Upbeat outlook for UAE catering services

The UAE catering services market is set for sustained expansion from 2025 to 2030 with a CAGR of about 6% over the forecast period.

According to a report from MarkNtel Advisors, the momentum is underpinned by the UAE's growing tourism base, more international events and exhibitions, a rebound in air travel, and the presence of globally-recognised catering service providers. 

At the same time, changing consumer preferences—toward healthier, fresher, and premium dining options—are reshaping menu innovation and pushing operators to differentiate through compliance, customer experience, and sustainable practices, the consultancy said. 

MarkNtel Advisors said the UAE catering industry is witnessing a new phase of growth, driven by shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and rising demand across the events, tourism, and corporate sectors. 

Customers are increasingly seeking hygienic, health-conscious, and customised meal options, while caterers are integrating innovations like digital ordering, cloud kitchens, and automation to enhance efficiency. 

With the country strengthening its position as a global hub for weddings, exhibitions, and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), opportunities for catering providers are expanding rapidly. At the same time, sustainability initiatives such as ecofriendly packaging and dietary flexibility—including vegan, organic, gluten-free, and halal-certified menus—are reshaping offerings, making adaptability and innovation essential for market competitiveness. 

Drivers of market growth include:  

Tourism and events

The UAE's global positioning as a tourism hub is a central growth pillar. Large-scale international events—such as Expo, Intersec, and GITEX—alongside year-round trade fairs, conventions, and exhibitions generate steady demand for banquet and corporate catering. With Dubai and Abu Dhabi cementing their reputations as regional MICE capitals, event-driven catering volumes are expected to remain robust.  

Non-contractual catering is primarily linked to events, weddings, and short-term engagements. While cyclical and seasonal, it remains lucrative during peak tourism and event cycles.   

Aviation and in-flight catering

The UAE is home to leading global carriers such as Emirates and Etihad Airways. The surge in air passenger traffic, coupled with fleet expansion initiatives, translates directly into higher demand for in-flight catering. 

Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC), for instance, operates one of the world's largest culinary facilities, producing more than 250,000 meals daily across 160,000 sq m of space. Partnerships between airlines and catering providers are set to deepen, with opportunities for service differentiation around menu innovation and sustainability.  

Corporate and institutional demand

The rapid pace of corporate expansion in the UAE—driven by free zones, low corporate tax regimes, and foreign direct investment—has fuelled demand for contract catering in office complexes, schools, and hospitals. Contract-based catering services are particularly favoured for their long-term cost efficiency, menu flexibility, and reliability.  

The corporate segment is largest in this market, fuelled by the increasing establishment of MNCs and regional HQs. Caterers targeting corporates are increasingly offering customised, health-focused menus to match employee wellness initiatives. 

Healthcare growth

The healthcare sector is becoming a powerful demand centre for catering services. Hospitals are increasingly outsourcing patient meals, clinician catering, and canteen management to specialised providers. Post-COVID, the emphasis on nutrition, hygiene, and timely delivery has become even more prominent, positioning hospital catering as both a growth driver and a compliance-critical domain. 

Hospitals are emphasising specialised dietary plans aligned with patient recovery and clinical nutrition requirements, MarkNtel Advisors said.

Other significant sectors include:

Education

Schools and universities are investing in nutritious meal programs, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Healthcare: 

Defense and offshore

Demand for robust, HACCP-compliant food solutions in defense bases, mining, and offshore oil rigs.
Event Management & Leisure: Weddings, conferences, sports events, and cultural festivals drive this segment. 

Mining and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects

Contracted services for remote sites, particularly for oil and gas exploration as well as infrastructure projects. 

With UAE's active oil and gas as well as EPC projects, remote and industrial catering demand is expected to rise further. 

Top players mentioned in the report include EKFC, ADNH Catering, Royal Catering, National Catering Company (NCC), Abela & Co., WLL, KEITA, Al Jazeera International Catering, Kelvin Catering, Baguette Catering Services, and Emirates Catering Services.

This diverse roster of players compete across corporate, healthcare, aviation, hospitality, and remote site catering. Competition is increasingly driven by menu innovation, compliance excellence, sustainability commitments, and ability to scale across multiple sites. 

On the geographical front, Dubai is the lead region due to its strong tourism ecosystem, the presence of major catering companies like EKFC, and an active events calendar. Urban lifestyles and casual dining trends also fuel catering demand here.

