News wrap for July: Central Luzon spotlighted as Muslim-friendly tourist spot; mandatory insurance for overseas Umrah pilgrims; & others
Here's a roundup of key developments across the Islamic lifestyle ecosystem during the month of July
Editor's note: They say, "start them young". This is the advice heeded by a UAE-based resident, who, by launching Lego-style Muslim toy blocks, has decided to leaven entertainment with religion. An acclaimed Pakistani actress launched a UK-based production company to promote authentic Muslim representation, another individualistic effort that has come in for praise.
Meanwhile, in the wake of the Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has resumed issuing Umrah permits for GCC countries, and has also rolled out an initiative to introduce pilgrims to Islamic heritage. More over, the kingdom's citizens can now invite Muslim friends residing abroad to perform Umrah on personal visit visas.
Lastly, Morocco's King has urged Islamic scholars to spotlight the virtues of moderation to exert a positive influence on the masses. Taking it a notch higher, the OIC Islamic bloc is calling for art and media productions to counter Islamophobia.
Company News
UK
Pakistani actress launches UK-based production company to promote 'authentic' Muslim representation
"Teri Meri Kahaniyaan" actor Mehwish Hayat has launched Pink Llama Films, a UK-based production company, aimed at promoting an authentic representation of Muslims and Pakistanis across Western media.
The initiative, inspired by her role in the Ms Marvel series, is intended to challenge stereotypes and encourage understanding and acceptance. (Tribune)
Saudi Arabia
Saudi commission to host meeting on fashion education needs
Saudi Arabia's Fashion Commission is convening a virtual meeting to discuss educational requirements in the nation's fashion industry.
The meeting, which will include academics, entrepreneurs, and fashion students, will scrutinise the state of the fashion education sector with the objective of identifying educational needs. (Arab News)
USA
New York fashion retailer launches online marketplace for modest fashion
New York-based fashion retailer, The Reflective, has launched its Modest Marketplace, an online platform that offers a curated selection of over 1,000 modest fashion items sourced from leading brands, with over 90% being female-founded, sustainable, and/or made to order.
The user-friendly platform includes modesty standard filters, daily styling content via an editorial blog, and a selection curated by industry experts. (Fashion United)
UAE
Islam for children: Toymaker in Dubai launches lego-style Muslim blocks
Abdellah Zejli, a UAE resident, has developed Muslim Blocks, interlocking brick sets representing significant Islamic structures to provide a fun and educational toy for Muslim families.
Currently, the two available structures are the Kaaba, the holiest Islamic site in Makkah, and the Masjid Al Nabawi, the second-largest mosque located in Madinah. (The National News)
ESG Developments
Turkey
Islamic bloc calls for art, media productions to combat Islamophobia
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has urged its member states to support art and media productions that counter Islamophobia and desecration of religious symbols.
The initiative aims to emphasize Islam's teachings of tolerance, coexistence, and respect. This comes in the wake of a Quran burning incident in Sweden, that sparked outrage across the Arab and Muslim world. (Anadolu Agency)
Nigeria
Eid-el-Kabir: Lotus, Aims Media promote unity, charity
Lotus Bank, in collaboration with Aims Media, organised a festive Eid-el-Kabir event for special needs students from various schools, underscoring the bank's commitment to promoting ethical banking and behaviour.
Lotus Bank's head, brand marketing communication, Bashir Salami, stressed the institution's pledge to foster Islamic principles and uplift the community. (The Guardian)
Trade Developments
Cambodia
Ministry to develop Tbong Khmum’s tourism sector
Under Secretary of State Kathim Hammat Nos Srey has highlighted the potential for Islamic tourism in Cambodia's Tbong Khmum province, home to the kingdom's largest Muslim population.
The remarks were made at a ceremony to plant 5,000 seedlings, as part of an initiative to create a model green and Muslim tourism community in Khpob 2 village. (Khmer Times)
Saudi Arabia
Saudi announces start of Umrah season, begins issuing permits for GCC countries
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially begun issuing Umrah permits for Saudi and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens and residents, commencing the Umrah season.
Permits can be acquired via the Nusuk or Tawakkalna mobile apps, part of Saudi Vision 2030's goal to enhance the pilgrimage experience. (Al Arabiya News)
Philippines
DOT promotes Central Luzon as Muslim-friendly destination
The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Central Luzon, Philippines, is taking steps to make the region more welcoming to Muslim tourists, aiming to tap into one of the fastest-growing demographics in global tourism.
This initiative includes enhancing services and amenities to cater to Muslim travelers. Key areas for development include more Muslim-friendly accommodations and facilities, Halal-certified restaurants, and easy access to Halal food and drink. (Philippines News Agency)
Malaysia
Motac: Initiative to make Malaysia regional Umrah hub can boost Muslim-friendly tourism
Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) plans to make the country a regional hub for umrah pilgrimage, in a move to stimulate the local tourism industry.
Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing stated that this would attract not only Southeast Asian pilgrims but also those from South Korea and Japan. The goal is to offer Muslim-friendly tourism packages, increase the country's income and establish Malaysia as a key global destination for Muslim travel. (New Straits Times)
Operational Developments
Saudi Arabia
New ‘Welcome’ initiative introduces pilgrims to Islamic heritage, culture in Saudi Arabia
The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has unveiled the "Hayyakom" initiative, aiming to welcome visitors and pilgrims and promote cultural and educational enrichment. The initiative was unveiled at the library of the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
The initiative aims to familiarize visitors with Islamic heritage and Saudi's cultural history, fostering a sense of spirituality and cultural consciousness. It is following the directives of Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, one of the leading imams of the Grand Mosque. (Arab News)
Saudi Arabia
Saudi commission installs coding panels at heritage sites to enhance visitor experience
The Saudi Heritage Commission has installed 41 coding panels at urban heritage buildings in the Northern Borders Region, as part of an ongoing project across the kingdom.
Under the National Digital Heritage Register, the coding panels aim to enhance the visitor experience by providing information and helping to protect, monitor, manage, and plan sites.
The initiative also includes unifying databases, enabling quick inquiries, and generating reports. (Arab News)
Regulatory
Morocco
Morocco’s King urges Islamic scholars to exert positive influence by highlighting moderation
King Mohammed VI of Morocco emphasized the duty of Islamic scholars, more commonly known as Ulema, to promote moderation and tolerance, while countering the influence of extremist views.
The King highlighted the need of an institutional framework for issuing fatwas and urged Ulema to educate communities on religious provisions beyond these formal rulings.
He also suggested the adoption of collective institutions to issue fatwas on public affairs in African countries, promoting moderation and adherence to national values. (North Africa Post)
Saudi Arabia
Saudi citizens can now invite Muslim friends abroad to perform Umrah on personal visit visa
Saudi Arabia is allowing its citizens to invite their Muslim friends from abroad to perform Umrah on a "personal visit visa", as announced by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
These visas, obtainable online, can be single or multiple entry. In addition to performing Umrah rituals, visitors can explore the Kingdom's various tourist attractions. (Arab News)
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia announces mandatory insurance for overseas Umrah pilgrims
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a mandatory insurance policy for all international pilgrims, with coverage benefits up to 100,000 Saudi riyals.
Included in the visa fees, the policy covers emergency medical incidents, Covid-19 infections, accidents, death, flight cancellations, and delays.
This comprehensive insurance aims to ensure peace of mind for pilgrims throughout their journey. (Pro Pakistani)
