Haj Committee of India sets deadline for advance Hajj payments

The Haj Committee of India has extended the deadline for remittance of the advance Hajj amount to 12 February, 2018. The amount of Rs81,000 must be paid by provisionally-selected pilgrims for Hajj 2018.

The unique bank reference number provided to each group travelling together (cover) must be mentioned on the remittance receipt. The pilgrims must also submit a copy of the pay-in slip, medical certificate in the prescribed format, their original passport, and a photograph to their State Haj Committee by the deadline.

The quota for India is 123,400 pilgrims based on a Muslim population of 172 million. Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar have the most Muslims, numbering 38 million, 24 million and 17 million respectively.

SAUDIA is most-followed KSA brand on Facebook

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA), the KSA national carrier, reports that it is the No. 1 most-followed brand on Facebook in KSA, and the 6th most-followed airline brand globally.

The airline hosted its highest-ever passenger count at more than 32 million guests in 2017. The brand introduced 60 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft to its fleet last year; launched a new mobile app; and introduced new destinations as well as new sports sponsorship agreements.

The result has been an exponential growth in its follower base. SAUDIA has 7 million followers on social media. The airline recently surpassed the 1 million mark on Twitter and has more than 5.6 million fans on Facebook, and another 0.5 million followers on Google+.

VP of Corporate Communications, SAUDIA, Abdulrahman Altayeb said: “With many new exciting initiatives taking place within the airline, we are continuously focusing on the guest experience and as a result, have been sharing every new development online so that our guests can view the changes that SAUDIA is implementing.

Screen capture of SAUDIA's Facebook page, captured on 4 February 2018.

“We value our guests’ views and interactions with SAUDIA’s online channels, and so in addition to sharing news about upcoming destinations, new aircraft and new features being introduced, we also utilise our channels to listen to feedback and monitor for issues and intervene with customer care and support.”

Details:


In addition to Facebook (@SAUDIARABIANAIRLINES) and Twitter (@SAUDI_AIRLINES), the airline is also active on Instagram (@SAUDI_AIRLINES), Snapchat (@SAUDIA_AIRLINES), Telegram (@SAUDIA_AIRLINES) and YouTube (@YOUTUBE.COM/SAUDIAIRLINES).

Singapore concludes visit to Haj Ministerial Meeting

Source: Yaacob Ibrahim Facebook page. The Haj Ministerial Meeting in action.

Singapore Minister for Communications and Information, Minister-in-charge of Cyber Security and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim led Singapore’s delegation to the annual Haj Ministerial Meeting in KSA from 24 to 27 January 2018. The delegation included the Chief Executive of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis), Haji Abdul Razak Hassan Maricar, and other senior officials.   
  During the meeting, where delegates discuss arrangements for their pilgrims and other matters for the upcoming Hajj season scheduled in August 2018, Minister Yaacob said on his Facebook page that he gave the Saudi Hajj authorities positive feedback regarding the services and facilities rendered to Singapore pilgrims during last year's Hajj. "We also discussed details for the upcoming Hajj season. With their continued good support for the Singapore Pilgrims Affairs Office (SPAO) and our General Sales Agents, we look forward to providing good assistance to our pilgrims," he said.

"My meeting with the Saudi Minister of Haj and Umrah, HE Dr Mohammed Saleh Taher Benten went smoothly on Thursday (25 January). I thanked HE for the warm hospitality and excellent service rendered by the Saudi’s Hajj authorities to the Singapore pilgrims last year," added Minister Yaacob.

Source: Ministry of Haj and Umrah, KSA. Minister Yaacob addresses the floor during his meeting with Dr Benten in Makkah, KSA.

"I also expressed my gratitude to other Hajj agencies such as Madinah Adilla’ for their dedication and hard work which ensured a smooth Hajj  for pilgrims from Singapore and all over the world. While we pray for the best outcome of Singapore’s appeal for more Hajj places, we also understand the importance of ensuring the welfare, safety and security of all Hajj pilgrims. Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) officials and Association of Muslim Travel Agents (Singapore) will continue to work together with the Kingdom’s Hajj authorities to ensure that Hajj this year will be a smooth and successful one."

Minister Yaacob also met with the Chairman of Madinah Adilla’, Sheikh Hatim Jaffar Bali. "I thanked him for the meticulous management and excellent provision of services and facilities for Singaporean pilgrims during their stay in the Holy Lands," he said.

"I am confident that with the good and strong cooperation between our two countries, we will continue to work together to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj for our pilgrims this year and in the years to come."

Hashtag: #yaacobibrahim

Singapore furthers development plans for own Islamic College

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Singapore Minister for Communications & Information, the Minister in charge of Muslim Affairs and the Minister in charge of Cyber Security has made visits to students at Islamic academic institutions in Turkey and KSA as part of a trip whose main focus is the Haj Ministerial Meeting in KSA.

In a visit with Singapore students studying at the Islamic University of Madinah Al-Munawarrah and Umm Al-Quraa University in KSA Minister Yaacob noted, "I was glad that the students understood the important role asatizah have to play in Singapore and how our young and upcoming asatizah should continue to upgrade their skills to improve the way religious content is communicated, contextualised and disseminated to multicultural societies such as Singapore."

He added that insights gained will shape Singapore's own Islamic college, an idea which was mentioned as far back as July 2016. 

