Philippines and Qatar signed a preliminary agreement on Monday to bolster bilateral growth in tourism and business events. 

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) is one of the agreements inked during Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s state visit to the Southeast Asian country. 

"We are reintroducing the Philippines to the world on the strength of our Filipino culture, heritage, and identity, and we view our partnership with Qatar as being an important part of this movement," the Philippine News Agency reported, quoting the country’s tourism secretary Christina Frasco. 

The agreement is expected to solidify the countries’ aim to encourage tourism investments, promote familiarization visits for media and tourism experts, and upskill operators, employees, and specialists. 

Philippines received 10,438 visitors from Qatar in 2023, according to data released by the Department of Tourism. 

Philippine’s tourism department has worked towards strengthening Muslim-friendly and halal tourism offerings to cater to the need of its Muslim visitors.

The country announced its plan to launch a national halal strategy last September, aiming to generate 230 billion pesos in investment and help create 120,000 jobs in five years. Besdies food and food-related products, the plan also includes verticals such as Islamic finance, and halal-friendly travel and tourism. 

Philippine was named the emerging Muslim-friendly destination at the Halal in Travel Global Summit 2023. 

Businesses and companies across the Middle East are urged to step up cybersecurity measures to safeguard consumers and brands during Ramadan. 

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, is a period of fasting, reflection, and discipline. But it is also a time for increased spending on gift tokens and food, resulting in a surge in retail and online transactions. 

The spike in e-commerce activity offers a perfect backdrop for cybercriminals to defraud individuals and conduct online scams. 

Los Angeles-headquartered cybersecurity firm Resecurity has estimated that the total financial impact of fraudulent activities and scams ranges between $70 million to $100 million across the Middle East. This accounts for frauds committed against expatriates, residents and foreign visitors. 

Resecurity identified gifts/charity/donations fraud as the most emerging type of fraudulent activity across the Middle East during Ramadan, followed by job scams.  Other malicious types include financial fraud, phishing/smishing, investment fraud and cryptocurrency scams. 

The cybersecurity firm also highlighted a rising trend where cybercriminals impersonate shipping companies such as Aramex, SMSA Express and Zajil Express, targeting people through SMS, iMessage or WhatsApp.

The deceptive messages claims that a parcel delivery is pending, urging individuals to pay for a ‘delivery’. 

“Cybercriminals are aggressively exploiting platforms and well-known logistics services to deceive internet users and draw them into different scams. It is strongly advised to refrain from sharing personal and payment information on questionable sites or with individuals posing as bank or government employees,” Resecurity said in its report. 

Countries across the Middle East have upped their cybersecurity game in recent years. The UAE launched its National Campaign for Cybersecurity in the run-up to the holy month to enhance public awareness of cyberthreats and various ways of protection against them.

Last December, Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority updated its cybersecurity toolkit to bolster cyber preparedness in the kingdom. 

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

Editor's note: Another Hajj season is round the corner, as evident from news that Saudi has begun issuing visas for the annual pilgrimage. To facilitate the pilgrims, it has also introduced an initiative by offering tailored packages via approved service providers. The UAE has also urged pilgrims to get necessary vaccinations ahead of the religious journey. 

Meanwhile, a British e-tailer has unveiled a modest fashion campaign in the holy month of Ramadan, which will be available until the end of April. 

Company News

Saudi Arabia

Almosafer named official flight partner for the Direct Hajj Initiative

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has introduced the Direct Hajj Initiative through its official "Nusuk Hajj" platform to enhance services for pilgrims.

This initiative aims to elevate the pilgrimage experience by offering tailored packages via approved service providers, such as Almosafer.

This move underscores the government's commitment to enriching the journey for pilgrims visiting the holy cities of Saudi Arabia. (Zawya)

United Kingdom

British e-tailer unveils modest fashion for Ramadan by global designers

Farfetch launches a Ramadan modest-wear fashion campaign featuring designs from 30 regional and international designers, available until April end.

The collections encompass ready-to-wear apparel, fine jewellery, footwear, and homeware.

