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Islamic Lifestyle
SGIE Report 2024/25: Innovation, sustainability injects impetus in modest fashion 

The global modest fashion industry recorded tepid growth in recent months, with Muslim consumer spending on apparel and footwear rising 3% year-on-year to reach $327 billion in 2023, according to the State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) Report 2024/25. 

Projections are optimistic though, with spending expected to reach $433 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 5.8%. Iran, Türkiye, and Bangladesh lead in Muslim consumer spending on apparel, while OIC-based modest clothing businesses continue to expand internationally. Investments in the space were modest as well, accounting for close to 1% of the total investment pool across other sectors. 

Innovation, social commerce emerge as differentiators
Innovation is shaping the sector, with new products like hijab jewelry, 3D-printed hijab undercaps, and modest medical scrubs gaining traction. 

Modest activewear remains in high demand, while Ramadan collections continue to be a key focus for mainstream brands.

Premium modest clothing brands are leveraging experiential marketing to enhance brand engagement, while the second-hand clothing market is expanding due to sustainability concerns and evolving consumer preferences. 

Social commerce is thriving, predominantly across the Asian region, where platforms like Shopee Live and TikTok Shop are shaping engagement. Social media is also driving trends and increasing visibility of modest clothing stylists and influencers.

Events, programs back sector growth
The rise of modest fashion is evident in the increasing number of dedicated fashion weeks and events worldwide, according to the SGIE report. The presence of modest fashion in mainstream fashion weeks further underscores its growing influence.

Meanwhile, incubators, conferences, and training programs are enhancing business knowledge in the sector.  

Sustainability injects impetus 
Sustainable textile innovation is advancing, presenting multiple opportunities, such as leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance marketing, expanding sourcing beyond China, and addressing the demand for modest sportswear.

However, for the sector to witness continued momentum, stakeholders must take strategic action. Investors can shift their focus and funds on developing clothing manufacturing industries within OIC countries. Governments can drive progress through incentives such as schemes and tax reductions on sustainable apparel. 

For continued momentum, businesses should adopt AI-driven marketing strategies, explore alternative sourcing, invest in modest sportswear, and recognize the growing influence of modest fashion stylists. 

To download a copy of the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2024/25, click here
 

Islamic Lifestyle
SGIE Report 2024/25: Innovation, regional connectivity propel Muslim-friendly tourism

The travel industry across OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) countries continues to grow, propelled by tourism offerings, enhanced connectivity, and digital transformation. 

Muslim consumer spending on outbound travel surged by 43.2%, reaching $217 billion in 2023, with projections to hit $384 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 12.1%, according to the State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) 2024/25 Report. 

The study identified 17 deals across either mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital funding during 2023/24. Transactions rose 30.77% on previous year’s 13 deals. 

Standardization efforts in halal tourism are advancing, though challenges pertinent to multiple standards remains. Meanwhile, post-conflict destinations such as Syria, Bangladesh, and Bosnia are expected to see renewed tourism interest.

Innovation becomes imperative 
AI-driven innovations are helping reshape the industry, with airlines, tourism boards, and hospitality providers conflating technologies for bespoke services, seamless travel experiences, and enhanced operational preparedness. 

Digital platforms and B2B marketplaces are also recording a surge in uptake, while digital payment solutions are ramping financial accessibility in travel. 

Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk Wallet, Thailand’s cryptocurrency payment initiative, and the EU’s Identity Wallet for secure travel transactions are prime examples of how financial ease is paving the way for greater accessibility. 

Meanwhile, the halal cruise sector is expanding with offerings from AROYA Cruises, Resorts World Cruises, and Antarctica’s first halal-certified voyage. 

Looking ahead, frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence will enhance traveller experiences through dynamic pricing, personalized itineraries, and service optimization.

Top-down approach reinforces sector
Governments are strengthening Muslim-friendly tourism through cross-border partnerships, national marketing campaigns, and infrastructure development. Businesses are following suit. 