The Singapore connection to Turkey is strong as several of Singapore's madrasah graduates received scholarships for tertiary education in Turkey, he said. Minister Yaacob went to the Istanbul, Marmara and Ibn Khaldun Universities, where he met with key administrators and renowned scholars of Islam, including the Mufti of Istanbul, HE Professor Dr Hasan Kamil Yilmaz, the Rector of Istanbul University, Professor Mahmut Ak, the Rector of Marmara Üniversitesi, Professor Mehmet Emin Arat, and the Dean of Faculty of Islamic Studies at Ibn Khaldun University, Professor Bilal Aybakan.

Discussions centred around Turkey’s philosophy in education and how it integrates religious traditions with modern sciences. "We also discussed practical issues such as employment prospects for graduates of Islamic studies or Faculties of Theology," he said. 

He also talked to Singaporean students teaching and studying for their PhDs in Islamic law in Istanbul. "I was also heartened to hear their aspirations of giving back to the community and Singapore upon their return," he shared.

Hashtag: #yaacobibrahim

Club HEAL's 5th anniversary celebrations draw attention to mental health

Celebrating Club HEAL's 5th anniversary.

Voluntary welfare organisation Club HEAL recently celebrated its 5th anniversary with a charity gala dinner attended by nearly 600 guests and supporters.

Dr Radiah Salim, founder and President, Club HEAL, said, "Club HEAL aims to fill as many gaps in services as we possibly can."

Some 2,000 clients have benefitted from Club HEAL's support, and she hoped that there will be more Club HEAL outlets while expanding outreach to those with addiction issues, she said.

Zaqy Mohamad, Member of Parliament for Chua Chu Kang GRC and a Club HEAL patron, said the work done by Club HEAL is more significant than many realise. "Mental health issues are sometimes hard to see," he said.

"Anyone can be afflicted by this illness which is no different from any other physical illness," said Singapore President Mdm Halimah Yacob, who has been Chief Patron of Club HEAL from its inception. "With the right kind of support and encouragement people with mental health issues can lead fulfilling lives. Medical treatment and medication are not enough. They need to be supported by other services."

Mdm President Halimah Yacob addresses the audience during Club HEAL's 5th anniversary gala dinner.

Mdm Halimah also called for everyone to make an effort to learn more about mental illness and noted that people who understand the concept of mental health are more likely to fund mental health programmes. "It is if you give of yourself that you truly give," she concluded.

With its mission to banish stigma against mental illness and the people associated with it, Club HEAL shared many stories of recovery amongst its peers and caregivers and staff during the event.

Writer, editor and peer support specialist Yohanna Abdullah launched Club HEAL’s fourth book, A Place in the Sun, and its Malay version Di Bawah Sinaran Mentari.  Dr Radiah noted in the book's preamble that it is a sequel to Mind at Peace, the club's third book, which explores the human relationship with the creator of the universe. A Place in the Sun explores human-to-human relationships, she explained. "It is our hope in Club HEAL that the stories in this book demonstrate the quality of mercy that all of us should have," she wrote.

In the foreword to the book Mdm Halimah asked if Singapore society has progressed to being able to accept those with mental illness and made efforts to accommodate them in lives, work, and the community at large. "I believe that we are still very much a work in progress and have a lot more to do," she said.

A second book was launched at the event. Heryani Jamaludin, shared her experiences as a psychiatrist nurse in her inaugural book You Can Do Your Best.

Club HEAL Administrative Assistant and musician Mano Esperanza sang his own composition about Club HEAL in a song called Kampung HEAL.

Intern Faizal then led the audience in singing the theme song of the night, the 1966 Stevie Wonder song A Place in the Sun that was publicised by Engelbert Humperdinck.

The audience also enjoyed a dikir barat performance by Club HEALers. Dikir barat is a form of Malay choral singing that is popular in Singapore and Malaysia.

Yohanna's book, A Place in the Sun, features stories from and about 17 individuals who have dealt with difficulties in their lives. The chapters are divided into four sections in accordance with the acronym HEAL, or hope, empowerment, acceptance and love.

You can be your Best by Heryani Jamaludin (at podium) is another of the books launched at the Club HEAL event. During her launch speech Heryani urged people in difficulty to seek help as soon as possible. "Do not wait, seek treatment," she said.

Stacks of You can be Your Best on sale at the event venue.

The song A Place in the Sun embodies Club Heal's philosophy - striving for a better life in a place "where there's hope for everyone". Listen to a snippet of the song in the Instavideo.

Club HEAL runs a psychiatric rehabilitation day care service in which psycho-education and supportive counseling to persons with mental illness and their families are provided. Outreach programmes are conducted for them and the general public.

While the Club HEAL day rehab service caters to the needs of Muslims, anyone with mental illness is welcome, regardless of race or religion.

Explore:

Club HEAL's new corporate video features sections in accordance with the acronym HEAL, or hope, empowerment, acceptance and love.

View videos from Club HEAL, including the corporate video that was premiered at the event. The new video profiles people whose lives have been touched by Club HEAL and discusses perspectives of mental health.

Hashtag: #clubheal

Muhammadiyah Welfare Home hands out record number of Al-Fatih scholarships

Fourteen ex-residents of the Muhammadiyah Welfare Home (MWH), a model rehabilitation institution for boys, received Al-Fatih scholarships in 2018. This is a bumper crop for the home, which offered two Al-Fatih scholarships in 2016.

"We gave out the awards to 14 boys who are our former residents. One doing a course in the polytechnic; one in PSB Academy; and the rest in ITE (NITEC and higher NITEC)," said Dr Mariam Aljunied, MWH Management Committee Member.

