The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum (UZF) will return for its second edition from April 14 - 16, 2025 (16 - 18 Shawwal 1446H), at the King Salman International Convention Center in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of the Madinah Region, and presented by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, UZF 2025 will bring together over 150 exhibitors and 25,000 visitors from more than 70 countries.

The three-day gathering will spotlight technology, healthcare, airlines, mobility, and transport, alongside new themes aimed at elevating the Umrah experience. The forum will include a conference, an exhibition, and workshops, showcasing advancements in hospitality, sustainable practices, and innovative pilgrimage services that adhere to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. 

The 2025 edition marks the first time UZF is organized by Tahaluf, a joint venture between Informa, a UK-based business intelligence, and exhibitions group, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund. 

Faariss Khalil, exhibition director at Tahaluf, said that UZF 2025 is more than a forum, rather it is a movement dedicated to elevating the Umrah and Ziyarah journey through collaboration, investment, and innovation. 

Attendees can expect focused conference sessions on advancing air travel, transforming pilgrimage services through technology, enhancing visitor care, and expanding tourism opportunities. A number of workshops will address topics such as building resilient operational systems, universal design for pilgrimage housing, and sustainable approaches to year-round tourism.

The event will feature speakers from the travel, technology, and development sectors, including executives from global tech firms, advisory groups, and travel platforms.

The exhibition will spotlight solutions across transport, accommodation, fintech, and healthcare, offering attendees a firsthand look at AI-powered travel tools, sustainable lodging concepts, and other innovations aimed at streamlining the Umrah journey for millions of pilgrims worldwide. 

Among the forum’s sponsors are the Saudi Tourism Authority, Rua Al Madinah Holding, Al Rajhi for Umrah, Tasheer, Knowledge Economic City, SAR, Taibah Investments (Makarem), Tawuniya Insurance, Movenpick, and Mansky. These sponsors plan to introduce innovative partnerships aimed at strengthening Umrah-related services and facilitating cross-border collaboration.

More than 122 million worshippers visited Makkah and Madinah during the month of Ramadan alone in 2025, underscoring the need for efficient services. UZF 2025 is expected to unveil new business and investment opportunities against the backdrop of an influx of visitors to Makkah and Madinah. 
 

Long recognized as a time of reflection, generosity, and communal gatherings, the holy month of Ramadan is also a period of festivities and giving. 

This year, many brands seized the opportunity to introduce first-time offerings that tap into the season's themes of faith, community, and giving back.

From modest fashion to commemorative gold bars, here's a round-up of some of the products launched during Ramadan. 

ANTAM's Damascus Mosque gold bars

Indonesian mining company PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTAM) introduced thematic 5-gram gold bars featuring the Damascus Mosque design. 

Maryam's Korner halal kitchen tea towel

Maryam's Korner introduced the 'Halal Kitchen' tea towel as part of their 2025 Ramadan/Eid collection, blending practicality with cultural significance.

Natural Delights Medjool date boxes

Natural Delights introduced 2-, 5-, and 11-pound boxes of premium Medjool dates during Ramadan.

Wardah’s ‘Menangkan Langkah Kebaikan’ (Win the steps of kindness) campaign

Indonesian halal beauty brand Wardah prioritized community-building and inspiration through its new campaign, which features short films and digital activations. Although not a physical product, the campaign embodied Ramadan's reflection and charitable spirit by encouraging kindness and self-improvement.

Noble Panacea's exceptional collection

Noble Panacea introduced a curated line to counter dryness and fatigue by launching items including the Exceptional Overnight Chronobiology Mask, a Vitamin C Booster, and an Eye Lift Concentrate formulated for a refreshed glow. 

Charlotte Tilbury's limited-edition makeup collection

Charlotte Tilbury launched its first Ramadan-themed collection, featuring the Magic Cream, Pillow Talk Matte Revolution lipstick, and the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, all reimagined with celestial moon-and-star motifs. 

Victoria's Secret Ramadan collection

Victoria's Secret unveiled a Ramadan collection for the first time, showcasing modest designs that blend the brand's signature elegance with culturally conscious details. The limited-edition pieces cater to those seeking style and propriety during the holy month.