Abu Dhabi and Al Ain host significant demand from the healthcare, defence, and corporate sectors, complemented by megaproject activity.

Sharjah and the Northern Emirates may have a smaller share but are also growing, supported by regional universities, mid-size corporates, and community events. 

Opportunities and trends in the UAE catering services industry include: 

Growing air traffic

With iconic tourist attractions such as Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, and Palm Jumeirah, alongside rising business travel, UAE's air traffic is expanding rapidly. This directly boosts the demand for in-flight catering, positioning it as one of the most dynamic sub-segments of the market.  

Health and wellness revolution

Caterers are rapidly adapting to the shift toward healthier meals. Trends include: 

• Organic and locally sourced ingredients
• Vegan and plant-based options
• Reduced reliance on frozen/prepared foods
• Customised dietary menus for corporate and hospital clients

Automation and technology

The adoption of automated kitchens and digital tools for menu planning, inventory, and HACCP compliance logging is transforming operations. Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled fleet management and kitchen robotics are gradually being tested to reduce turnaround time and enhance food safety.  

Sustainability 

UAE catering operators are integrating sustainable practices, including waste reduction programmes, ecofriendly packaging, and local sourcing partnerships (e.g., vertical farms like Bustanica). These initiatives align with both corporate environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) mandates and government sustainability agendas.  

On the down side, input cost volatility, which can include imported food items and energy prices, are impacting pricing models. There are also labour management challenges due to the reliance on an expatriate workforce, as well as seasonal volatility linked to event-driven catering cycles. Caterers also need to navigate complex compliance requirements with multiple regulatory bodies and legislation: the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Dubai Municipality, and the Federal Food Safety Law among them. 

Details

Explore the UAE Catering Services Market Research Report at https://www.marknteladvisors.com/research-library/uae-catering-services-market.html

Singapore PM releases further details about upcoming Islamic College

Singapore PM and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong has shared more details about the Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) in his National Day Rally 2025 speech on 17 August 2025.

Speaking in Malay, PM Wong shared that the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) has been working with local and overseas partners to develop a curriculum for the SCIS.

"Tonight, I am happy to announce that SCIS will have its own campus. It will be located next to the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) campus in Rochor. SCIS and SUSS will be housed in their own buildings, which will reflect their own unique identity and purpose," he said.

"SCIS students will be able to take SUSS’s social science courses as part of their studies. Both institutions will also share facilities. This way, students from both institutions can better interact with one another, enriching their campus lives."

MUIS announced on Facebook that the new SCIS campus will feature Islamic architectural elements and dedicated Islamic studies facilities in addition to shared spaces with SUSS, including its library and recreational areas. There will also be collaborative research and project opportunities for SCIS and SUSS faculty members.

Mufti Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, who is also head of the SCIS Steering Committee, said the strategic location of the campus would help prepare asatizah with skills to handle increasingly complex challenges ahead, and that the proximity of the two institutions would facilitate exchanges in expertise, skills and perspectives.

SCIS will welcome its first 60 students at the interim Bencoolen campus in 2028 while the new campus is being built.

The Singapore Muslim community currently lacks a national institution of higher learning to complete the Islamic learning journey begun by the establishment of full-time madrasahs. The concept of an SCIS had been mentioned as early as 2016, and as recently by PM Wong as 2024, where he said in his National Day Rally 2024 speech that the SCIS "will nurture our future Singapore Islamic leaders". 

He later shared on LinkedIn that the SCIS will offer two full-time degree pathways: Islamic Studies and Social Sciences. "...So students can choose to graduate and become religious teachers, or they can join the social sector," he said in late 2024.

MUIS has announced the establishment of Singapore College of Islamic Studies’ (SCIS) Board of Governors (BOG) in November 2024. The BOG leads the strategic oversight of the college and is chaired by Abdullah Tarmugi.

The advisory panel for the Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) gathered for its inaugural meeting in Singapore on 24 June 2025. There are 10 experts in the panel, which is chaired by Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs in Singapore, Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, including HE Dr Nazir Ayyad, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, and Dr Salama Dawood, President of Al Azhar University.

SCIS has partnerships with SUSS, Egypt's Dar al-Ifta, the University of Jordan, and Al-Qarawiyyin University of Morocco to enhance interdisciplinary learning, cultural exchange, language skills, and Islamic scholarship, enriching students' education and careers.

