Islamic lifestyle wrap: Brazil to boost halal tourism
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)
