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. Australia beckons Muslims travellers from Indonesia.
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)
Australia / Indonesia
Tourism Australia expands Muslim-friendly travel offerings in Indonesia
Tourism Australia has partnered with Indonesian travel agencies to introduce Muslim-friendly itineraries that showcase diverse experiences for Muslim travelers throughout Australia.
This initiative marks Tourism Australia's first consortium of travel agencies targeting the Indonesian market, offering specialized tolur packages that highlight the country's Muslim-friendly attractions and services. (Travel Daily News)
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)
Operational Developments
Saudi Arabia
WHO global network expands digital health certification for Hajj pilgrims
The World Health Organization (WHO) and Saudi Arabia announced a new collaboration to expand the Hajj health card initiative, benefiting approximately 3 million annual pilgrims.
This digital health card, built on the WHO Global Digital Health Certification Network's public key infrastructure, includes essential health information such as medications, allergies, immunization records, and pre-existing conditions. (WHO)
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)
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan to implement SMIIC standards to attract tourists from Islamic countries
Azerbaijan has initiated the adoption of standards from the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), marking a significant step in enhancing its tourism sector, according to Mahammad Muradov, head of the Tourism Policy and Strategy Department of the Azerbaijani State Tourism Agency. (Halal Focus)