MUIS sees the SCIS-SUSS partnership as presenting opportunities to foster interdisciplinary learning, cultural exchange, and networking between students from both institutions.

MUIS further hopes that collaborating with Dar al-Ifta, an Islamic advisory, justiciary and governmental body, will allow SCIS graduates to gain advanced standing in Dar al-Ifta's Professional Diploma Programme in Fatwa Studies.

The University of Jordan is to offer SCIS students opportunities for Arabic language immersion and cultural exchange, broadening their understanding of Islamic scholarship in a global context as well.

SCIS’s partnership with Al-Qarawiyyin University is expected to pave the way to developing new paradigms in Islamic studies that are both rooted in tradition and relevant to contemporary societies.

One of the key funding sources for the SCIS is the Wakaf Masyarakat Singapura (WMS), which receives donations at https://wakaf.sg/give-wakaf/

Hashtag: #NDR2025

FAB Group aims to lead in hospitality, dining and branding innovation across MENA

FAB Group, a new lifestyle and culinary venture created by UAE-based investment and development company DEAL Holdings, plans to launch popular boutique brands featuring Michelin-star talent from the UK and Europe across the MENA region, while also creating immersive culinary and lifestyle experiences.

FAB Group is committed to opening a minimum of 25 locations in the UAE over the next five years, with additional flagship destinations in Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha and the Red Sea.

Along with enhancing the region's growing reputation as a global culinary hub, the launch of FAB Group will support local talent, providing access to employment opportunities with roughly 800 jobs set to be created in the UAE alone over the next five years, and more across the wider GCC.

Andrew Cullen, FAB Group Regional F&B Director said: "Over the course of the next few months, we will be making some hugely exciting announcements which will significantly enhance the region's F&B offerings and redefine how the industry is perceived both on a regional and global level.

"The Middle East is already widely regarded as a leader in this space, with many of the world's biggest brands now operating in the region. Our ambition is to build on the fantastic work which has already been carried out and strengthen MENA's global status."

Abdalla Al'Mheiri, DEAL Holdings CEO added: "We are thrilled to introduce FAB Group to the Middle East market, marking a significant moment for the region's hospitality sector, which continues to thrive.

"Created by DEAL Holdings, FAB Group has big ambitions, and we are fully committed to making strategic investment, enabling the brand to evolve with a clear direction while achieving its long-term objectives."

FAB Group's portfolio will span fine dining, contemporary cuisine, café culture, nightlife, wellness concepts, and luxury brand collaborations. Several flagship projects are already in development and will be announced in the coming months.

A major investment and development company, DEAL Holdings boasts a substantial number of branded residences, hospitality projects and commercial real estate across the MENA region.

MUIS welcomes 20th Council

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) has welcomed its 20th Council, which guides MUIS in overseeing Singapore’s Muslim community's socioreligious needs. Their three-year term runs from 7 August 2025 to 6 August 2028. 

Under Section 7 of the Administration of Muslim Law Act (AMLA), President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has appointed the Council members, which includes MUIS's President Mohamed Sa’at Abdul Rahman; Chief Executive Kadir Maideen; and Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, the Mufti of Singapore. 

Other members were recommended by the Singapore Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim and President Mohamed Sa’at from nominations by various Muslim organisations. 

MUIS's new Council blends draws both senior and emerging leaders from across the education, public service, corporate, religious, and social sectors. It will see a diverse team of seven returning members and nine new appointees who will set the direction of MUIS's key initiatives and strategic thrusts in the next three years. 

Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim commented: “Today's rapidly changing environment requires both experienced leadership and innovative perspectives to steer our community forward and ensure that its socioreligious needs are well cared for. 

"The 20th MUIS Council embodies this balance. Collectively, their diverse expertise reflects our continued commitment to shape impactful policies and deliver targeted programmes, in tandem with our community's evolving needs. I thank the outgoing 19th Council members for their contributions. I am confident that the new Council will bring in fresh insights that will benefit MUIS and the community, and I encourage MUIS to continue strengthening its partnership with the community and its key partners.” 

Maideen stated: "The new Council's diverse expertise will bring fresh perspectives to our deliberations. As we welcome them, we thank our outgoing Council members for their leadership and dedicated service. Their achievements have laid a strong foundation, which the incoming Council will build upon to develop innovative solutions for current and future challenges." 