Multi-destination travel is also gaining traction, with joint tourism campaigns. For instance, the unified GCC tourist visa is expected to enhance regional connectivity. GCC countries are also increasing investments in emerging markets, such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Pakistan.

Medical tourism continues to attract investment, with new healthcare facilities and digital platforms supporting cross-border patient services.

Sustainability is also becoming a greater focus, with the UAE implementing a new law requiring travel businesses to report their carbon emissions, aligning with global climate goals.

Gold mine

The rise of Muslim hospitality as a distinct brand presents opportunities for hotels and tourism operators to offer culturally immersive, faith-aligned experiences, according to the SGIE report. 

Investors can explore emerging markets and mid-market hospitality, while governments can facilitate multi-destination travel and improve halal tourism standardization. 

To download a copy of the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2024/25, click here
 

Islamic Lifestyle
How Muslim women-friendly travel is gaining ground

For many Muslim women, planning a holiday goes far beyond booking flights and hotels. It often involves a meticulous checklist - scouring restaurant for halal or vegetarian options, locating mosques that offer prayer spaces for women, and conducting safety checks on the destination.

Whether wearing a hijab or a niqab, or hoping to swim in a burkini, the question isn't just where to go, but whether they’ll be welcomed when they do.

But the landscape is shifting, driven by a wave of grassroots initiatives that are actively reshaping the travel experience for Muslim women.

Life-changing expeditions

One of the most influential players in this space is The Wanderlust Women, a hiking and adventure group founded in 2020 by Amira Patel. What began as a response to the lack of representation of Muslim women in outdoor spaces has evolved into a global movement.

“That inspired me to create a safe, empowering space for Muslim women to reconnect - not just with nature, but with themselves and their Creator as a Muslim,” Patel tells Salaam Gateway.

Since its inception, the group has grown beyond local hiking trails in the UK to lead international expeditions. Its trips have taken women to the mountains of northern Pakistan and Morocco, the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard, horseback trails in Kyrgyzstan, and even safaris across Tanzania.

“Women are looking for more than just a holiday. These are not holidays; these are life-changing experiences, expeditions,” says Patel. “They want healing, connection, and community.”

Although social media has helped amplify their reach, she credits their rapid growth primarily to word of mouth. “The transformation women experience on these trips speaks for itself - they come back changed, and they share that.”

The Wanderlust Women intentionally selects destinations that are either Muslim-majority or culturally sensitive, offering halal meals, prayer breaks, and activities like trekking and scuba diving, all complemented by spiritual practices such as dhikr circles and Quran journaling. 

Places like Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Zanzibar, and parts of Central Asia have become favorites for their blend of natural beauty and cultural familiarity.

Global explorers bound by faith

Another major player leading the charge is the Muslim Women Travel Group (MWTG). Founded in 2015, the initiative started as a modest Facebook group and is now a flourishing global network, connecting tens of thousands of like-minded women the world over.

Sadia Ramzan, founder and director of MWTG, says the idea was deeply personal.

“As a single mother with a deep love for travel, I often found it difficult to find someone to travel with who shared my values. I was fortunate to have my sister accompany me on many trips, but I quickly realized not everyone has that support system," Ramzan tells Salaam Gateway. 

“Our mission is to make the world feel more open, accessible, and safe for Muslim women, without requiring them to compromise their faith, modesty, or cultural identity. We’ve created a space where you can belong, explore, and travel confidently.”

The trend has gathered pace. The community includes over 50,000 members on its private Facebook group, nearly 30,000 Instagram followers, 11,000 TikTok followers, and 5,000 newsletter subscribers. Their trips, once limited to a few UK-based getaways, now span Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and even Antarctica.

“In 2023 and 2024 alone, we sold out trips to Mongolia, Japan and South Korea, Jordan, and Thailand - some in under 48 hours,” Ramzan says. “This growth has been fueled by word of mouth, authentic storytelling, and a growing recognition that Muslim women want and deserve culturally conscious, empowering travel experiences.”