The scholarship, worth S$2,500, comes with some strings attached. Each recipient must return to MWH once a month. "That's the window of opportunity for us to give counsel, advice, check in on these boys and extend help and support if needed, even after they've left us," Dr Aljunied said.

Muis calls for open discussion the role of Islam in Singapore

Source: Muis website. The discussion areas that Muis is inviting feedback on.

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) is taking the occasion of its 50th anniversary to invite the community to discuss how it can stay relevant in the future, amidst a more diverse socioreligious landscape. The Singaporean Muslim community is invited  to take part in this conversation.

"Today we see many ground-up initiatives and new partners offering services and solutions for the community. At the same time, maintaining community resilience continues to be absolutely essential in these challenging times. Is it time for Muis to take a step back and provide more space for the community to find their own way in managing differences and creating more organic bridge-building efforts?" asked Muis on its website.

Muis has three discussion areas as a focus:

- The future of religious life of the Singapore Muslim community

The local community has shifted from being predominantly Sunni and based on the Syafi’i school of law and the Asy’ari school of theology towards a wider range of schools of thought. At the same time religious expression is becoming entwined with sociopolitical interests and ideologies. 

- Islamic education

The quality of asatizah (Islamic religious teachers) is a priority when an unprecedented amount of information is available online and easily shared. Muis has estimated that about 60,000 young people aged between 5-21 are attending structured Islamic education programmes at mosques, Islamic organisations and private providers while an unverified number of people of all ages are attending home-based classes. Another estimated 33,000 adults are also actively attending similar programmes in the form of adult Islamic learning (ADIL) classes and talks at the mosques for adults and structured courses for mature students at private institutions like Pergas, Perdaus or Al-Zuhri.

- The role of mosques in the community and in society

While Singapore's mosques have significantly increased the capabilities of their staff to provide better programmes and services over the last decade, there are still gaps such as in the management of dysfunctional family issues and juvenile delinquency.

In a Facebook post about the MUIS50 Conversation series on 20 January Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Singapore Minister for Communications & Information, the Minister in charge of Muslim Affairs and the Minister in charge of Cyber Security, said he hoped the conversations "would trigger a more open and mature dialogue on contextualising Islam in our multiracial and multireligious Singapore."

"How would increasing diversity impact the religious life of the Muslim community in Singapore? Can we harness our diversity as a source of strength? Are our religious institutions such as Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) well-geared to prepare our community in their religious life for the future? How do we maintain social cohesion and a harmonious and peaceful expression of Islam as we continue to be equal partners in nation building and contribute to the success of Singapore? These were among the questions posed and discussed at the 12th session of the MUIS50 Conversation series on Saturday, 20th January 2018, which I joined," he said.

Details:

Members of the Muslim community in Singapore are asked to send comments by email to muis50@muis.gov.sg. Muis also welcomes inputs on ways to work together on any other important areas, as well as suggestions on how it can improve its services. The deadline for contributions is 28 February 2018.

Hashtag: #yaacobibrahim

100 trends in MENA for 2018 show closer alignment with the West

Source: JWT website. Cover for the report.

The J. Walter Thompson Middle East and Africa's Innovation Group has released its sixth annual consumer trends report, covering the MENA region for 2018. The Future 100 Trends and Change to Watch in MENA captures key themes accelerating the pace of change for consumers in the economies of Egypt, North Africa, Lebanon, Jordan, the Gulf and KSA.

Each trend in the Future 100 MENA Report is part of a growing phenomenon, that Middle Eastern consumers are increasingly identifying themselves as global citizens. With the universal nature of digital networks, the region is experiencing new spins on parenthood, money and lifestyle matters.

Authored by Mennah Ibrahim, MEA Director of the Innovation Group, the report has 10 main categories - culture, tech & innovation, travel & hospitality, brands & marketing, food & drink, beauty, retail, health, lifestyle, and luxury.

Mennah said: "Borders are collapsing at the touch of technology, causing much faster trend evolution and similarities with the West, as the Middle Eastern consumer increasingly identifies as a 'global citizen'. Last year, I wrote about the growing demand for brands and lifestyle products to offer Muslim-centric options of diverse identity, social justice and social impact. Interestingly, these recurring themes, along with other emerging trends, are now flowing faster in the opposite direction. This East to West exchange is making those trends' influences felt across consumer categories around the globe - even in space."

According to the report: 

Rebranding sexual wellness: Trend No. 86

Sexual health is breaking out of its taboo status to become more aligned with health and wellbeing. The Muslimah Sex Manual: A Halal Guide to Mind Blowing Sex, is the first such guide written by a Muslim woman for women, addressing many of the misconceptions passed down by cultural standing. The tide on sexuality is fundamentally turning with wellness brands moving into the sexual health area.

Mingling with the machine: Trend No. 7

According to Accenture, 82% of UAE respondents cited the availability of artificial intelligence (AI) anytime as a key reason why they prefer it to human interaction. At the Future Investment Initiative in KSA, a humanoid robot demonstrated her capacity for human expression and interaction. At GITEX Dubai, robo-cops keeping the peace and robo-surgeons performing surgery over 5G were a major highlight.

Halal space food: Trend No. 44

KSA has invested US$1 billion in Virgin Galactic, and Egyptian Mohammed Sallam is set to fly to the Red Planet as part of mission Mars One. With more Muslim astronauts travelling to space, Texas A&M University System plans to conduct research on halal food as part of its NASA programme. "If there is a demand for halal food we will have research on it, to NASA requirements," said Mian Nadeem Riaz, NASA R&D director.