Huda Beauty's habibti kits

Huda Beauty introduced habibti kits specifically for Ramadan outings and gatherings. The face-and-lip set includes the Blush Filter Liquid Blush, Faux Filler Gloss, and a Lip Contour 2.0 pencil. A smaller, travel-friendly lip set features a mini Bombshell lipstick and a matching gloss.

Simihaze's Ramadan makeup set

Simihaze launched a trio of beauty solutions that address dryness and fatigue, common during the fasting season. These include the Easy Lash Clean Lift Mascara, Hydra Melt Dewy Skin Balm, and the rose oil-infused Super Slick Lip Balm in a universal shade.

House of Noya’s Prima Collezione

To celebrate the month of Ramadan, the House of Noya debuted nine perfumes alongside four scented candles. Each scent reflects the spiritual rhythms of Ramadan days and nights, encouraging moments of quiet reflection and serenity.

Lush's Eid collection

Well-known for ethical and vegetarian products, Lush introduced an assortment of scented treats specifically for Ramadan. Highlights include Lailah soap, infused with blackcurrant, and the Basma body scrub with raspberry and grape juices. The Noor lip balm, made with sunflower wax and organic shea butter, rounds out the line. 

IKEA’s Gokvällå collection

IKEA introduced the Gokvällå range, which includes a gold two-tiered serving stand, lanterns, printed rugs, moon-shaped cushions, and trays—all inspired by the day-and-night cycle of suhoor-to-iftar gatherings.

Rituals Cosmetics

Rituals Cosmetics introduced the limited-edition Alchemy Collection to relax and rejuvenate. Infused with amber and myrrh, the line includes a winter foaming shower gel, indulgent body cream, fragrant candle, and stone diffuser oil. Two new additions—a black volcanic sand scrub and a 4-in-1 face mask treatment with 24-karat gold flecks—offer extra indulgence for the season.

Scentz by Mauzan

Scentz by Mauzan unveiled special box sets pairing perfumes with dukhoon for Ramadan 2025. Founded by Emirati entrepreneur Rafia Helal Bin Drai, the brand spotlights Middle Eastern ingredients like rich oud, sweet rose, and warm amber. 

Ramadan-related activities contribute between 800 million to 1.3 billion pounds to the UK economy, a new study has revealed. 

Activities include retail spending, charitable donations, supermarket sales, Eid shopping, volunteering, and more, enhancing economic growth and social cohesion, a report by UK-based think tank Equi suggested.

Approximately 2.6 million British Muslim adults observe fasts across the country, prompting a change in consumer spending, retail trends and charitable giving. 

Supermarkets and independent food retailers invest an estimated 159 million to 274 million pounds in the Ramadan value chain, while supermarkets alone generally approximately 228 million to 342 million pounds in Ramadan sales, increasing two-to-three-fold from a decade ago. 

“Ramadan plays a catalyst role in encouraging supermarkets to stock a wider variety of halal-certified products, from fresh meat and poultry to ready-made meals and snacks throughout the year. All of these changes require supply chains to adapt accordingly, necessitating significant investment by supermarkets in sourcing, logistics, and infrastructure,” the report read. 

British Muslims spend an estimated 200 million to 300 million pounds on clothes, gifts and travel during Ramadan and Eid, while mosques across Britain serve free iftar meals worth an estimated 15 million pounds during the holy month.  

On balance, British Muslims generate £70 billion a year for the UK economy, 30% of which are business contributions.

However, the study suggests that the Ramadan economy remains an underexplored area in policy discussion. 

“The rise of the Ramadan economy in the UK is an underappreciated phenomenon. With these increases in spending and changes in focus already prevalent, they present an unfulfilled opportunity to channel these shifts into strengthened local supply chains, boost small businesses, and encourage more sustainable consumer habits," the report added.  
 

Saudi Arabia's two holy cities welcomed multitudes of pilgrims from across the world in the holy month of Ramadan.

More than 122 million worshippers visited the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah during the holy month, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque reported. 

Of the total worshippers who descended on the two holy cities, 16,558,241 visitors performed the Umrah pilgrimage, 75,573,928 people prayed at the Grand Mosque, and 30,154,543 individuals visited the Prophet's Mosque.

The authority employed sensor readers at the main entrances of the Grand Mosque, enabling real-time monitoring of crowd flow and improved crowd management, according to state-run Saudi Press Agency.

