israel are facing significant backlash from the Muslim community.

“Although these apps are used by only a small percentage of people, they have attracted a notable number of users. For instance, the No Thanks app has been downloaded over a million times, and the Boycat app is estimated to have diverted over $2.5 million from companies linked to Israel,” said Mohammed Sinan Siyech, a non-resident associate fellow at the Observer Research Foundation in his research. 

According to the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer Special Report, Brands and Politics, over 55% of respondents in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, India, and the UAE indicated they boycott brands that take a side in the conflict, a sentiment directly tied to the Israel-Palestine crisis.

Approximately three-quarters of respondents in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and India reported that they are purchasing more local brands instead of foreign ones compared to a year ago.
 
India-Israel trade relations 
India is Israel's second-largest trading partner in Asia, with bilateral trade reaching $6.53 billion (excluding defense) in FY 2023-24. However, this figure has seen a decline due to regional security issues and disrupted trade routes, according to the Indian Embassy in Israel.

The relationship between India and Israel has strengthened significantly since BJP's leader Narendra Modi became premier in 2014. Reports indicate that India has been exporting weapons and military equipment to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Supreme Court of India recently dismissed a Public Interest Litigation that sought to stop arms exports to Israel, stating that it cannot interfere in matters of foreign policy.
 
The Water Transport Workers Federation of India, which represents more than 3,500 workers at 11 major ports across the country, has announced that its members will not handle weaponized cargo originating from or destined for Israel, as well as any other nation involved in transporting military equipment to Palestine.

Halal Industry
Hong Kong to certify 500 halal restaurants by end of next year 

Hong Kong is looking to certify more than 500 halal restaurants by the end of 2025 to beckon Muslim tourists to the city. A total of 142 restaurants have already been approved. 

The city's chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu, urged tourism-related businesses to look to Muslims visitors from the Middle Eastern and the Southeast Asian regions, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported. 

In his latest annual policy address, the leader also suggested compiling a roster of restaurants that offered halal food, encouraging commercial entities to provide Muslim-friendly facilities such as prayer rooms. 

Dr Pang Yiu-kai, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) said that the policy address puts forward various measures in developing a diversified portfolio of visitor source markets.

"Targeting the Middle Eastern and ASEAN markets, the HKTB promotes Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly destination, and constantly encourages and helps restaurants, hotels and attractions to be equipped with Muslim-friendly facilities. We have also stepped up marketing efforts in the Middle East and ASEAN countries to open up new visitor sources.”

OIC Economies
OIC roundup: UAE, Malaysia conclude CEPA negotiations

Here's a roundup of key developments across the OIC ecosystem during the month of October

 

Editor's note: Agreements and collaborations have kept the GCC humming. The UAE concluded negotiations for a free-trade agreement with Malaysia, in an attempt to reduce tariffs, trade barriers and boost private sector cooperation. Saudi is exploring trade and investment opportunities with Egypt, and is looking to enhance its trade partnership with Oman. 

 

Trade Developments


Saudi Arabia / Egypt

Egypt, Saudi explore opportunities to boost trade, investments

Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan El-Khatib, met with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy of the General Authority for Foreign Trade, Abdulaziz Al-Sukran, to explore strategies for boosting economic cooperation between the two nations.

 

El-Khatib highlighted the strong bilateral relationship and the potential to significantly increase trade and joint investments. He commended the efforts of Saudi officials in securing an investment protection agreement. (Zawya)

 

UAE / Malaysia

UAE, Malaysia conclude negotiations towards CEPA

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Zafrul Aziz, announced the completion of negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) between the two countries.

 

The deal aims to reduce tariffs, remove trade barriers, and boost private sector cooperation. In 2023, bilateral non-oil trade reached over $4.9 billion, with a 7% increase in early 2024. (Zawya)

 

Saudi Arabia / Oman

Saudi Arabia, Oman to enhance trade and economic partnership

Saudi Arabia and Oman discussed strengthening their economic partnership, with trade between the two nations reaching 36.8 billion Saudi riyals and Saudi exports to Oman totaling 22.5 billion Saudi riyals.

 

The discussions occurred during Omani Minister of Economy Dr. Said Al-Saqri's visit to the kingdom, where he met with Saudi Minister of Commerce Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi. The meeting highlighted efforts by GCC countries to boost regional and external trade. (Saudi Gazette)

 

Qatar / Uzbekistan

Qatar, Uzbekistan chambers discuss enhancing commercial ties

Qatar Chamber’s first vice-chairman, Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari, met with Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry deputy chairman, Safarov Umidbek Akbarovich, to discuss enhancing cooperation and boosting trade between the two countries.