By women for women: Trend No. 10

Women are using social media, girl-focused platforms and messages of empowerment to create content and solutions for women, by women. In KSA, Google expects this content to rise by 75% over 2016's figures. Vlogger Njoud al Shammari said: "YouTube gives me the power to have a voice not only to express myself but to express what other women need, and what they feel needs to change in our society."

Rebranding KSA: Trend No. 4

With a target of attracting 1.5 million foreign visitors by 2020, KSA's cultural reforms and relaxed tourist visa laws are already attracting foreign investors, who find that the country's unexplored territories add to its mystique. Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson said: "This is an incredibly exciting time in the country's history, and I've always felt that there's nothing like getting a firsthand impression."

Explore:

Download the report

New workshops on Al-Ghazali's books start February

Islamic education and outreach organisation SimplyIslam.sg has organised a sequel to its September 2017 workshops on The Life & Thoughts of Imam Al-Ghazzali (الغزالي) in September 2017. Abū Ḥāmid Muḥammad ibn Muḥammad Al-Ghazali is an influential Muslim scholar who lived from 1058 to 1111. 

The school has a new 40-week course, Journey with Imam Al-Ghazzali, that will go more in-depth into several of Imam Al-Ghazali's books. The course aims to uncover Al-Ghazali’s advice and spiritual practices to make daily routines more meaningful and purposeful. Books that will be covered include:

– Munqidh min al-Dalalah (المنقذ من الضلال)
– Book of Intentions
– Secrets of Outer Worship
– Remembering Death
– Book of Tawbah (كتاب التوبة)

– other books will also be discussed.

Details:

Classes are weekly, on Wednesday evenings, and begin 7 February. Register 

Explore:

Browse the virtual library of Ghazali works

Read discussions of Ghazali's philosophy

2017 bespoke Rolls-Royce models include the Spirit of Calligraphy Ghost

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has shared the finest examples of bespoke design and craftsmanship to be completed by the luxury house over the past 12 months. The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bespoke department is a collective of designers, engineers and craftspeople who bring patrons’ most ambitious and personal visions to reality. Today, almost every motor car made by Rolls-Royce is bespoke.

According to the company, 2017 was the year that Rolls-Royce elevated its Bespoke initiative to unprecedented new levels, resulting in one of the most significant years for the Bespoke department in the 114-year history of the brand.

Spirit of Calligraphy Ghost

A special one-off commission unveiled in Dubai, UAE in 2017, the Bespoke Spirit of Calligraphy Ghost draws its design inspiration from the art of Arabic calligraphy. Conceptualised by brand experts at AGMC, the sole dealers of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, the Spirit of Calligraphy is an extended wheel base Rolls-Royce Ghost that combines the words of the luxury brand’s founder with the region’s Arabian heritage.

Handpainted on the fascia of this masterpiece is a calligram created by Arabic calligrapher Khalid Al Saaei, where Sir Henry Royce’s iconic words “Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it” has been translated into Arabic and then written as the shape of the Rolls-Royce’s famous flying mascot, the Spirit of Ecstasy.

The features a Sapphire Black exterior with an Arctic White coachline and 21” painted wheels with matching wheel centres and Arctic White pinstripes. The bespoke interior features Al Saaei’s Spirit of Ecstasy calligraphy motif as both a silver inlay on the centre panel and as embroidery on the rear centre seat, amidst an eye-catching array of turchese, Black and Arctic White leathers, finished with Black lambswool carpets.

At the time of the announcement in November 2017, timed to coincide with the Dubai International Motor Show, Mamdouh Khairallah, GM, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars AGMC, said, “Khaled Al Saaei’s artwork captures the words that have formed Rolls-Royce’s ethos for decades and contours them into the brand’s inspirational muse. Only with Rolls-Royce can you take a unique piece of art that encapsulates culture and tradition, and present it in a luxury automobile as unique and special as the piece of art itself.”

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Detail of calligraphy motif, Spirit of Calligraphy Ghost.

Sweptail

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The Sweptail.

Rolls-Royce Sweptail premiered in 2017, draws on the lineage of 1920s and 1930s Rolls-Royce motor cars. The client’s vision was for a coach-built two seater coupé featuring a large panoramic glass roof.

The grille, milled from solid aluminium, presents a distinct formality. The side profile of Sweptail defines its stately character, whilst the rear taper of the motor car pays homage to the world of racing yachts. The rear culminates in the registration number 08, milled from ingots of aluminium and hand-polished to a mirror finish.

Phantom and The Gallery

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The Thorsten Franck Bespoke Phantom Gallery.

This new Rolls-Royce Phantom has at the heart of its design aesthetic The Gallery, a contemporary and luxury reinterpretation of a motor car’s dashboard and instrument panel.

An application of glass runs uninterrupted across the fascia, providing an unprecedented opportunity to present artwork within a car.

Dawn and Wraith at Porto Cervo

Two motor cars were created in honour of the 2017 Rolls-Royce Summer Studio, Porto Cervo, Sardinia in Italy. A bespoke Dawn drophead coupé and a Wraith Black Badge were commissioned to encapsulate the essence of the island.

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The Porto Cervo motif in sapphires and mother of pearl, in the Dawn.

Dawn adopted a nautical theme, evoking emotions of a Mediterranean sojourn. The Porto Cervo motif, encrusted with genuine sapphires and mother of pearl, is embedded into the front fascia of the motor car. Navy blue and arctic white hues complement an expanse of teak, including the decking and floor.