Saudi Arabia celebrated Eid ul Fitr on March 30, marking the end of Ramadan. 

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

Editor's Note: Sustainability is the new buzzword and is finding its way in every mandate, even in Saudi Arabia as was evident from its recently launched Ihram initiative. 

Healthcare, however, isn't too far behind in terms of priorities,with two smart medical capsules installed near the Prophet's Mosque to detect chronic diseases, conduct rapid test and measure vitals of visitors and pilgrims. 

Trade Developments

Libya / Indonesia

Libya, Indonesia enhance tourism links 

The Indonesian Embassy in Tripoli has launched an initiative to boost halal-friendly travel and strengthen business connections with Libya.

The embassy hosted a gathering and Iftar event with Libyan travel agency leaders, showcasing Indonesia's tourism offerings and highlighting the Bali & Beyond Travel Fair 2025.

The event aimed to promote sustainable travel, cultural interaction, and new business opportunities between Indonesia and Libya. (Travel and Tour World)

Switzerland

Switzerland Tourism’s new campaign promotes Muslim-friendly travel expériences

Switzerland Tourism has launched a campaign with Buttonscarves, an Indonesian luxury scarf brand, to attract Muslim travellers in Southeast Asia.

The campaign features Indonesian influencers wearing headscarves from Buttonscarves' exclusive Switzerland series, showcasing the country's scenic landscapes, in order to connect with the Muslim audience in a culturally relevant way. (Travel and Tour World)

Hong Kong

Hong Kong elevates Muslim-friendly travel experiences

Hong Kong is making progress in becoming a Muslim-friendly destination, with an increasing number of hotels and restaurants catering to the needs of Muslim travellers.

As of February 2025, 52 hotels have obtained Crescent Rating accreditation for their Muslim-friendly facilities, and the city now has 153 halal-certified and Muslim-owned eateries, up from around 100 when the Hong Kong Tourism Board first launched its Muslim-friendly initiative in June 2024. (The Sun)

Operational Developments

Saudi Arabia

Prophet’s Mosque’s AI-driven medical capsules to improve healthcare 

The Madinah Health Cluster has launched two smart medical capsules near the Prophet's Mosque to enhance healthcare for visitors and pilgrims.

The capsules use advanced technologies and AI to detect chronic diseases, conduct rapid tests, measure vital signs, and perform electrocardiograms. They are linked to the Seha Virtual Hospital for specialized support and complement existing healthcare facilities.

The capsules are operated by trained medical workers and serve over 576 patients daily. (Arab News)

Saudi Arabia's two holiest cities are expected to welcome a significant influx of worshippers during the last ten days of Ramadan, prompting authorities to issue a fresh set of directives.

The kingdom's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah issued guidelines to ensure a seamless Umrah experience for multitudes of worshippers expected to gather in Makkah during the last 10 days of the month.

"During the last ten nights, blessings multiply and the crowds at the Haram grow - making it even more important to follow the rules and guidelines that help ease congestion," the ministry wrote on socia media platform X on March 20. 

The ministry urged pilgrims to perform Umrah only once during this period and encouraged people to pray in other mosques across Makkah as well. 

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque reported that more than 25 million people gathered for prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah during the first ten days of Ramadan, with over 5.5 million performing Umrah. 

To manage this heightened activity, Makkah Municipality has mobilized 13,549 workers, 912 cleaning machines, and 87,000 waste containers, supported by transitional stations and compactors. Additionally, over 11,000 personnel are tasked with managing movement within the Grand Mosque, while 4,000 staff members oversee cleaning operations, state-run Saudi Press Agency reported. 

In Madinah, city buses transported more than 850,000 people to the Prophet’s Mosque and Quba Mosque in the first 20 days of Ramadan - an increase of more than 72% over the same period last year.

Multiple routes connect worshippers and visitors from various districts to these central sites.
The General Presidency facilitated the distribution of more than 10.8 million Iftar meals and over 10.2 million date packets at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque by the midpoint of Ramadan. 

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar marked by Muslims worldwide as a period of reflection, fasting, prayer and community. 

Saudi Arabia’s modest fashion platform, Aya has secured $1.6 million (6 million Saudi riyals) in seed funding to revolutionize the modest fashion industry.

