ALMAD Group set up to invest in projects that make a difference

Source: ALMAD Group. Key visual featuring a collage with the back of a man in black in two locations, and the brand logo superimposed on it. The structure at the top appears to be the Museum of the Future in Dubai.

Hong Kong-based ALMAD Group has gone live. The investment firm, founded by entrepreneur Dr Adrian Cheng, focuses on the digital space and emerging markets, including Mainland China, the ASEAN countries, the Middle East and beyond. Cheng, who is Founder and Executive Chairman, ALMAD Group, Executive Chairman of K11 by AC, and the Founder of K11, is no stranger to providing early-stage funding to empower technology startups. His successes include Xiaohongshu, XPeng Motors, and Micro Connect.

He said: “We are living in an era of profound change in the global economy, where new frontiers are emerging at an unprecedented pace. From ideation two years ago, we have been determined to build ALMAD Group as a movement propelling this shift, investing in transformative industries in emerging markets such as ASEAN and the Middle East, while advancing globally in digital assets and cultural industries.”

“Our mission is clear: to build what the next generation needs and to shape a future economy filled with possibilities.”

The group has three foci:

- Investing in transformative industries in emerging markets

- Breaking boundaries in digital and virtual assets

- Globalising the K11 by AC cultural ecosystem ALMAD Group's transformative industry priorities span culture, entertainment, sports, media, healthcare, commercial management and cultural tourism. These industries demonstrate strong commercial viability today, and also possess potential to shape the global economy and society in the next 20 years, the group said.

Cheng stated: “As ALMAD Group’s movement evolves, I look forward to unveiling more projects in the near future, showcasing the group’s commitment to transforming vision to action.”

ALMAD Group also aspires to lead in Web3 financial innovation, considering investments in digital asset, real-world asset (RWA) tokenisation and other emerging opportunities. Applications leveraging Blockchain technology and immersive digital experiences will also be explored.

Cheng launched K11, the world’s first cultural commerce model that integrates art, design, and retail, in 2008. His leadership has driven K11 projects such as Victoria Dockside, Hong Kong’s US$2.6 B global art and cultural district featuring K11 MUSEA.

ALMAD Group member K11 by AC’s core differentiation lies in its use of cultural content, co-creation of the brand experience, commercial management, and customer relationship management (CRM) capabilities targeting younger and more affluent demographics. The brand is redefining the cultural landscape by managing retail assets and art and cultural districts for a range of landlords.

K11 by AC’s Anime Intellectual Property (IP) business, Experience 11, is expanding in Mainland China and the Middle East. It curates experiences with leading anime IPs from around the world, leveraging its global art network and expertise. This segment strengthens the cultural ecosystem by capturing the 2D* or animation, comic, game and novel (ACGN) industries, which are highly popular across Gen Z and Gen Alpha market segments. K11 by AC is also scaling its Gentry Club business, a high-privacy luxury city club for cultural lovers themed around an artisanal lifestyle.

*2D or two-dimensional subculture refers to the animation, comics and game market.

Malaysia, Zetrix AI to build global standards for shari'ah-compliant AI

Source: Zetrix. Signing ceremony for the letter of intent between Zetrix AI and the Malaysian government via the PM's Department (Religious Affairs). Front row: Datuk Mohd Jimmy Wong Abdullah, Director of Zetrix AI (left) and Dato’ Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee, Director General of Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) (right). Back row, from left: witnesses YB Tuan Haji Mohd Fared bin Khalid, Chairman of the Johor State Islamic Religious Affairs Committee; YB Dato’ Haji Asman Shah bin Abd. Rahman, Secretary of the Johor State Government; YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz bin Ghazi, Chief Minister of Johor; YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, PM of Malaysia; and YB Senator Dato’ Setia Dr Haji Mohd Na’im bin Haji Mokhtar, Minister in the PM's Department (Religious Affairs).