The Porto Cervo Wraith emulates Sardinia’s night time ambience. A two-tone Diamond Black exterior is contrasted with gloss and matte paint applications, while black woven leather door panniers infer Wraith Black Badge’s dark and complex character.

Ghost Elegance

Commissioned for an individual collector, the Ghost Elegance is the first motor car to be finished in a paint infused with diamonds. Named Diamond Stardust, the unique paint incorporates 1,000 diamonds crushed to form a very fine powder, giving the finished panels unmatched lustre and sparkle.

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The Ghost Elegance.

The flanks of the car are highlighted with Mugello Red and Black twin coachlines, reflected inside with black leather seats and accents in Mugello Red, carried through stitching on the doors and piping on the seats. The detailed fascia of smooth open-pore Tudor Oak veneer is also complemented with a Mugello Red single stitch along the top of the dashboard, and finished with a Bespoke clock.

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Dawn in Fuxia.

Dawn in Fuxia
In 2017, US collector Michael Fux was presented with his 10th Bespoke model from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Following a visit to Pebble Beach, US in 2016, where he collected a cluster of fuchsia petals, he challenged the Bespoke team at Goodwood - the home of Rolls-Royce - with a commission to bring a new colour to Dawn.

Dawn in Fuxia represents a unique hue to the Rolls-Royce Colour Collection, and is reserved exclusively for Fux. His most recent commission is his second Dawn, having collected the first – in one-off Fux Blue – in 2016. Reminiscent of that car, the interior of Dawn in Fuxia is trimmed in Arctic White leather.

Dawn B50 for Hotel Byblos

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Hotel Byblos in Saint-Tropez, France in 2017, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars revealed the Dawn B50, a Bespoke car inspired by the warmth and vibrancy of the Côte d'Azur.

Commissioned by the Hotel Byblos as the automotive Jewel of Saint-Tropez, the Dawn B50 has two dominant exterior colours. The combination was developed exclusively to celebrate the hotel’s anniversary, along with bespoke door treadplates and a unique hand-painted coachline on each side bearing the B50 logo. The sophisticated interior takes inspiration from the Mediterranean sun, with tangerine tones that accentuate the dashboard and echo the stitching across the seat upholstery and floor mats.

A special Silver Dawn

Prominently displayed at the Home of Rolls-Royce is a very rare 1952 Silver Dawn. It was sold new to a customer in Canada, and in 2017 a commission for a new Dawn from the same country led to a homage to this particular car in its 65th anniversary year.

Finished in two-tone Midnight Sapphire and Jubilee Silver, the new Dawn closely emulates the original finishes of the 1952 motor car, with a Bespoke painted coachline, broken for the first time on a Rolls-Royce. Inside, Selby Grey and Navy leather are combined with Crossbanded Walnut Burr veneer, closely matched to the original. The finishing touches include a Bespoke clock with 1952 lettering and a Spirit of Ecstasy veneer inlay.

Inspiration from South Korea

The Bespoke Collection for Korea embraces the aesthetic heritage of South Korea with contemporary flair. The Ghost Seoul Edition reflects colours that grace the country’s Taegukgi national flag, finished in bright Andalusian White with a twin coachline in Cobalto Blue and Mugello Red – along with a handpainted Bespoke motif that captures the silhouette of the iconic Namsan Seoul Tower. Inside, the black leather upholstery is complemented by contrasting bands in Arctic White, as well as blue and red highlights for stitching and piping.

The Wraith Busan Edition is inspired by the hues of the coastal city of the same name, with a two-tone exterior in Royal Blue and Jubilee Silver that conjures up the shimmering sea. The rear pillar motif echoes the delicate latticework of traditional Korean hanok screen doors, and is also carried inside the car across the dashboard. Emulating the dusk sky across nearby mountains, a single coachline in Blushing Pink draws attention to the shoulder line. The colour is also applied to the seat stitching, instrument panel and RR headrest monograms inside, as a flourish to the Selby Grey and Cobalto Blue upholstery.

Singapore's Office of the Mufti releases new video

Singapore's Office of the Mufti has added a video about darul Islam (abode of Islam) and darul harb (abode of war) to its series of short YouTube videos focused on what it means to be a Muslim in the modern world.

In the latest video in the Muslims in the Contemporary World series, Professor Ebrahim Moosa, Professor of Islamic Studies in Notre Dame's Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, Department of History, and Keough School of Global Affairs, talks about how to interpret these concepts in modern times.

Earlier videos include a video where American Islamic scholar and President, Zaytuna College Sheikh Hamza Yusuf discussed if Muslims should honour other cultures, as well as another video about Muslims and politics.

Explore:

View the Youtube channel of the Office of the Mufti

Muis announces O level results for madrasah candidates

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) has announced that of the 354 madrasah candidates who sat for the 2017 Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate Ordinary Level (O level) examinations, 98.9% have received certificates.

In Singapore, madrasahs are schools which offer Islamic religious instruction in addition to the national curriculum. There are six full-time madrasahs in Singapore, Madrasah Al-Arabiah Al-Islamiah (MAI), Aljunied, Madrasah Irsyad Zuhri Al-Islamiah, Madrasah Al-Ma'arif Al Islamiah, Madrasah Al-Alsagoff Al-Arabiah and Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah. All six fielded candidates for the O levels in 2017, and Al-Irsyad reported on its Facebook page that student Izzah Nuwairah Bte Zailan received straight As in the O levels.