The latest funding round, led by Khwarizmi Ventures and investor Turki Alrajhi, included contributions from Saudi venture capital firm Raed Ventures, investment firm Joa Capital, and FENA Holdings.

Aya seeks to unify the modest fashion market - particularly the multi-billion dollar Abaya segment - through a single, trend-focused discovery platform. The company plans to empower local manufacturers to create on-demand fashion in response to shifting consumer interests. 

Munira Al Kadi, co-founder and CEO of Aya, said that investment is more than capital.

"We’re entirely changing the game, and we’re looking for fearless, entrepreneurial talents to join our mission."

Aya aims to deploy the funds to bolster its product development efforts, broaden its market reach, and enhance the overall customer experience. The global modest fashion industry was valued at $295 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $375 billion in 2025, according to DHL.

By expanding its offerings and tapping into the growing demand for modest fashion, Aya aims to solidify its position as a leading platform catering to consumers seeking both style and cultural relevance.

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

Editor's Note: Saudi Arabia has commenced its preparations for Hajj this year, unveiling packages for domestic pilgrims. Meanwhile, non-Muslim majority countries are becoming increasingly aware of growing Muslim consumer power, offering services that would beckon Muslim travellers. 

Trade Developments

Taiwan

Taiwan Develops halal facilities, services to attract Indonesian tourists

Taiwan aims to attract 500,000 Indonesian tourists by 2025, having enhanced facilities for Muslim travellers, including prayer spaces and halal food.

With 220,000 visitors last year, Taiwan plans to double that number through simplified visa processes and better travel options.

Indonesian public figure Mikha Tambayong has been appointed as Tourism Ambassador, sharing her positive experiences from her visit to Taiwan, highlighting attractions like Taipei 101 and Sun Moon Lake, as well as the island’s cuisine and natural beauty. (IQNA)

Saudi Arabia

Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia unveils packages for domestic pilgrims

Saudi Arabia has announced four main packages for domestic pilgrims ahead of this year's Hajj in June.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has opened registration for Saudis and Muslim foreign residents. One of the packages includes shared accommodation in camps at Mina, located six kilometers from Mecca, starting at 10,366 Saudi riyals, not including transportation costs. (Gulf News)

Saudi Arabia / Uzbekistan

Piece of Kaaba’s Kiswah gifted to Uzbekistan’s Center of Islamic Civilization

A piece of the Kaaba's Kiswa was gifted by Saudi Arabia to the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan.

During a visit to Uzbekistan, Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah presented the cloth to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on behalf of King Salman.

Mirziyoyev praised Saudi Arabia's efforts in enhancing Hajj and Umrah experiences and supporting Uzbek pilgrims. (Arab News)

Company News

Philippines

Edsa Shangri-La becomes 1st halal-certified hotel in Ortigas CBD

Edsa Shangri-La, Manila became the first hotel in the Ortigas Central Business and Commercial District to receive halal certification.

The Halal Development Institute of the Philippines (HDIP), an internationally recognized institution and a member of the World Halal Council, supported the certification.

The certification enables the hotel to offer halal food and services for banquets, events, meetings, and conventions. (The Manila Times)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and their operational efficiencies, leaving an indelible mark on productivity and time management. The education space is no different, with new tech restructuring how people assimilate and consume knowledge.  

Much like the rest of the world, AI has potential to reinvent education across the Muslim world, extending beyond the classroom to optimize resource allocation and enhance cultural preservation. From AI-powered personalized learning to gamified experiences, digital tools can revolutionize education across communities, breaking traditional barriers, and creating new opportunities for students.

One such innovator is EYouth, an Egyptian social enterprise that empowers youth through interactive career development programs, offering inclusive learning opportunities tailored to the unique needs of young Muslims. It has over 160,000 users. 

Beyond basics, EYouth also integrates essential life skills such as sustainability, financial literacy, and community-building into its curricula. It is incorporating AI-driven programs to improve accessibility and personalization. 

“We focus on personalized learning, skill development, and holistic growth,” says Mustafa Abd Ellatif, CEO of EYouth. “Our courses allow learners to progress at their own pace while accommodating their cultural and religious values. We offer programs in digital skills, entrepreneurship, and leadership to prepare youth for a competitive job market.”