What Muslim women travelers want

An estimated 82% of women are known to make majority of travel decisions globally, according to Skift Research. But the expectations of Muslim women travelers go far beyond the basics.

“Today’s Muslim women travelers are looking for more than just halal food and a prayer mat; they’re seeking representation, safety, authenticity, and the freedom to be themselves while exploring the world,” says Ramzan.

This translates into thoughtful itineraries that include female-only spas, dry hotels, and even skydiving with female instructors. Trips organized by MWTG are led by experienced women and often employ female staff across the entire supply chain.

“We work with women where possible throughout our supply chain, not only because it's our preference, but because we want to give back to local women in tourism, especially in regions where they are underpaid or overlooked,” Ramzan adds.

Shifting perceptions

Despite the momentum, Muslim-friendly adventure travel faces significant hurdles, from logistical gaps to entrenched stereotypes.

“Finding local guides, accommodation, and transport that align with our values isn’t always easy, especially in remote regions,” says Patel.

“Sometimes people don’t understand why a group of Muslim women want to climb a mountain or travel alone. But with time, patience, and community-building, we work to shift that perspective.”

Ramzan also points to the challenges posed by a travel industry that has yet to fully embrace the diversity within Muslim communities.

“There’s a lingering stereotype that Muslim women don’t travel or aren’t adventurous, which couldn’t be further from the truth,” she says.

“Our community includes women who have broken records climbing mountains, walked on the world’s seventh continent, camped on icebergs, and kayaked through deltas in deadly waters.”

Addressing access issues in less familiar destinations is also an ongoing challenge. “From negotiating with hotels to provide private spa or pool access, to ensuring halal meals in remote regions, it often requires extra planning and relationship-building on the ground,” says Ramzan.

MWTG works directly with local partners to educate them and build mutually respectful relationships, making each experience more seamless for future groups.

Affordability coupled with the Gen Z factor

Affordability is central to this movement. According to the Mastercard-CrescentRating Muslim Gen Z Travel Report 2023, 53% of Gen Z Muslim women aim to spend under $150 per day while traveling.

Companies like Sisters Getaway, which has hosted more than 600 women on over 40 retreats in Zanzibar, Morocco, and Spain, offer monthly installment plans to make travel more accessible. Similarly, MWTG’s flexible payment options have made bucket-list destinations like Japan and Antarctica within reach. 

Looking ahead, Ramzan hopes to create a social enterprise arm that offers subsidized trips or bursary-style support for women who may otherwise never have the opportunity to travel.

As Muslim women-focused travel companies continue to expand and redefine the industry, the message is clear: this is more than a trend - it’s a transformative movement that is aiming to make tourism more inclusive, adventurous, and unapologetically faith-driven.
 

Islamic Lifestyle
Islamic lifestyle roundup: Türkiye among top destinations for Muslim travelers

Here's a roundup of key developments across the Islamic lifestyle ecosystem in June

 

Editor's note: Muslim travelers are becoming a force to reckon with, encouraging countries such as Germany and Cambodia to launch initiatives to beckon them. Meanwhile, Turkiye builds on its successes to become the second most preferred global destination for Muslim tourists. 

 

 

Trade Developments


Cambodia

Cambodia enhancing halal tourism to attract Muslim travellers

Cambodia is enhancing its appeal to Muslim travelers by improving halal offerings and prayer facilities, as part of a broader strategy to become a more inclusive destination for visitors from Muslim-majority countries.

 

In a press conference on June 4, Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia Santo Darmosumarto discussed tourism initiatives between Indonesia and Cambodia, emphasizing Cambodia's efforts to be more Muslim-friendly. (Borneo Bulletin)

 

Türkiye

Türkiye climbs to second spot among global destinations for Muslim travelers

Türkiye has been ranked as the second most favored travel destination for Muslim tourists globally, according to a recent report on Muslim travel preferences.