Explore:

Read the 2016 Reddit AMA from a madrasah graduate

Download the November 2017 presentation on how to register for MAI (PDF)

IHAF gains more members

Source: IHAF. The second Board of Directors meeting was held in Vancouver, Canada, and attended by Emmanuelle Riva, Vice Chairman of IHAF, and Director at the Italian National Accreditation Body (ACCREDIA); Rob Miller, GM, American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA); Hany El Desouki, Executive Director at Egyptian Accreditation Council (EGAC); Abdulla Al Maeeni, Director General at Emirates National Accreditation System (ENAS); Ahmed Almutairi, Director General at GCC Accreditation Center (GAC); Ismat Gul Khattak, Director General, Pakistan National Accreditation Council; Rula Madanat, Director at Jordanian Accreditation System; Engineer Saud Al Askar, Deputy Governor for conformity at EGAC; Sutthinee Intarakamhaeng, Quality Manager at Thailand’s National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (NSC) and Dr Abhichartbut Rodyoung, Office of Standards Accreditation at NSC. Peter Unger, previous chair of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC); Sylvana Ricciarini, President at International Quality Excellence in Infrastructure Systems (IQEIS) and Atta Subhan, Accreditation Manager at GCC Standardization Organisation; also attended the board meeting.

The UAE-based International Halal Accreditation Forum (IHAF), the world’s first halal accreditation network, has taken a major leap toward spreading its standardised halal accreditation agenda worldwide with the approval of accreditation agencies from the Philippines, and Kazakhstan as members. Other member countries under IHAF in the Asia Pacific and Middle East include the UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Australia, New Zealand, India, Thailand, Pakistan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Yemen, and the rest of GCC countries. 

Driven by its mission of creating a strong global halal market and facilitating international trade, IHAF is focused on harmonising halal standards in various countries, easing the flow of halal products between countries and facilitating international halal food trade, with a view to tapping into the potential of the international halal food market and go beyond its projected growth of US$1.7 trillion by 2021.

IHAF facilitates mutual recognition between member accreditation bodies to enhance international trade in the field of halal and assures governments and regulatory bodies that halal products under the IHAF’s umbrella need no further testing, certification or verification. By streamlining the accreditation, certification and monitoring processes, IHAF also facilitates cost-effective accreditation; thereby producing cheaper halal goods and promotes accessibility to global markets for halal-related firms.

Mohammed Saleh Badri, Secretary General of the IHAF, said: “IHAF is ceaselessly working toward increasing the network of countries adopting unified halal accreditation standards, which is critical to ensure sustained growth and enhancing the credibility of halal sector, given its rising popularity worldwide. With the approval of four new member associations, the number of IHAF members has now increased to 27 accreditation bodies representing 28 countries and we are expecting the number of members to double within two years.

“The benefits of a credible accreditation and keenness to tap into the rapidly expanding halal market, are leading to a growing interest from countries toward adopting a unified halal accreditation, as is visible from the increase in the number of IHAF members. Countries following unified accreditation standards are at a clear advantage in global market, in terms f credibility, costs and stand stronger when it comes to expanding their global footprint.”

Memberships were approved for the Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB) as a full member, while affiliate membership was granted to the National Centre of Accreditation (NCA) from the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Accreditation Affairs Section (KAAS) Public Authority for Industry from Kuwait.

Aysha Abdullah Saleh from the Emirates National Accreditation System (ENAS) was additionally appointed as the Chair for Media and Marketing Steering Committee.

Source: IHAF. IHAF inks a membership agreement with the Philippines, signifying the country’s interest to strengthen its halal industry. The signing ceremony took place during the National Exporters’ Week in the Philippines.

In December, IHAF inked a separate membership agreement with the Philippines, signifying the country’s interest to strengthen its halal industry. 

This complements the Philippines’ initiatives to develop its halal infrastructure system, which included the recent formation of a halal board. Peaking local demand and rosy business prospects for the country ultimately call for a solid halal strategy.

Badri said: “IHAF welcomes the Philippines into our extensive global network. This agreement is an important initial step for the country that, apart from being home to a good number of Muslims, is also looking to capture a share in the flourishing industry of halal.”

IHAF, which has convened 28 countries in its network in a year, expects that this agreement will allow for the Philippines to tap into the lucrative halal industry, which is projected to amount to US$3.8 trillion by 2022.

Senen Perlada, Director of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), said: “The halal consumer segment is one of the largest, if not the largest segment in the world. We are looking at halal as a way of mainstreaming into the Islamic market. The strong bilateral ties of UAE and the Philippines serves as an excellent springboard for an international partnership in the halal industry.”

James Empeño, Director of Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB) who has signed the agreement on behalf of the Philippines, said: “This agreement signing is part of the continuous effort of the government to ramp up the development of the Philippine halal industry, with a goal to make the country the halal industrial hub of the region.”

The growing network of IHAF also benefits the Philippines’ trade relations with halal-importing countries such as the UAE. Philippine exports to the UAE stands at an average annual growth of 9% from 2012 to 2016.

The agreement signing was part of DTI-EMB Halal Section’s Seminar on Opportunities on Global Halal Market Access and Innovation in the Philippines, for which IHAF’s Secretary-General was the guest of honour.

Badri discussed the current halal market and certification schemes, the technical barrier to trade, specifically in the halal trade, and how IHAF can assist Philippines products to penetrate the UAE and the international markets.