 

The meeting explored investment climates and partnership opportunities for Qatari and Uzbek business owners. Al-Kuwari emphasized Qatari businessmen’s interest in Uzbekistan and the chamber’s commitment to encouraging joint ventures. (Gulf Times)

 

Qatar / Tajikistan

Qatar, Tajikistan review trade, investment ties

Qatar's Minister of Commerce and Industry met with representatives from Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Iran, discussing enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, and industry.

 

The meetings were held in conjunction with the Asian Cooperation Dialogue's forum.

 

The focus was on supporting and developing these sectors, with exchanges on the forum's agenda topics. (Zawya)

Islamic Lifestyle
Islamic lifestyle roundup: Omani sites feature in Islamic heritage list

Here's a roundup of key developments across the Islamic lifestyle ecosystem during the month of October

 

Editor's Note: Bisya Oasis and 13th Century Rustaq Fort join the eminent list of Islamic heritage sites. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has rolled out regulatory updates for temporary work visas for Hajj/Umrah services. 

 

Trade Developments


Indonesia

Indonesia to hold Modest Fashion Month for realizing global vision

Indonesia’s Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises hosted the first Modest Fashion Month on October 13 in Jakarta, supporting the country’s goal to become a global center for modest fashion.

 

Acting Deputy Temmy Satya Permana emphasized that the event aims to boost the local fashion industry's quality and competitiveness while promoting diversity and inclusiveness. (Antara News)

 

Taiwan / Brunei

Taiwan invites Bruneians to experience Muslim-friendly travel

Taiwan promoted eco-friendly travel and highlighted its Muslim-friendly environment to Brunei visitors at the Sabre Brunei Travel Fair 2024.

 

Abe Chou, representing Taiwan’s tourism authority, showcased unique travel experiences like the Alishan Forest Railway and Tanya Shen Green Bikeway.

 

Chou emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to becoming a halal hub, aiming to position Taiwan as a top destination for Muslim visitors. (Borneo Bulletin)

 

Japan

Tourists enjoy halal-certified Japanese cuisine in Kyoto

Muslim tourists are flocking to Honolu Grande Kyoto, a newly opened building in Kyoto’s Shijo-Kawaramachi district specialising in halal food.

 

The facility offers halal-compliant versions of popular Japanese dishes like ramen, beef sukiyaki, and wagyu beef, along with a prayer room.

 

The venue has gained popularity through social media, drawing Muslim families from Southeast Asia and beyond. (The Star)

 

Oman

Bisya, Rustaq Fort feature in Islamic heritage list

Oman's cultural heritage gained international recognition with Bisya Oasis in Bahla and Rustaq Fort in South Batinah being added to the Islamic world heritage list.

 

This achievement follows Oman’s participation in the 12th session of the Islamic World Heritage Committee in Azerbaijan.

 

The inclusion by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) reflects Oman’s commitment to preserving its historical sites and rich cultural legacy. (Zawya)

 

 

Company News


Saudi Arabia

MakeMyTrip launches one-stop visa solution for Umrah travellers

MakeMyTrip, in partnership with Umrahme, has launched an eVisa service specifically for Umrah travellers, offering a 90-day single-entry visa with added benefits.

 

The platform provides exclusive Umrah-related services, including flight listings and curated hotel recommendations in Makkah and Madinah.

 

Travellers from the UAE booking flights to Jeddah or Taif will be directed to a dedicated Umrah page. (Zawya)

 

 

Regulatory


Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia updates regulations for temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has introduced regulatory updates for temporary work visas for Hajj and Umrah services. 

 

The updates include renaming the seasonal work visa to 'temporary work visa for Hajj and Umrah services' and extending the grace period for these visas from Shaban 15 to the end of Muharram. (Arab News)


Events & Courses

18

Nov

Halal Trade Expo Dubai


Special Coverage

Top 30 Digital Islamic Economy Startups 2024

View all

Top 30 OIC Halal Products Companies 2023

View all

Gaza Crisis

View all

Global Islamic Fintech Report 2023/24

View all

The State of the Global Islamic Economy 2023/24 Report

View all

Global Islamic Fintech Report 2022

View all

State of the Global Islamic Economy 2022

View all

Food Security

View all

Women in the Islamic Economy

View all

COVID-19 and the Global Islamic Economy

View all

E-book: Impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on Islamic finance in OIC countries

View all

State of the Global Islamic Economy 2020/21

View all

Global Islamic Fintech Report 2021

View all