Participating brands include Bambah, Baruni, and Dina Melwani from Dubai, as well as international labels like Brunello Cucinelli, Chopard, and Missoni, reflecting a diverse array of styles and influences. (Arab News)

United Kingdom

Sweaty Betty launches new sports hijab for International Women's Day

Sweaty Betty introduces its highly anticipated Power Pro range and upgraded Gaia yoga collection, earning praise from the Women's Health team.

The launch has been a joint effort between the UK sports brand and the Sweaty Betty Foundation. All profits from the sales of the sports hijab will be donated to the foundation.  (Women’s Health)

Trade Developments

Philippines

Tourism department urges Region 8 hotels, restos to seek Muslim-friendly tag

The Department of Tourism (DOT) urges hotels and restaurants in Eastern Visayas to pursue Muslim-friendly status to attract Muslim travellers.

DOT Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar highlights the importance of catering to the needs of Muslim tourists, citing a growing number of foreign Muslim visitors to the country. (PNA)

Indonesia

Ministry, religious body agree to cooperate in halal tourism and creative economy

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy partnered with the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) to advance halal tourism and the halal creative economy.

Minister Sandiaga Uno emphasized the significance of this collaboration, aiming to seek guidance from MUI as the sectors experience rapid growth.

Both entities will engage in joint initiatives like capacity-building and information exchange to foster halal tourism activities. (Antara News)

Malaysia / Indonesia

Malaysia Tourism Agency Association partners with Indonesia Halal Lifestyle Center for event

The Malaysia Tourism Agency Association and the Indonesia Halal Lifestyle Center are jointly organizing the International Minang Food & Fashion Festival 2024.

Aligned with the Asia Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo, it underscores the robust economic partnership between Malaysia and Indonesia in the halal industry sector. (Travel and Tour World)

Regulatory

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia starts issuing visas for Hajj 2024

Saudi Arabia has commenced issuing Hajj visas to Muslim pilgrims globally for the upcoming annual Hajj season, with issuance running until April 29.

The Hajj season for this year is scheduled from June 14 to 19.

Saudi authorities have licensed 1,860 buildings in Mecca to accommodate pilgrims, anticipating housing approximately 1.2 million individuals. (Visa Guide)

France

Sports alliance calls for end to hijab ban in French basketball

The Sport and Rights Alliance has called on France's basketball authorities to reverse the ban on the hijab, advocating for equal access to women.

Over 80 athletes, including US Women’s NBA star Breanna Stewart and Olympic medal-winning fencer Ibitihaj Muhammad, signed a letter released on International Women’s Day, stating that restrictions on religious headwear in France do not align with international standards. (Arab News)

UAE

UAE implements new rules for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims

In the United Arab Emirates, influenza vaccination is now mandatory for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims, effective March 26, 2024.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention has emphasized adherence to vaccination protocols and health precautions.

Pilgrims must provide proof of influenza vaccination before embarking on their journey, with the ministry urging pilgrims to visit health centers to receive necessary vaccinations. (Connexionblog)

Wealthy Muslims are prepared to spend nearly $2 billion on purchasing homes in the holy cities of Makkah and Medinah, new research has found. 

Property consultancy Knight Frank surveyed just over 500 high-net-worth Muslims from nine Muslim-majority countries - Algeria, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore and Turkey. 

The respondents collectively own more than 2,250 homes, with 29% already owning between 3-5 properties. 

The survey findings align with Saudi's announcement of new premium residency scheme to attract and retain foreign talent, including a premium visa for owners of property worth at least 4 million Saudi riyals. 

“The fact that 84% of global HNWI interested in purchasing in Saudi would like to do so in one of the holy cities underscores the depth of pent-up demand for home ownership from outside the country,” said Faisal Durrani, partner – head of research, MENA at Knight Frank. 

“And the demand appears to be genuine, with 48% of those looking to purchase a property in Makkah intending to use it as a main residence.”

The findings suggest that respondents - defined in the survey as individuals with a 'personal net worth of over $500,000, excluding the value of their main home - were most keen to purchase real estate in Makkah (30%), followed by Riyadh (25%) and Medinah (19%).

The wealthy Muslims surveyed allocated an average budget of $4.7 million for the purchase of a property in the holy cities. Nearly half (40%) of those considering Makkah for buying a home are prepared to spend upward of $5 million.