Zetrix AI, developer of the world's first shari'ah-aligned large language model (LLM) NurAI and Malaysia's PM's Department (Religious Affairs) have signed a letter of intent (LoI) to collaborate on establishing a global framework for shari'ah compliance, certification and governance in AI. 

With the collaboration, Malaysia's Department of Islamic Development JAKIM, under the Ministry's leadership, will play a central role in guiding the certification, governance and ethical standards of NurAI, ensuring its alignment with Islamic principles.

Malaysia has consistently ranked first in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator, reflecting its leadership not only in halal certification but also in Islamic finance, food and education. JAKIM is internationally recognised as the gold standard in halal certification, accrediting foreign certification bodies across nearly 50 countries. By integrating emerging technologies such as AI and Blockchain to enhance compliance and monitoring, Malaysia continues to set holistic benchmarks for the global Islamic economy, Zetrix noted.

This milestone also underscores the need for an AI platform rooted in Islamic ethics, while positioning Malaysia as a global leader in ethical and shari'ah-compliant AI and a pioneer of international benchmarks. The initiative also reflects the country's halal and digitalisation agendas, ensuring AI remains trusted, secure, and representative of Muslim values while serving more than 2 billion people worldwide, Zetrix added.

At the ceremony PM YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim reinforced that national policies should incorporate various inputs, including digitalisation and AI — and must always remain grounded in Islamic principles and values that deserve emphasis.

Through the LoI, Zetrix AI and the government via JAKIM propose to collaborate in three key areas:

- Shari'ah certification and governance: Developing frameworks, ethical guidelines and certification standards for AI systems rooted in Islamic principles. 

- Global advocacy and promotion: Positioning Malaysia as the global centre of excellence for Islamic AI and championing the global Islamic digital economy, at US$5.74 T by 2030.

- JAKIM's official channel on NurAI: Creating a trusted platform for Islamic legal rulings, halal certification and verified shari'ah guidance, combating misinformation through AI. 

NurAI is developed in Malaysia, supporting Bahasa Melayu, English, Indonesian and Arabic. It complies with national data sovereignty and cybersecurity policies, reducing reliance on foreign tools while ensuring AI knowledge stays local, trusted, and secure.

Explore

Download NurAI at nur-ai.zetrix.com

CoCo Bubble Tea enters the Middle East with a Jordan store

CoCo Bubble Tea is debuting in the Middle East with an outlet in Amman, Jordan. The new store utilises halal-certified ingredients, and debuts a curated menu designed to simplify ordering while maintaining the brand's hallmark quality. 

The move marks the beginning of CoCo's commitment to serving consumers and supporting franchise partners across the Middle East in the long-term. 

The company is also looking for franchisees, and believes the simplified menu is partner-friendly. CoCo's halal-certified raw materials will empower store partners to localise and cater to the region's specific needs, the company said.

With more than a decade of global experience, CoCo offers franchise partners not only the visibility of its brand but also extensive support for marketing, operations, on-site consulting, and region-specific training. Its focus on research and development further ensures the ability to adapt products to evolving consumer preferences worldwide, the company said.

To support franchisees in the Middle East, CoCo has developed a custom training and operations framework designed specifically for the region. The framework simplifies onboarding, strengthens operational efficiency, and helps partners integrate seamlessly into CoCo's global standards while staying rooted in local cultural preferences.

"We are just beginning in the Middle East, but we aspire to one day have as robust a franchise network here as we do globally," said Kody Wong, Director of Business Development at CoCo Bubble Tea.

 "To accomplish this, we will continue our hallmark approach of adapting to local culture and tastes while empowering our partners with the resources they need for long-term success. This opening is about serving delicious bubble tea while building a unique franchise ecosystem that moves the region's business leaders forward."

CoCo plans to build a regional footprint, and has shared that it will enter the UAE.

Source: CoCo Bubble Tea. CoCo Bubble Tea Amman Jordan store facade.

Explore 

For franchising opportunities, visit: https://www.coco-tea.com/Franchise

An invitation to journey in the Prophet's footsteps

KSA's cultural legacy allows the kingdom to offer travellers some of the richest and most meaningful experiences on earth.