 

The country's rich Islamic heritage, diverse tourism offerings, and inclusive hospitality were cited as key factors contributing to this achievement.

 

Türkiye now stands alongside Saudi Arabia and the UAE, just behind Malaysia, which remains the leader due to its extensive halal-friendly services. (Travel and Tour World)

 

Macau

Macau urged to tap Muslim tourism market

Macau has been included in the Global Muslim Travel Index for the first time, earning top rankings in key categories for non-OIC destinations.

 

Published by CrescentRating and Mastercard, the index ranked Macau 5th globally in the Muslim women-friendly destination category and 16th overall as a Muslim-friendly destination.

 

The Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has worked to create a halal-friendly environment and promote the city to Muslim travelers, particularly from Southeast Asia and the Middle East. (Macau Daily Times)

 

Germany

Germany creates halal travel guide

In June 2025, the German National Tourist Board introduced its first-ever Germany Halal Travel Guide, marking a milestone in the global tourism sector.

 

Initially released in English, with an Arabic version to follow, the guide highlights four of Germany’s most popular and historically significant cities: Munich, Düsseldorf, Dresden, and Berlin.

 

These cities were selected for their popularity and their ability to cater to Muslim travelers, offering services and facilities that align with Islamic practices. (Travel and Tour World)

 

 

 

Operational Development


Saudi Arabia

World’s largest cooling system activated at Grand Mosque for Hajj

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has activated the world's largest cooling system in preparation for the Hajj season.

 

The system has a total cooling capacity of 155,000 tons, with two main stations: Al-Shamiya Station (120,000 tons) and Ajyad Station (35,000 tons). These stations cover the entire Grand Mosque complex, including all expansion areas, ensuring comfortable temperatures between 22°C and 24°C for pilgrims. (Saudi Gazette)

 

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Civil Defence launches AI-powered drone for Hajj operations

The General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense deployed the advanced "Falcon" drone equipped with artificial intelligence as part of its operational plans for the Hajj season.

 

The Falcon drone is designed for firefighting and rescue operations in high-altitude or hard-to-reach areas. It can operate for up to 12 hours and carry a 40-kilogram payload. (Sharjah24)

Islamic Lifestyle
How Saudi Arabia is turning religious tourism into a growth engine

Like millions of Muslims worldwide, when 72-year-old Ahmad traveled to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj with his son and grandchildren, he was struck by how much had changed since his first pilgrimage in 1987.

Recalling his parents’ experiences, who had sailed from Pakistan and relied on acquaintances and makeshift shelters back in the 1960s, the change was even more startling.

From e-visa registrations to climate-controlled tents and real-time crowd monitoring, everything was more coordinated and streamlined as Saudi Arabia continues its attempt to strengthen its tourism sector, backed by the rising number of religious devotees.

Religious tourism as a core growth engine
When Saudi Arabia launched its Vision 2030 plan in 2016, tourism was positioned as a key pillar of economic diversification, with religious travel viewed as the kingdom's most scalable and dependable asset. Nearly a decade later, the results are surpassing initial benchmarks.

In 2024, over 18.5 million pilgrims visited the kingdom - 16.9 million for Umrah and 1.61 million for Hajj, according to data reported by Skift and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The goal is to welcome 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030.

According to the kingdom's General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), 1.67 million pilgrims performed Hajj in 2025, with the vast majority - 1.51 million people from 171 countries - arriving from abroad.

Breaking the numbers down further, in 2025, air travel dominated arrivals (1.58 million), while land and sea routes together accounted for 8%. 

The demographic split between men and women was almost down the middle, with 878,000 and 795,000, respectively. There were only 10% Saudi nationals for Hajj, which illustrates that the annual pilgrimage remains, first and foremost, a global gathering.  

While the total attendance dropped  8.5% from 1,833,164 pilgrims recorded in 2024, Hajj 2025 remained the world's largest coordinated religious convention. 