Ustazah Dr Siti Nur 'Alaniah Abdul Wahid, a new member of the Council said: "Our blend of new and experienced Council members creates a strong team for our Muslim community. The generous guidance offered by longer-serving members, combined with fresh perspectives from new appointees, positions us well to build on impactful and sustainable programmes while finding innovative solutions. I appreciate their support as we begin this important work together."

Zetrix AI launches world's first shari'ah-aligned LLM, NurAI

Zetrix AI, formerly known as MY EG Services, has unveiled NurAI, the world's first shari'ah-aligned, Islamic values-based large language model (LLM). NurAI offers guidance consistent with shari'ah rulings on a range of subjects. 

Developed under the guidance of a formal Shari'ah Supervisory Board, NurAI is rooted in Islamic ethics and strict shari'ah alignment on contemporary matters such as law, healthcare and finance, to classical Islamic themes that include history, Islamic philosophy and Quranic studies. 

NurAI offers Muslim-majority nations and Muslim communities an alternative to existing Western and Chinese AI models, which often lack alignment with Islamic values and the development priorities of the Global South, Zetrix said, explaining that 2 billion Muslims support a US$3 trillion Islamic economy and seek AI tools that align with their cultural values, religious principles, and development priorities. NurAI also supports the growing demand for AI sovereignty and shari'ah-aligned technology from governments and institutions across Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Beyond consumer adoption, NurAI lays the groundwork for broader digital Islamic economy infrastructure across halal trade, supply chain, Islamic finance, and governance, thereby advancing AI sovereignty in emerging markets, the company added.

"This is a prime example of how we can harmonise religion and technology for the benefit of the ummah and the advancement of the nation. I would like to call on all parties, including the government, private sectors, financial institutions, and religious bodies, to give full support to the development and expansion of technologies like NurAI," said YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi, Deputy PM of Malaysia. 

The team behind the development of NurAI will establish a shari'ah-aligned framework in collaboration with key religious bodies, including the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM), Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI), International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA), and Al-Azhar University in Egypt. 

NurAI will also serves as a foundational LLM upon which advanced agentic and domain-specific generative AI can be built, enabling tailored solutions for real-world applications in sectors such as Islamic finance, education, governance, and halal industry regulation. 

Unique to NurAI are channels that enable users to interact with avatars modelled after experts across various fields. Trained with exclusive datasets, these channels reflect the experts' unique knowledge and teaching philosophy and will provide deeper insights, especially on topics that require careful interpretation and understanding. 

The NurAI team will provide an Islamic finance channel in partnership with INCEIF University, an affiliate of Bank Negara Malaysia, in addition to channels by leading Islamic scholars from around the world.

NurAI is available in Malay, Indonesian, Arabic, and English across both desktop and mobile platforms. The desktop version can be accessed at https://nur-ai.ai.

"The rollout of NurAI is designed to be phased and progressive. It will begin with a freemium B2C app in Malaysia and Indonesia, offering general shari'ah guidance alongside premium features such as inheritance calculators and medical bioethics advice. The second phase will focus on institutional integration via B2B and B2G models, enabling implementation of NurAI into the daily operations of Islamic financial institutions, fintechs, halal certification bodies and shari'ah legal authorities," said Datuk Mohd Jimmy Wong Bin Abdullah, Director of Zetrix AI.

Source: Zetrix AI. Source: Zetrix AI. Dato’ Fadzli Shah, Co-Founder of Zetrix AI, demonstrating NurAI.

Headquartered in Malaysia, Zetrix AI is deploying Blockchain and AI technology across ASEAN. It is also committed to developing responsible, values-based digital infrastructure for Muslim communities worldwide. The company is embracing the convergence of Web 3, AI and robotics to enable optimally-efficient, intelligent and secure cross-border transactions, digital identity interoperability and automation solutions that seamlessly connect peoples, businesses and governments. 

Expect a regional green energy boom in MENA

Renewable energy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is projected to be worth US$59.9 B by end-2030, a CAGR of 14.4% from 2025 to 2030. As a comparison, the market was worth US$26.8 B in 2024.

These figures are from BCC Research's Renewable Energy Regional Analysis Market: Middle East and North Africa report, which covers energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy, and their use in the residential, commercial, and utility sectors. 