“The $4.7 million average Muslim global HNWI budgets for homes in the holy cities will undoubtedly give further impetus to the giga project developers, many of whom we expect will begin marketing homes from upwards of $1 million, which sits above the bulk of domestic Saudi budgets," said Durrani. 

One-fifth (22%) of wealthy Muslims surveyed are keen to complete a purchase this year, with a further 33% wanting to own a property in the kingdom in the next 12-24 months. 

The survey further revealed that two-thirds (66%) of those keen on owning a house in Makkah prefer to pay the full amount at the point of transaction, while 54% of the respondents considering Medinah for investment are keen to pay for the property in full at the time of purchase. 

The blessed month of Ramadan is upon us. An estimated 1.9 billion Muslims around the world fast through the holy month.

As the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, the precise start date of Ramadan, and all other Islamic months, hinges on the sighting of the new moon. 

Hence the exact start date can only be confirmed a night or two in advance. Islamic months are either 29 or 30 days long. 

Here's are the tentative dates for the beginning of the holy month across select Muslim-majority countries. 

- Saudi Arabia 

Ramadan is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 11 or Tuesday, March 12, this year. 

- UAE

Ramadan is expected to fall on March 11. The UAE’s International Astronomy Centre announced the sighting of the Shaban crescent moon on February 10.

- Qatar 

Ramadan 2024 is astronomically expected to fall on Monday, March 11, according to the Qatar Calendar House.

- Malaysia 

According to astrological predictions, the first day of the holy month of Ramadan is set to fall on March 11. 

- Indonesia

Much like the rest of the world, the holy month is expected to begin on Monday, March 11, this year. 

- Pakistan

Ramadan is expected to commence on Tuesday, March 12, across the country. 

- Turkey 

The first day of the holy month is set to fall on March 11. 

- Iran 

Ramadan is expected to fall on March 11. 

Saudi Arabia received more than 106 million tourists in 2023, who collectively spent in excess of 250 billion Saudi riyals ($66.7 billion). 

The kingdom received 79.3 million domestic tourists, up 2% year-on-year, while the number of international tourists reached 27.4 million, a 65% increase over 2022. 

 Overall tourist figures increased 12% year-on-year and were up 56% from 2019. 

The kingdom achieved the tourism milestone “seven years ahead of the initial goal”, Saudi’s tourism ministry said in a statement.

This has prompted the country to set a new target of welcoming 150 million tourists a year by the end of the decade.  

Tourism minister Ahmed Al Khateeb said that the announcement demonstrates the scale of transformation since the national tourism strategy was launched five years ago. 

Tourism is central to the country’s diversification plan to reduce its dependence on oil. Last month, the Saudi Tourism Authority launched a marketing campaign starring footballer heavyweight Lionel Messi, to dispel misconceptions about the country. The campaign targeted key markets of Europe, India and China. 

“The kingdom's success story is built on a foundation of strategic initiatives and reforms that have propelled its tourism sector to new heights,” the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) said. 

Demand for tourism activity licenses increased 390% last year, while contribution to non-oil gross value added exceeded an estimated 7%. The sector offered 925,000 jobs as of 2023, with the kingdom aiming to make tourism the second-largest employer by 2030. 

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

Editor's note: Brazil is making top effort to build on its incumbent profile of a halal meat exporter, and draw inbound tourism to spur its economy. Meanwhile, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are keen to strengthen media cooperation, while World Hijab Day was celebrated with renewed vigor across more than 100 countries. 

Modest fashion trailblazers were celebrated with equal verve in Malaysia, which is also looking to tap into Europe's sizeable Muslim population to spur its tourism sector. 

Company News

Malaysia
Bitsmedia to focus on Muslim Pro app content localisation
Bitsmedia Pte Ltd, the developer of the Muslim lifestyle app Muslim Pro, is prioritizing content localization efforts this year to cater to the diverse needs of its Malaysian users.

Nafees Khundker, the company's MD, highlighted the initiative's focus on enhancing user experience in Malaysia by expanding its offering with Bahasa Malaysia subtitles.

This move aims to broaden the app's customer reach and better serve the Malaysian audience. (New Straits Times)

Bangladesh
Elaf Al Dubai starts its journey in Bangladesh
Elaf Al Dubai, a modest fashion brand from Dubai, celebrated its debut in February with a lavish launch event at the Sheraton Hotel in Banani.