Currently, EYouth operates in 21 countries across the Middle East, Africa, and select regions globally. As it expands, the company is prioritizing growth in Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, which contribute 80% of its revenue. It also plans to enter underserved markets in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where digital education solutions can play a transformative role.

“We aim to empower an additional three million youth by 2027, focusing on critical areas like digital skills, entrepreneurship, and sustainability,” says Abd Ellatif, who is also the vice chairman of Youth Entrepreneurs Network, a USAID-funded initiative that aims to support young entrepreneurs across Egypt.

AI and ethics in education

In the UAE, the newly established EdTech Academy, founded by Renad Turki, a Google-certified educator, is combining technical knowledge with ethical AI use.

EdTech Academy is already making a mark by leveraging AI-powered platforms, interactive media tools, and digital learning environments. It employs large language models (LLMs) for personalized tutoring, AI-driven assessment tools for grading and feedback, and generative AI for storytelling, design, and video production.

"As a Muslim AI trainer, I bring a unique perspective that helps educators and students relate AI tools to Islamic studies, ethics, and values,” says Turki. “This includes demonstrating how AI can enhance Islamic-related lessons, such as analyzing historical texts, learning Arabic, or engaging with AI-powered Quranic tafsir tools—while also being mindful of AI limitations.”

 “Looking ahead, we are exploring adaptive learning platforms and ethical AI frameworks to ensure responsible technology use in education,” says Turki. 

The academy has already made a strong impact in the Middle East. It has delivered AI literacy programs to 500+ educators and 1,500+ students, collaborating with organizations like BEAM Education and Injaz UAE on Google’s and Microsoft’s AI initiatives. 

The next step is expanding across the Gulf region and beyond, with plans to launch a scalable AI learning platform for customized AI training worldwide.

Enhancing Islamic education

AI has the potential to revolutionize education globally, says Dr. Mohamad Abdulsattar, an information communication technology specialist at Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education. And in Muslim-majority regions, it offers promise for accessibility, personalization, and cultural relevance.

“AI-powered platforms can cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring students learn at their own pace,” explains Abdulsattar. "AI-powered virtual classrooms can also reach students in rural areas with limited access to schools. Machine translation tools can help bridge language barriers, making global knowledge available in Arabic, Urdu, Malay, and other regional languages.”

EYouth’s Abd Ellatif also underscores AI's influential role in enhancing accessibility. “AI-powered tools, such as language translators and virtual tutors, can help students break down linguistic and geographical barriers,” he says. 

Moreover, AI can enhance Islamic education, with AI-powered tutors supporting non-native speakers in mastering Arabic, particularly for Quranic studies, ensuring accurate pronunciation and comprehension.

“Chatbots and voice assistants can answer questions about Islamic jurisprudence, and support students in both secular and religious education. AI-generated virtual reality experiences of Islamic history can bring cultural and historical teachings to life,” says Abdulsattar.

One success story is Niyyah, an educational app designed to help busy Muslims connect with their faith through bite-sized Quranic learning. Since launching in 2023, it has attracted 20,000 users across 70 countries. With gamified features and an easy approach to learning, Niyyah raised $2 million from edtech investors in 2024 to develop a new iteration of the app.

One particularly compelling application is the use of AI to preserve and enrich Islamic heritage. Interactive learning experiences - such as virtual museum tours, augmented reality explorations of historical sites, and AI-powered tools for analyzing and translating Islamic texts - can offer students an immersive way to connect with their cultural and religious legacies. 

By leveraging AI, edtech can make Islamic heritage more accessible and engaging for students, deepening their understanding in innovative ways, according to Abdulsattar. 

Furthermore, there is a growing opportunity to develop ethical and halal AI, ensuring that technology aligns with Islamic principles, respects privacy, and mitigates bias.

However, challenges remain. Limited access to technology and reliable Internet connectivity continues to hinder progress in many regions, making it essential to bridge the digital divide. Additionally, safeguarding student data privacy and security is crucial as the adoption of edtech tools expands.

Despite these hurdles, the integration of edtech presents a transformative opportunity for educational institutions across the Muslim world. And as digital learning solutions advance, technology will play a crucial role in shaping the future of education in Muslim-majority countries.