According to BCC Research, MENA countries are accelerating their shift to renewable energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and meet climate goals. MENA receives 22% to 26% of the planet's solar radiation. Each sq km can generate the equivalent of 1 million to 2 million barrels of oil annually, potentially meeting half of the world's electricity needs.

National strategies like Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Net Zero 2050 are driving major clean energy projects. At the same time, falling technology costs and rising electricity demand are making renewables more viable and necessary respectively. Global climate commitments and the push for green hydrogen exports are further boosting momentum. Additionally, growing foreign investment is fuelling large-scale renewable developments across the region.

Growth drivers include:

Government-led strategies and energy diversification plans

MENA governments are promoting renewable energy through national strategies aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels. These plans include policy reforms, investment incentives, and partnerships to support clean energy development.

Abundant natural resources with renewable energy potential

The region's high solar radiation and strong wind conditions make it ideal for renewable energy projects. Countries like KSA are leveraging these natural advantages to build cost-effective solar and wind farms.

Growing energy demand 

Rising energy needs due to population growth and industrialisation, along with the electrification of sectors like transport and water desalination, are driving demand for sustainable power sources.

Energy export goals 

MENA nations are investing in green hydrogen production to become global exporters of clean energy. This aligns with international decarbonisation goals and opens new economic opportunities in energy trade.

Green hydrogen and ammonia production 

Green hydrogen and ammonia are being developed for export and domestic use in power generation, transport, and industry, supporting both economic growth and environmental goals.

Industrial decarbonisation

Heavy industry in MENA is transitioning to renewable energy to reduce emissions. This includes using green hydrogen and electrification to power manufacturing processes, helping meet climate targets.  

Utility-scale renewable energy 

Large-scale solar and wind projects are expanding across the region, backed by government and private investment. These projects are crucial for increasing renewable energy capacity and reducing carbon footprints. 

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai is the world's largest single-site concentrated solar power (CSP) plant. It boasts a total capacity of 1 GW, with 600 MW from CSP and 400 MW from photovoltaic panels, and can deliver power continuously for 12 hours at night. 

Countries covered in the report include Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, KSA, Kuwait Morocco, Oman, Tunisia, and the UAE, and the list of related emerging startups include Barq EV, Enerwhere, Nour Energy, Pylon, and Yellow Door Energy.

BCC Research believes that the dominant renewable energy source through to 2030 will be hydropower. 

Azentio digitally transforms Boubyan Bank's customer experience

Boubyan Bank, one of the leading Islamic banks in Kuwait and the GCC region has upgraded Azentio iMAL, marking a major milestone in its digitalisation journey to improve operational efficiency and elevate customer experience. The move has helped elevate customer experience across different channels, helping the bank achieve a 42% improvement in response time.

Azentio iMAL is an AAOIFI-certified Islamic banking platform, designed to empower financial institutions with solutions for retail, corporate, and investment banking. With iMAL, banks can deliver ethical, inclusive, and scalable services, while ensuring compliance with shari'ah principles.

The latest upgrade has empowered Boubyan Bank to overcome key operational challenges, delivering substantial efficiency gains that align with the bank's commitment to innovation and customer-centricity. Aarthi Ramesh, Chief Customer Officer at Azentio said: "Our enduring partnership with Boubyan Bank is a testament to our shared vision of innovative and shari'ah-compliant banking. The recent enhancements to the iMAL core banking system underline Azentio's unwavering commitment to developing solutions that address evolving customer needs and enable excellence in service delivery."

Abdulla AlKhuzam, CIO, Boubyan Bank, commented: "With a 42% improvement in response time, the recent upgrade has revolutionised our operations at Boubyan Bank, allowing us to tackle critical challenges and achieve remarkable efficiency improvements. Our customers will also benefit from the new enhancements including a 52.5% reduction in salary posting time, a 15% boost in CPU efficiency, and an over 80% decrease in database blocking and session times. These advancements have greatly enhanced our system performance, enabling us to better serve our customers and further our mission of delivering top-tier Islamic banking services."

Database blocking refers to blocking new change requests while changes are being made to part of the database so as to prevent conflicts.

Significant growth projected for the MENA halal food industry

BCC Research's Halal Food Regional Market Analysis: Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is projected to grow from US$253.9 B in 2025 to US$380 B by the end of 2030, with a CAGR of 7.1% from 2025-2030. Countries covered include Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, KSA, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE.