Source: Ala Khotah website. Key details for the trail.

One such experience is launching in November 2025, reflecting the kingdom's deep commitment to the two holy cities, as part of its care for the Two Holy Mosques and the guests of Allah. Ala Khotah, meaning In the Prophet’s Footsteps, brings to life the hijrah (الهجرة) or migration of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companion Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq.  

Through this initiative, travellers will have the opportunity to experience their journey from Makkah to Madinah themselves. The 470 km trail passes through 59 historical and enrichment stations, 41 historical landmarks and five key event locations. Key experiences  include visits to historical sites, camel riding, cultural workshops, as well as event reenactments using augmented reality. 

For Indonesian travellers, visiting KSA is now more accessible. Holders of a valid UK, US, or Schengen visa, complete with an entry stamp from the issuing country, can apply for an e-visa or visa on arrival. Umrah pilgrims can explore beyond the holy cities as well.

Details

Register your interest at https://alakhutah.com/

Oman opens applications for Hajj in 2026

The Oman News Agency (ONA) has reported that Hajj registration for citizens and residents for 2026 (1447) begins from 30 Rabi'al-Awwal 1447, corresponding to September 23. Applications will close on 15 Rabi'al-Akhir 1447, corresponding to October 8.

According to the ONA, the Omani Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs has stipulated that all applications must be submitted through www.hajj.om. Pilgrims from Oman must be at least 18 years old.

The Ministry indicated that the date for notifying those eligible for the first entitlement will be from 21 Rabi' al-Akhir 1447 AH to 8 Jumada al-Awwal 1447 AH, corresponding to October 14-30, 2025. The second entitlement will be from 11-15 Jumada al-Awwal 1447 AH, corresponding to November 2-6, 2025. The third entitlement will be from 18-20 Jumada al-Awwal 1447 AH, corresponding to November 9-11, 2025. 

The e-registration system supports registration by civil number, personal ID card, or the mobile phone number, if the personal ID card and phone SIM card are supported by the PKI electronic authentication system. The civil number recorded on the personal ID card will be used for registration if it is valid, and system updates will be sent to the mobile number or personal email.  

Registration within the registration period does not mean that the applicant is eligible or approved to go on the Hajj. The Ministry will verify the data submitted, determine eligibility, and then assign applicants in accordance with quota numbers granted by KSA. 

The Ministry reserves the right to cancel an opportunity if it is found that submission data is incorrect. Eligible applicants who decline the opportunity may not nominate anyone. Instead, their place is granted automatically to the next eligible applicant on the waiting list.

Successful applicants will be officially notified by the Ministry after the registration period via a text message. Hajj companies may not interfere in the registration of Hajj applicants. 

MUIS appoints 239 mosque management board members at 18 mosques

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) appointed 239 Mosque Management Board (MMB) members to serve in all 18 mosques located within the District East.

These appointments have increased the total MMB membership by about 37% compared to the previous term, with 81 members serving their first term. MMB member profiles include lawyers, engineers, IT professionals, educators and business owners, alongside religious scholars (asatizah). MUIS has also observed greater inclusion of women (Muslimah) and younger members, with 40% of MMB members being under 45 years old, reflecting an inclusive philosophy that helps mosques stay relevant and prepared for future challenges.

Kadir Maideen, Chief Executive of MUIS, was heartened to see the transformation taking place within the mosque leadership. “We are seeing more individuals from all walks of life with diverse talents coming forward to serve our mosques. This is a testimony of how our mosques have progressed in our efforts to remain relevant and responsive to current and future challenges,” he said.

Among the new MMB members is Sri Nur Asma-Ul-Husna Mohamed Hussain, 29, who will serve on Masjid Darul Aman's board. Her appointment reflected the younger generation's commitment to mosque leadership. As a first-time MMB member, she hopes to bridge generations through fresh perspectives in youth engagement and digital communication, ensuring the mosque remains a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages.

