Islamic Lifestyle: Monthly news wrap - June 2023
Editor's role: Muslims around the world celebrated Eid Al Adha in June this year. This was preceded by the Hajj pilgrimage, which was performed by reportedly more than 1.8 million devotees this year.
In the buildup to the religious pilgrimage, host Saudi Arabia introduced a slew of initiatives to facilitate the journey for travellers converging from all around the globe. It unveiled its largest yet Hajj op plan, launched several tech solutions and well as rolled out several e-applications.
In other news, designer Fey Kayo showcased her new hijab collection, while the top French court upheld its hijab ban.
Here's a roundup of key developments across the Islamic lifestyle space in the month of June
Company News – Pakistan
Pakistan's modest wear brand KEF reveals new collection of abayas
Renowned modest wear brand, KEF, has introduced its newest collection of abayas. This collection fuses style, elegance, and traditional modesty, redefining the concept of modest fashion. (Digital Journal) (June 6, 2023)
Company News – USA
New Muslim dating app launched
NIM, a new Muslim dating app focused on fostering meaningful relationships and promoting compatibility, has officially launched.
Referred to as "The Raya for Muslims," the platform provides a secure and inclusive environment for Muslim singles to connect with those who share similar values, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds. (Ein News) (June 7, 2023)
Company News – Singapore
Metaverse by IBF Net set to create halal ecosystem
IBF Net Group, developer of the first Shariah-compliant metaverse on the blockchain, has announced a significant expansion in the wake of its initial crypto offering.
The company aims to build new halal parks and innovative platforms on the blockchain, targeting the unique developmental challenges of the Islamic world.
IBF New Group is an online community in the field of Islamic business and finance, established in 1999 (PR Newswire) (June 8, 2023)
Company News – Global
Designer Fey Kayo collaborates, reveals new hijab collection
Fashion designer Fey Kayo has launched a new hijab collection, featuring eight unique motifs, in collaboration with artist Angelina Sondakh, also known as Angie.
The collection showcases contemporary colors for 2023, and was assembled following discussions that had been in progress since before Eid. (Ruetir) (June 21, 2023)
Operational Developments – Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia unveils largest ever Hajj ops plan as Covid-19 restrictions lifted
In preparation for the pilgrimage season, Saudi Arabia has announced its largest Hajj operational plan to date.
This comes as restrictions on participant numbers are lifted for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
An unprecedented 14,000 staff members, supplemented by over 8,000 volunteers, will be mobilized to assist the anticipated millions of pilgrims participating in this year's Hajj. (Al Arabiya News) (June 5, 2023)
Operational Developments – Saudi Arabia
Islamic Affairs Minister launches e-apps
Minister of Islamic Affairs Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Al-Sheikh has inaugurated several e-applications at the ministry in Riyadh aimed at improving ministry work, particularly related to pilgrims and Umrah performers.
The apps include features such as video calls between pilgrims or Umrah performers and preachers to enhance their knowledge of Sharia issues, as well as the ministry's official application called Rushd, which promotes verified e-books. (Asharq Al-Aswat) (June 19, 2023)
Operational Developments – Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia launches e-services to aid pilgrims' Hajj journey
In anticipation of the upcoming Hajj season, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, along with affiliated organisations, has rolled out several tech solutions to aid pilgrims.
Notably, the Hajj charity association, Hadiyah, launched a translation service dubbed "Breaking the Silence" initiative, engaging 300 volunteers to assist international pilgrims across sacred sites. (The National News) (June 20, 2023)
Operational Developments – Albania
Albania launches mobile app for tourists
Albania's National Tourism Agency (NTA) has introduced a free mobile app for tourists. Billed TEA (Tourism Events of Albania), it provides a detailed events calendar countrywide.
The release follows a 42% increase in foreign tourist arrivals to 2,389,899 during the first five months of 2023, compared to the same period the previous year. The NTA, overseen by the country's tourism ministry, focuses on positioning Albania as a prime tourist destination. (See News) (June 21, 2023)
Trade Developments – Saudi Arabia
NEOM partners to enhance regional media ecosystem
SRMG, an international media conglomerate, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding with NEOM Media Industries, an emerging media and creative hub in Saudi Arabia.
The collaboration aims to boost the regional media ecosystem, improve content production and design talent development and training initiatives. SRMG partners will have access to NEOM's production facilities. (Arab News) (June 11, 2023)
Trade Developments – Cote d’Ivoire
Hajj 2023: ‘Mecca Route’ launched in Cote d’Ivoire
Saudi Arabia has introduced the "Mecca Route" Initiative in Cote d'Ivoire, providing facilities for Muslims from specific countries traveling to the kingdom for the Hajj pilgrimage.
The initiative allows pilgrims from seven nations, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Turkey, to complete Hajj-related procedures in their home countries. (Gulf News) (June 11, 2023)
Regulatory – France
Top French court preserves ban on wearing hijab during football games
France's top administrative court, the Council of State, has upheld the ban on the use of hijab by Muslim female football players during games.
The case was brought forward by a group of Muslim football players against the French Football Federation (FFF). The court ruled that the ban is suitable and proportionate, adding that sports federations hold the authority to impose outfit neutrality on players during competitions. (Leadership) (July 1, 2023)
