Islamic lifestyle roundup: France doubles down on hijab ban for 2024 Olympics
Here's a roundup of key developments across the Islamic lifestyle ecosystem during the month of July
Editor's note: Thailand is looking to boost its Muslim tourist numbers, which has led its government to task all tourism agencies to promote the country as a viable Muslim-friendly destination.
Philippines is also looking to develop a halal ecosystem to bolster tourism with Muslim countries.
Trade Developments
Philippines
Philippines looks to ‘halal ecosystem’ to boost tourism, trade
The Philippines is developing a 'halal ecosystem' to boost tourism and trade with Arab and Muslim countries, according to the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).
With around 10 million Muslims in its nearly 120 million population, the country aims to expand its domestic halal industry.
The government targets raising $4 billion in investments and creating 120,000 jobs by 2028, tapping into the global halal market worth over $7 trillion. (Arab News)
Qatar
Qatari ministry launches calligraphy competition
Qatar has launched the inaugural Qatar International Arabic Calligraphy Competition, Al Raqim, enriching its cultural heritage.
Inaugurated by Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanim, Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, at the Sheikh Abdulla bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre in Doha, the event aims to elevate Arabic calligraphy on the global stage. (The Halal Times)
Thailand
Thailand to boost appeal to Muslim tourists
Thailand aims to become the region's hub for halal tourism, according to government spokesman Chai Wacharonke.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has instructed all tourism-related agencies to promote the country as a Muslim-friendly destination.
This announcement follows Thailand's fifth-place ranking among non-OIC countries on the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) by Crescent Rating and Mastercard, which evaluates countries based on the conveniences they offer to Muslim travellers, including halal food options and access to places of worship. (Bangkok Post)
Malaysia
Strengthening Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality in Malaysia
The Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) and the Malaysian Budget and Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance Muslim-friendly accommodation in Malaysia.
MyBHA stated this initiative strengthens the Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality sector. The MoU includes ITC's commitment to providing comprehensive training on Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) to registered members. (The Star)
Company News
Indonesia
Archipelago International opens first Shariah hotel in Pekalongan
Archipelago International, Southeast Asia's largest hotel chain, inaugurated its first Shariah hotel, the Aston Pekalongan Syariah Hotel & Conference Center, in July.
The opening ceremony will be held at the Firdaus Ballroom. This marks a significant expansion for the chain, which also has networks in the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and Latin America. (Indonesia Expat)
Regulatory
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan to issue ‘halal hotel’ certificate
Azerbaijan will issue "halal hotel" certificates to tourist facilities following the adoption of a new state standard for halal tourism services, based on international experience, the State Tourism Agency announced. Interested hotels can undergo halal certification to present themselves as "halal hotels" to customers. (Azerbaycan24)
France
France doubles down on hijab ban ahead of Olympic Games
French authorities and the International Olympic Committee faced backlash from human rights organizations after reaffirming the hijab ban for French athletes during the Paris Summer Games.
In a report published on July 16, Amnesty International highlighted that the Olympic Charter states, "the practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have access to the practice of sport, without discrimination of any kind in respect of internationally recognized human rights within the remit of the Olympic Movement." (Dazed Digital)