"What inspires me most is the opportunity to serve the community that prays, learns, and grows within the mosque. Having benefitted from mosque programmes throughout my spiritual journey and working with youth, I feel a strong responsibility to give back," she shared.

"This drives my desire to contribute as an MMB member, ensuring future generations can access the same meaningful opportunities that enriched my faith journey."

Shahrez Shah Rahmansa Marican, 37, will serve on Masjid Alkaff Kampung Melayu's board. As a first-time MMB member, he aims to leverage his background in training and digital transformation: "I look forward to contributing in areas where my background can be most valuable, particularly in training, development, and digital transformation," he said. He plans to support capability development, enhance operational processes, and explore innovative community engagement methods to help mosques evolve as dynamic centres of knowledge, faith, and service.

As part of the strategic leadership development, several experienced MMB members have been rotated to take on key appointments at different mosques within District East. This rotation system allows for the sharing of best practices and expertise across the district whilst fostering stronger inter-mosque collaboration and knowledge transfer. Singapore Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said: “Strong mosque management ensures that resources are used wisely and that programmes meet the growing and diverse needs of the Singapore Muslim community. Every contribution is important, whether it is helping with religious programmes, youth activities, senior care, or administrative support. And our mosque volunteers work hard to ensure we provide impactful and quality programmes for our community.”

Continuing for a third term, Madam Zulraidah Mohamed Arsad, who will be serving as Secretary of Masjid Al-Mawaddah, noted significant developments and progress made by the District throughout her two previous terms at Masjid Kassim. "The District East focus groups - covering areas like Community Religious Life, Social Good, and Organisational Excellence - have successfully addressed our congregations’ needs while fostering a responsive, community-driven culture. Moving forward, our youth and senior-focused initiatives will provide mosques with strategic guidance for programme planning, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of these vital demographic groups with purpose and relevance."

Muhammad Haikal Bin Mohamed Harun, who served previously at Masjid Al-Islah, expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments, as Vice-Chairman II of Masjid Kassim. "I'm excited to work with our newly appointed members, as each brings unique experiences and expertise that will strengthen our team. Our priority is building synergy and strategic planning to prepare the mosque for future challenges. We remain committed to building on existing legacies that serve both our Muslim community and the broader society."

District East mosques have adopted innovative approaches in delivering Islamic learning. Notable initiatives include QuranBit, a virtual Quranic learning platform launched by Masjid Wak Tanjong that now serves over 1,600 students through 90 qualified teachers, and Rumah Ngaji by Masjid Darul Ghufran offering home-based learning. The mosques have also embraced modern outreach through social media initiatives like The Talking Dome and The Ladies Minaret podcasts from Masjid Al-Istighfar.

The mosques in District East have also shown strong commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. The ZakatSD project piloted in District East in 2023, provides a “no wrong door” approach for financial assistance. It is now implemented at 61 mosques across Singapore. Other unique initiatives in District East include the Tazkiyah programme for former transgender inmates at Masjid Haji Mohd Salleh Geylang, and the Madanis programme for children with intellectual disabilities at Masjid Al-Istighfar. Masjid Al-Islah and Masjid Kampung Siglap have also initiated efforts to offer Islamic education for the hearing-impaired community.

At the One Mosque Sector Summit held in February 2025, the mosque sector has identified youth and seniors as key priorities for the next three years and beyond. Mosques are moving towards developing more creative programmes to attract more youths to participate and be connected to the mosque community. Plans are also being initiated to develop more senior-friendly spaces and programmes for seniors seeking spiritual and social engagement.

In addition, the mosque sector will continue to strengthen its organisational capabilities, service standards and operational delivery. This would include improving prayer facilities and raising the quality of delivery of Islamic learning and community services - as part of its commitment to better serve the community.

This appointment ceremony represented MUIS's commitment to nurturing a dynamic, responsive, and impactful mosque community that can serve the diverse and evolving needs of the Singapore Muslim community. Through these efforts, MUIS will ensure that mosques remain vibrant centres of spiritual life and community engagement for generations to come.

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.