Badri highlighted the optimism in the future of the global halal market, especially as more and more countries have expressed their desire to creating a global consensus on halal accreditation practices.

“The agenda of creating a tightly knit halal community across the world has been gaining traction since IHAF has launched its mission. The response has been overwhelming, and we are expecting more countries to formalise their IHAF membership soon,” Badri said.

“IHAF is committed to forging mutual agreements among member accreditation bodies in the field of halal conformity assessment practices in order to facilitate the halal trade, and maintain and uphold consumer confidence in halal marks and certificates,”
Badri added.

“As part of our mission of strengthening the global halal industry, IHAF also provides technical support to interested accreditation bodies around the world, developing their conformity assessment infrastructure in the field of halal,” Badri concluded. 

Saudia reports increase in transit travel

Source: SAUDIA. Al Jasser.

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA), the KSA national carrier, saw more layovers in 2017. Growth in transit passengers was up 38% between Europe and Asia, and 37% between Asia and Africa.

SAUDIA GM Engineer Saleh Al Jasser said: “Transit travel has proven to be an indispensable resource that our industry so desperately needs for further international expansion. SAUDIA has invested heavily in upgrading its fleet, welcomed 60 new aircraft in the previous two years. Moving forward, we will continue to keep a careful eye in refreshing our fleet, upgrading our products and improving service to provide unprecedented convenience and comfort to our guests, a duty which has always been at the heart of our business.”

Al Jasser said KSA is strategically located to more flexible choices and unmatched convenience for layovers across SAUDIA's destinations which span four continents.

"Moreover, the new terminal in King Abdulaziz International Airport, which is expected to be launched by the mid of the current year, will be a giant shift in aviation service and airlines industry. Being at the heart of the Islamic two holy cities, the strategic location of the new terminal as well as its cutting edge infrastructure will enable it to become one of the most significant hubs in world. Once the new terminal comes around, it will contribute greatly in further boosting our transit share and makes it possible for us to fly for more destinations and to offer a superior level of comfort to our valued guests as well,” he said.

IHAF underlines need for unified halal certification

Unified halal certification standards are crucial to tap into the potential of the international halal food market and go beyond its projected growth of US$1.6 trillion by 2020, International Halal Accreditation Forum (IHAF) leaders have said at the 2nd China-UAE Islamic Banking and Finance Conference in Shenzhen, China.

The two-day conference explored international cooperation in support of China’s US$1 trillion One Belt, One Road initiative, which aims to connect 65 countries spanning the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe by land and by sea for trade and investment. This initiative is expected to accelerate the growth of global halal consumption, as halal products become cheaper to produce and transport overland.

Farah Al Zarooni, Advisor at the IHAF said at the event: “Developing credibility of halal food products and fragmented marketplace are the biggest challenges to the growth of this industry, in spite of its tremendous growth potential and over 16% share...the health benefits of halal food are generating a wide interest worldwide from (the) Muslim as well was non-Muslim population*. We must address these challenges to facilitate international halal food trade and create a halal food market that consumers can trust, for which having credible and uniform accreditation practices is a must.”

“Multiple criteria for halal products, as is being done in most cases presently, inadvertently forms trade barriers. Harmonising halal accreditation practices is the key to remove these trade barriers and create a sustainable, strong, and reliable global halal market,” Mohammed Saleh Badri, Secretary General of the IHAF added.

IHAF facilitates mutual recognition between member accreditation bodies to enhance international trade in the field of halal. By streamlining the accreditation, certification and monitoring processes, IHAF also facilitates cost-effective halal system; thus producing cheaper halal goods and promotes accessibility to global markets for halal-related firms, Zarooni explained.

With a Muslim population numbering 26 million, China has a strong domestic halal industry and continues with efforts to strengthen the halal ecosystem domestically while expanding globally. 

“China has about 0.1% share in the US$415 billion global halal market and is taking active initiatives to increase its share. Further, gaining credibility in the global halal food market is crucial for China to increase its presence. A credible halal food certification is vital for China to develop trust in these products on a global level and tap into the fast-growing demand for global halal food market, which will cross US$1.7 trillion by 2021,” Badri said.

IHAF's mission is to create a strong global halal market, harmonising halal accreditation practices in various countries, and encouraging the ease of flow of halal products between countries as well as the facilitation of international halal trade.

*While the view that non-Muslims are interested in the benefits of halal food is often stated in the halal industry, non-Muslims do not actually seek out halal products because they are halal. They are however interested in specific characteristics of halal products such as the cruelty-free aspect but would look for all foods that are produced in a cruelty-free manner rather than specifically for halal food.

Halal Certification Bodies Convention returns in March 2018

Source: JAKIM. Scenes from the 2017 Halal Certification Bodies Convention event.

The Halal Certification Bodies Convention (HCBC) returns for its 9th year in 2018. Organised by Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM), the Islamic authority in Malaysia, HCBC provides an avenue for all key players and contributors of the halal industry to gather under one roof. 

The event, stretching across three days instead of two days as in previous years, has the theme Halal Connecting the World in 2018. It is targeted at halal industry players — certification bodies, businesses, and entrepreneurs.

One of the focuses during the convention is to enhance halal certification bodies’ understanding on halal standards in Malaysia, with emphasis on their roles and responsibilities in managing the halal certificates. Ways to strengthen the two-way relationship between Malaysia and international halal certification bodies will also be discussed. The event also aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia through JAKIM with other participating countries.