KSA has the largest market share, which is expected to be worth US$72.7 B by 2030, at a CAGR of 8% over the forecast period.

Distribution channels include hypermarkets and supermarkets, departmental stores, as well as online, while product types include meat and meat products, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, and grain products. The meat and meat product segment will continue to dominate through the end of the forecast period.

According to BCC Research, investment and funding in the MENA halal food sector are accelerating, driven by strong government support and interest from international companies. Governments are streamlining approval processes and strengthening regulations to foster a more business-friendly environment. Rising consumer demand for food safety, ethical consumption, and Islamic lifestyle products, amplified by social media, is fuelling market growth. Additionally, strategic collaborations among governments, regulators, and research institutions are advancing innovation, ensuring global compliance, and promoting sustainable development within the halal food ecosystem.

Growth drivers include:

A growing population: The MENA region has a rapidly expanding Muslim population, which naturally sustains and increases demand for halal food. As religious dietary laws are central to daily life, this demographic growth ensures a steady and loyal consumer base for halal-certified products.

E-commerce: The rise of digital platforms and online food delivery services has made halal food more accessible than ever. Consumers can now easily find and purchase halal products online, boosting market reach and convenience, especially among the tech-savvy younger generation.

Increased investment: Governments and private investors are pouring resources into the halal food sector, supporting infrastructure, certification, and innovation. This financial backing is helping local producers scale up and attract global interest, positioning MENA as a key player in the global halal market.

Trends identified by BCC Research include:

Digitally-influenced halal choices: The halal food market in MENA is experiencing rapid growth, largely fuelled by the rising impact of Islamic lifestyle content on social media. Millennials and Gen Z are especially responsive to online trends and influencers, often basing their food choices on digital recommendations.

Ethical and clean eating trends: A growing regional focus on ethical consumption and clean eating is further accelerating the expansion of the halal food market, aligning with global health-conscious and sustainability-driven consumer behaviours.

BCC Research also highlighted Halal Products Development Company (HDPC), a KSA-based startup and a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The company is dedicated to developing a robust halal ecosystem within the kingdom and promoting the localisation of halal production.

HPDC supports international players in expanding their footprint in the Saudi market and invests in the halal industry to enhance the country's production capacity. Its overarching goal is to position KSA as a global hub for the halal sector. Additionally, HPDC offers advisory services to industry stakeholders seeking to navigate the halal market landscape.

Lunit shares Hajj involvement

The KSA government and Seha Virtual Hospital (SVH) have deployed the Lunit INSIGHT AI-based chest X-ray analysis solution (CXR) to support large-scale screening during the 2025 Hajj season. 

The Hajj, which ran from June 4–9 in 2025,  is one of the world's largest annual mass gatherings. It draws over 2 million pilgrims from more than 160 countries. During this high-risk period, the Saudi health authorities prioritise early detection of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and MERS. 

With hundreds of thousands of chest X-rays taken over just a few days, Lunit's AI successfully assisted healthcare teams on the ground by automatically analysing chest X-rays to identify abnormalities, helping facilitate rapid triage and timely treatment.

"Managing health risks during Hajj requires speed, scale, and precision. That's exactly where our AI comes in—helping frontline teams detect potential issues faster and more reliably," said Brandon Suh, CEO of Lunit, a provider of AI for cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. 

"Being selected again for this initiative reflects the strong trust we've built with Saudi Arabia's healthcare leaders and highlights how AI can make a real difference in the field."

This marks another milestone in Lunit's ongoing collaboration with Seha Virtual Hospital, the world's largest virtual hospital and a central component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 digital healthcare transformation. Lunit INSIGHT CXR was previously validated and integrated into SVH's national screening programme in 2023, with plans to expand across more than 170 medical sites in the kingdom. 

WePlay Berqurban Eid al-Adha charity activity launched in Jakarta

Social gaming platform WePlay has launched the WePlay Berqurban Eid al-Adha charity activity in Jakarta, Indonesia. Through donations and distribution ceremonies, WePlay aims to convey care and blessings to local families in need.

On June 7, WePlay representatives formally handed over a cow and two goats—healthy livestock compliant with Islamic law requirements—to the management of Musholla Baitul Rahman Mosque in Cengkareng, West Jakarta. These animals became sacred gifts for festive sharing.