The other main pilgrimage is Umrah, which, unlike Hajj, operates year-round and continues to drive volume growth.

According to GASTAT and the Ministry of Hajj, 6.5 million international visitors performed Umrah in the first quarter of 2025 alone, an 11% jump on the previous year.

This was owed to an expanded e-visa scheme that now covers more than 60 countries and to an airline network rapidly stitching new routes across Asia and Africa.

Vital contribution 

Religious tourism contributes roughly $12 billion annually to Saudi Arabia's economy, making up nearly 20% of the non-oil economy and around 7% of the total GDP, according to Astrolabs Insights 2024. 

Spending data from Visa's Travel Pulse Index for Ramadan 2025 showed a 162% year-on-year surge in Makkah during the holy month, with food and beverage comprising 27% of transactions, followed by accommodation and transport.

In Madinah, spending rose 64% during the same period, with official data suggesting pilgrims typically spend between $1,300 - $4,000 per trip, depending on the package and duration. 

The sector also delivers employment opportunities. In 2023, religious tourism supported over 936,000 jobs, with projections rising to 1.6 million by 2030 as Umrah capacity and infrastructure grow.

Megaprojects building a pilgrim metropolis
Saudi Arabia's infrastructure investments under its Vision 2030 transformation agenda are reshaping the physical landscape of pilgrimage.

From hotel expansions to rail upgrades and enhanced airport capacity, these megaprojects are designed to scale the volume and quality of religious tourism.

In Makkah, the Masar Destination project on King Abdulaziz Road, is a $26.6 billion mixed-use corridor, which will host 24,000 hotel rooms and 13,000 residential units, accommodating up to 158,000 pilgrims annually.

The Rua Al Madinah redevelopment in Madinah reportedly spans 1.5 million square meters and will add 47,000 keys, host 149,000 visitors, and create 93,000 jobs across hospitality, transport, and retail.

Radisson Hotel Group also announced two new properties in Madinah with further expansion planned, citing the city's more stable, year-round demand. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts plans to open 100 Super 8 hotels by 2030, many in Makkah and Madinah's mid-market segment.

In addition to this, major upgrades in air and rail are also underway. For instance, the King Salman International Airport in Riyadh will feature six runways and handle up to 120 million passengers annually by 2030, with a capacity set to reach 185 million by 2050. 

The Haramain High-Speed Railway added two million seats in 2025, and transported nearly 70% of international Umrah pilgrims this year between Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah in under 45 minutes. 

During Hajj, the Mashair Metro supported last-mile transport, moving up to 72,000 passengers per hour across key ritual sites, including Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, Jamarat, and the Grand Mosque.

Digital pilgrim and smart Hajj
Saudi Arabia's Smart Hajj initiative is transforming the pilgrimage experience through AI, mobile platforms, and real-time data systems.

At the center of this digital transformation is Nusuk, the official Hajj and Umrah "super-app," which offers e-visa processing, itinerary updates, cashless payments, and access to transport and emergency services.

As of early 2025, Nusuk had surpassed 12 million downloads and is now available in 14 languages. Pilgrims are also issued RFID-enabled smart cards that store personal, medical, and logistical data.

The Ministry of Interior deployed over 2,000 drones and smart surveillance cameras across the holy sites during this year's annual pilgrimage. These AI-powered systems feed into a central control room that uses satellite imagery and predictive analytics to detect and resolve crowd bottlenecks in real-time.

Transit systems have also been upgraded. The Mashair Metro now adjusts train dispatch frequencies based on crowd density. In 2025, train intervals were reduced by up to 60% during peak congestion to ease platform pressure.

Inclusivity is also improving. In 2024, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah introduced VR orientation modules for elderly and first-time pilgrims. Offered in over 10 languages, the program helps users become familiar with the rituals before arrival.

