Islamic lifestyle roundup: Zanzibar advances halal tourism initiatives
Here's a roundup of key developments across the Islamic lifestyle ecosystem during the month of December
Editor's note: With the year drawing to a close, preparations for Hajj are already afoot, with Saudi Airlines looking to facilitate the annual pilgrimage for multitudes of Pakistani travellers. Meanwhile, Zanzibar is looking to become a sought-after halal tourism destination in East Africa.
Trade Developments
Zanzibar
Zanzibar advances halal tourism initiatives
Zanzibar plans to become a halal tourism destination in East Africa, with tourism officials revising policies to cater to visitors from Muslim-majority countries.
Minister of Tourism Mudrick Ramadhan Soraga proposed halal-friendly amenities, including alcohol-free accommodations, prayer facilities, and gender-segregated spaces, following a visit from Muslim scholar Mufti Ismail Menk.
President Hussein Mwinyi provided a statement regarding these initiatives. (Argophilia)
Company News
US
Behalaal App launches in the US
The Behalaal App, a premier marketplace for halal-certified products and modest fashion, is now available for download on both Apple and Google play stores.
The platform simplifies shopping for halal essentials and fashionable modest wear, catering to a diverse, faith-driven community. (PR.COM)
UAE
Shaza Hotels and Halalbooking forge global alliance to elevate halal tourism worldwide
Shaza Hotels has signed a global agreement with Halalbooking, a booking platform for Muslim travelers, to unify pricing and distribution for all Shaza and Mysk Hotels.
The announcement occurred at the Shaza Annual Client Meet in Riyadh, where the company also revealed plans for new properties in Orlando, Jeddah, Madinah, and Bahrain. (Zawya)
Saudi Arabia / Pakistan
Saudi Airlines unveils plans to support 35,000 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims
Saudi Airlines has partnered with the Ministry of Religious Affairs to facilitate travel for 35,000 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims in 2025.
The agreement, signed by Saudi Airlines’ Country Manager Sultan Al-Harbi and Dr. Syed Ata-ur-Rehman from the Ministry, ensures dedicated flights for the pilgrimage.
Al-Harbi emphasized the airline's commitment to providing a comfortable travel experience and improving Hajj travel services for Pakistanis. (TTW)
Thailand
Chulalongkorn University introduces halal Route app for Muslim travellers to Thailand
Chulalongkorn University’s Halal Science Centre of Thailand has launched a travel app called Halal Route to assist foreign Muslim travellers.
The app provides reliable information on Halal-certified restaurants, nearby mosques, accommodations with prayer rooms, a Qibla compass, daily prayer schedules, and an Islamic calendar.
Available for free on Android and iOS, Halal Route supports Thai, English, and Arabic, making it accessible to local and international users. (TDM)
Operational Developments
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia offers free luggage storage for Umrah performers
The Saudi authorities have introduced free luggage storage facilities for Umrah performers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, as reported by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.
These facilities are located to the east of the Grand Mosque, near the Makkah Library, and to the west, near Gate 64. (The Siasat Daily)