"We deeply understand the sacred significance of Eid al-Adha for our Muslim brothers and sisters. WePlay Berqurban is not merely a material donation; it represents WePlay's commitment to community care and cultural respect," a WePlay representative said.

"Choosing Musholla Baitul Rahman as the venue ensures our contribution directly benefits local neighbours. We hope this shared faith-based goodwill brings a blessed and joyous celebration to recipient families."

The Head of the Musholla Baitul Rahman Mosque said: "We are immensely grateful to WePlay for their incredibly generous donation to our community during the sacred Eid al-Adha. This sacrificial provision is not just a precious gift, but also a vivid embodiment of the Islamic spirit of sharing and caring for the vulnerable.

Source: WePlay.On June 7, WePlay representatives formally handed over a cow and two goats to Musholla Baitul Rahman Mosque in Cengkareng, West Jakarta.

"WePlay's kind-heartedness and action have genuinely warmed our community and demonstrated the company's profound understanding and respect for local culture and religious values."

First batches of Hajj pilgrims arrive

The KSA Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reported via Facebook that its #Hajj_and_Umrah ecosystem has received pilgrims from Indonesia and Turkiye at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Al-Madinah.

Hashtags: #Ease_and_Tranquility, #No_Hajj_Without_a_Permit

Blue Planet strengthens Middle East presence

Blue Planet Environmental Solutions and Imdaad have partnered to advancing sustainability-led solutions across the UAE. 

Source: Blue Planet Environmental Solutions. Empowering the UAE’s green goals together. From left: Singh and Mahmood Rasheed.

Blue Planet's global leadership in sustainable environmental technologies and circular economy platforms will be combined with Imdaad's extensive operational expertise in waste management and environmental services within the UAE. Together, the two companies will focus on delivering impactful, scalable solutions that align with the UAE's circular economy agenda and environmental sustainability goals.

The partnership will initially focus on the following core service areas:

- Landfill mining

- Biogas production

- Tank cleaning and industrial services

- Disaster recovery and remediation

- Complementary environmental services 

"We are excited to join forces with Imdaad to build a robust platform that delivers innovative circular solutions addressing critical environmental challenges in the UAE," said Prashant Singh, CEO of Blue Planet. 

"Through this alliance, we will leverage local expertise to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions aligned with the UAE's sustainability ambitions."

Mahmood Rasheed, COO, Imdaad, said: "Our partnership with Blue Planet is a significant step in advancing Imdaad's long-term vision of promoting enhanced environmental services, sustainability and a robust circular economy in the UAE. 

"By combining our operational strengths with Blue Planet's innovation-driven approach, we aim to create high-impact solutions that not only serve our clients but also contribute meaningfully to Dubai's and the UAE's sustainable development goals."

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah warns of fines of up to SR100,000 for Hajj violations

Source: Saudi Ministry of Hajj
and Umrah Facebook page.
Hajj without a permit
exposes individuals to penalties
and regulatory accountability.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in KSA has emphasised that an official permit to perform the Hajj for the 1446 AH season (2025) is compulsory. This requirement ensures the safety and security of pilgrims as they perform the rituals of the pilgrimage.

The ministry stressed that Hajj can only be performed by domestic pilgrims who have an official permit, and pilgrims from overseas with a regular Hajj visa. All other types of visas do not enable their holders to perform the pilgrimage. It also said that scams should be reported immediately.

The Ministry said that there are penalties against anyone who violates Hajj instructions, including those caught attempting to perform Hajj without a permit. Violators will be subject to a fine of up to SR20,000. The same fine will also be applied to holders of all types of visit visas if they enter or attempt to enter Makkah Al-Mukarramah or remain there during the period from 1 Dhu al-Qidah until the end of 14 Dhu al-Hijjah. 

Those who aid violaters will also be punished, with fines going as high as as SR100,000. There are penalties for facilitating visit visas for individuals who perform or attempt to perform Hajj without a permit, or for transporting, sheltering, or concealing them. Fines will be multiplied according to the number of violaters. 

Additional penalties include the deportation of trespassing residents and a 10-year ban from entering the country, as well as the confiscation of any land transportation vehicle proven to have been used in transporting holders of all types of visit visas to the city of Makkah Al-Mukarramah and the holy sites.

Hashtags: #Ease_and_Tranquility, #No_Hajj_Without_a_Permit