The brand, founded by Tanzila Elma and Ahmed Tuhin Reza, received accolades from esteemed guests, including Md Shamsul Haque Tuku, the deputy speaker of the parliament from Pabna-1 constituency, who attended as the chief guest. (The Business Standard)

Malaysia
Celebrating innovators at the Hijab Fashion Award 2024
Hotel One World in Petaling Jaya hosted the Hijab Fashion Award 2024 to celebrate creativity and empowerment in the realm of modest fashion in Malaysia.

The event transcended mere fashion to celebrate women's achievements and make a bold statement on the global fashion stage. (BNN Breaking)

Trade Developments

Saudi Arabia / Egypt
Egypt, Saudi Arabia forge ahead with media cooperation plans
Egypt's Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly and Saudi Media Minister Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossary met in Egypt's newly established capital to strengthen media cooperation between the two countries.

The gathering included prominent figures such as Saudi Ambassador to Egypt, Osama Nuqli, and CEO of the General Authority of Media Regulation, Dr. Abdullatif Al-Abdullatif. (BNN Breaking)

Pakistan
Pakistan to announce training, biometric verification schedule for Hajj pilgrims next week
Pakistan's Religious Affairs Minister Aneeq Ahmed met with Saudi Arabia's Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki at the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad to discuss arrangements for the forthcoming Hajj pilgrimage.

Following the meeting, the minister announced plans to unveil a schedule for training and biometric verification of Hajj pilgrims next week. (Arab News)

Brazil
Brazil looks to boost tourism from Muslim-majority countries
Brazil is venturing into halal tourism to attract more tourists from Muslim-majority nations, aiming to build on its status as the world's leading producer and exporter of halal meat.

With the industry generating $238 billion annually, Brazil sees an opportunity to tap into this lucrative market by catering to Muslim travellers.

This move underscores Brazil's efforts to diversify its tourism offerings and appeal to a broader range of visitors. (Middle East Monitor)

Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia unveils Hajj media hub initiative
Saudi Arabia unveils plans for a Hajj media hub to streamline coverage of the upcoming pilgrimage season, as announced by Media Minister Salman Al Dosary.

The initiative aims to offer a centralized platform for both local and international media, providing comprehensive coverage of the annual congregation. (Muslim News Nigeria)

Malaysia / Europe
ITC to showcase Malaysia’s Muslim-friendly offerings in European cities
The Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is spearheading Malaysia's tourism endeavors in the Muslim traveller market with a sales mission to Paris, France, and London, UK. 

The strategic initiative targets Europe's sizable Muslim population of approximately 25.7 million, leveraging collaborations with local travel agencies and Muslim community groups.  (Travel & Tour World)

Regulatory

Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia implements heavy fines for Hajj violations
Saudi Arabia has issued a firm warning against individuals intending to embark on the forthcoming Hajj pilgrimage without obtaining the requisite permits.

The authorities have outlined stringent penalties for those contravening Hajj regulations. According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, individuals undertaking Hajj without the mandated permits could face fines of up to 50,000 Saudi riyals. (BOL News)

ESG Developments

Bangladesh
Bangladesh proposes new digital platform to counter Israeli disinformation on Palestine
Bangladesh's state minister for information has urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to establish a joint digital platform to counter Israel's dissemination of misinformation regarding Palestine.

This proposal comes as the OIC unveils fresh initiatives to expose Tel Aviv's atrocities. (Arab News)

Education

United Kingdom
More than 150 countries celebrate 12th annual World Hijab Day
The World Hijab Day was observed in over 150 countries, with a focus on combating hijabophobia through heightened awareness and education about the traditional Muslim headscarf.

The flagship event, organized by the World Hijab Day organization in New York, included an online conference with speakers from 12 countries. (Arab News)

Technology

Canada
Muslim community leaders launch app to help people report Islamophobic incidents
Leaders within Muslim communities are optimistic about a new tool designed to address the underreporting of hate crimes.

The Islamophobia-Motivated Incident Reporting Tool (IMIRT) app, launched nationwide, aims to bridge the gap between unreported hate incidents and official statistics. (CBC News)