Newswrap: Islamic Lifestyle
GCC mulls unified ‘Schengen-like’ visa to ease regional travel; Saudi Arabia announces major change to passports and visas; Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is in discussions to acquire a stake in Flynas, a budget airline, as part of efforts to boost the country's tourism industry.
Regulatory - Qatar
GCC mulls unified ‘Schengen-like’ visa to ease regional travel (May 3rd, 2023)
GCC visitors flocked to Qatar during the Eid Al Fitr holiday. Talks are reportedly underway to introduce a single visa that would allow for easier travel across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. According to Bahrain's Minister of Tourism, Fatima Al Sairafi, a unified visa would add value to the region and lead to more spending by travelers. (Doha News)
Regulatory - Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia announces major change to passports and visas (May 4th, 2023)
Saudi Arabia will switch from issuing paper visas to electronic visas to improve the visa application process and make it easier for foreigners to enter the country. The Saudi Cabinet approved the move on Tuesday to encourage tourism and foreign investment. The change is expected to make the process faster and more convenient. (Arabian Business)
Company News - UK
Muslim Dating App MuzMatch Forced To Change Name By Match.com In Court Ruling (May 2nd, 2023)
Muzmatch, a Muslim dating app, was ordered to change its name in June 2022 as it was considered too similar to Match.com. The Court of Appeal recently upheld the decision, claiming that consumers would think Muzmatch was associated with Tinder's owner, Match Group. (Tech Round)
Company News - Canada
New therapy platform aims to bridge gap between faith and mental health support for Muslim community (April 28th, 2023)
Toronto-based group Ruh has launched an app called Ruh that provides mental health resources for the Muslim community. The platform, which combines psychology with Islamic values, offers a directory of over 500 Muslim therapists worldwide, aiming to remove the barriers faced by Muslims in accessing mental health care. (CityNews Toronto)
Investment - Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Wealth Fund Eyes Flynas Stake to Bolster Tourism (April 27th, 2023)
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly in talks to acquire a stake in Flynas, a budget airline that plays a key role in the kingdom's efforts to boost its tourism sector. Goldman Sachs Group is advising shareholders on the potential sale, and the airline has also been considering an IPO since 2008. (Bloomberg)