From Hajj-only to Umrah plus
To extend stay durations and increase visitor spending, the Ministry of Tourism has launched a program encouraging pilgrims to combine religious rites with visits to destinations such as Jeddah's Al-Balad, Taif, or the Red Sea coast.

The initiative aims to boost the average length of stay from five to nine nights and lift per capita spending beyond $1,000 by integrating culture, heritage, and leisure with religion.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's stopover program offers 96-hour transit visas with complimentary hotel stays, further supporting extended visits.

This approach helps reduce seasonality, distributing traffic beyond peak Hajj and Ramadan periods, and creates year-round demand for transportation, accommodation, and local services.

Islamic Lifestyle
Third edition of Muslim Tech Fest held in London

Muslim Tech Fest 2025, a two-day event for Muslim-led startups, fintechs, and venture initiatives, opened in London over the weekend. Now in its third year, the festival aims to reimagine how faith and technology can coexist in a fast-changing industry. It drew over 1,500 entrepreneurs, developers, and investors from 27 countries. The event spotlighted Muslim excellence in technology and promoted ethical, values-driven innovation.

"Faith and innovation aren't opposites; they've always gone hand in hand," said Muslim Tech co-founder Zahid Mahmood. "We need to go back to first principles as Muslims and see how we build enterprise, technology, and innovation in a way that serves Allah."

Held with Anadolu as a global media partner, the festival featured on-stage keynotes, startup showcases, community dinners, and themed workshops, including a dedicated kids' track led by Robocode UK. Many of the UK's leading Islamic fintech firms, including Kestrl, Cur8 Capital, Islamic Finance Guru, Pfida, StrideUp and Nester, were among the exhibitors.

New initiatives, such as the Madinah Angels investment network for Muslim-led startups and Ihsan Venture Studio, were also launched on the sidelines. Community-based organisations, including Muslamic Makers, Redwood Founders, Deen Developers, and Hulm Club, were also present.

"The event is not about diversity optics—it's about real access," the organisers said, emphasising their goal of building technology that works for everyone, including underrepresented groups and people in conflict zones.

The event included Palestinian tech founders and representatives from Gaza Sky Geeks, who joined discussions despite significant logistical challenges. Mahmood noted, "Technology alone is not going to save the world. But if this event can inspire someone to make a change, support a cause, or spread a message, then it's been a success."

Islamic Lifestyle
Inbound visitors rise 8% in 2024 as Saudi bolsters tourism sector  

Saudi Arabia welcomed 29.7 million inbound visitors in 2024, its highest ever and up 8% year-on-year, as the country continues to bolster its tourism sector as a key pillar to diversify its economy. 

Inbound tourists peaked in March last year, with 3.2 million people having visited the kingdom.

Egypt emerged as the top source market for inbound tourism in 2024, with 3.2 million visitors, while Asia and the Pacific were top source regions with 9.7 million travellers, according to statistics released by Saudi’s tourism ministry.  

The report named the holy city of Makkah as the most popular destination for the second straight year, with 17.4 million inbound overnight tourists.

Domestic tourists went from 47.8 million in 2019, the last full year before the pandemic halted global tourism, to nearly 81.9 million in 2023 and 86.2 million last year. June witnessed a peak in domestic tourism, with 9.6 million visitors. 

The Makkah Province was the top destination, with 23.5 million visitors, while Riyadh city lead with 12.7 million tourists, according to the statistical report.  

From a dollars-and-cents perspective, inbound tourists spent 168.5 billion Saudi riyals last year, 19% higher than 141.2 billion Saudi riyals spend in 2023.  

Domestic visitor spending rose marginally from 114.4 billion Saudi riyals in 2023 to 115.3 billion Saudi riyals last year.  

“On the global stage, Saudi Arabia continued efforts to solidify its global leadership as a premier destination, topping global tourism figures and leaving a distinctive mark and strong presence at major international forums,” Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi tourism minister said in the report’s introductory remarks.   

The kingdom led the G20 countries in the growth of international tourism numbers last year.         
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