For 2018, the colocated 2nd International Halal Training Capacity Development Programme (IHTCDP) event will have an additional training session by the Islamic Tourism of Malaysia (ITC). Existing workshops include Emerald which focuses on halal food and non-food products; Diamond which is about halal food services; Sapphire which covers halal logistics and Ruby, which is about Muslim-friendly tourism.

The Halal Professional Board will also be introducing two training workshops, the Halal Executive (Citrine) course and the Halal Internal Auditor (Pearl) course. Each workshop is open to local and international participants and will consist of five days of training. The resulting certificates are recognised by Halal Professional Board (HPB) Malaysia.

The International Halal Authority Board (IHAB), launched at the 2017 event, is tasked with establishing a coalition of halal authorised countries of the world. To date, JAKIM has recognised 67 halal certification bodies around the globe. This year will also see the IHAB assembly formally introduced as a platform for harmonisation of the global halal certification process by 2020.

Gulf Standard Organization (GSO), the Saudi Arabia Standard Organization (SASO), the Moroccan de Normalisation Institute (IMANOR), the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) 

Details:

Halal Professional Board courses

26–30 March

2nd International Halal Development Capacity Programme
1–2 April 

9th International Halal Certification Bodies Convention
1–3 April 2018

1st IHAB General Assembly

3 April 2018

Le Meridien Putrajaya
Lebuh IRC, IOI Resort City,
Sepang, 62502 Putrajaya, Malaysia

Explore:

View the convention programme

Download presentation slides from the 2017 event

Register for the convention

View the agenda for the IHDCP

Register for the Halal Professional Board courses

Video discusses role of a Muslim in a modern democracy

Singapore's Office of the Mufti has added to its series of short YouTube videos focused on what it means to be a Muslim in the modern world.

The series, Muslims in the Contemporary World, features insights from local, regional and international scholars on the understanding and practice of Islam.

The first video featured American Islamic scholar and President, Zaytuna College Sheikh Hamza Yusuf discussing if Muslims should honour other cultures.

Sheikh Hamza also discusses the role of a Muslim in a modern democracy in another video, where he recommends that Muslims who have access to the political process should participate in it.

Explore:

View the Youtube channel of the Office of the Mufti

Muis shares Islamic calendar, key dates and prayer timetable for 2018

The Islamic Council of Singapore (Muis) has released new materials for 2018:

The Islamic calendar 2018 (PDF)

Key Islamic dates for 2018, including the beginning of each Islamic month and the dates for both Hari Rayas (Eids) and the Islamic New Year (PDF)

Prayer timetable for 2018 (PDF)

While the Islamic calendar and key Islamic dates are valid for other countries the prayer timetable would be very specific to Singapore.

KSA distributes over 250,000 copies of Quran in a month

King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran in Madinah, KSA has distributed 263,430 copies of the Quran, in addition to other materials to various agencies, embassies and consulates internationally in the third month of the Islamic calendar for the year 1439.

According to a report issued by the Complex that was mentioned by the Saudi Press Agency, the total distribution of the Complex since its inception in 1405 until the end of the month of Rabi'I* 1439
amounted to 301,738,624 copies.

*ربيع الأوّل

VAT launched in KSA

The KSA General Authority for Zakat and Tax has launched a value-added tax (VAT) mobile app on December 30 2017, ahead of the VAT launch on January 1 2018. The app contains important information on the tax and enables consumers to find out if the business they are dealing with is indeed registered for VAT.

The application has a ‘check’ function which allows consumers to see whether or not the business is registered in VAT by scanning the barcode on the VAT registration certificate, or by entering the business' Commercial Registration Number or the 15-digit VAT identification number mentioned on the invoice. Other features include a calculator to compute the correct VAT amount due on invoices, and the ability to flag businesses which are in violation of the VAT laws.

Source: General Authority of Zakat & Tax. VAT explained.

KSA released final VAT regulations in late August 2017. Businesses with annual revenues between SAR 375,000 and SAR1,000,000 are required to register for VAT. Registration is optional for businesses with annual revenues between SAR 187,500 and SAR 375,000, while businesses with annual revenues less than SAR 187,500 are exempted from registration.

The penalty for failure to pay VAT on time is 5% of the VAT amount due for each month. Failure to file VAT return on time will result in a fine not less than 5% and not more than 25% of the VAT amount due. In addition, VAT due on late registered businesses will be calculated from the date of VAT implementation on 1 January 2018, as all penalties and fines will be effective from this date.

Explore:

Call the General Authority for Zakat and Tax's local hotline for VAT enquiries at 19993 with complaints, including if an invoice which does not mention the basic required information such as tax identification number or tax amount.

Download the app on the Apple and Google app stores  

Visit the KSA VAT portal

Deloitte has also prepared a free VAT in the GCC Guide mobile app, which can be downloaded on the Apple and Google app stores

Read PwC's discussion on VAT and the movement of goods between UAE and KSA

A number of businesses have already made statements online about VAT, including bank Emirates NBD, e-marketplace Souq.com, logistics firm TNT, and Zain Saudi Telecommunications Company.

VAT arrives in UAE

The government of the UAE have introduced value-added tax (VAT) on goods and services at 5% of their prices as of 1 January 2018. The Executive Regulations for Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax was signed in late November 2017.

In a media briefing on 12 December 2017 HE Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Finance said: “Value-added tax plays a key role in achieving the leadership's vision of reducing oil dependency and building a sustainable knowledge economy. This will contribute to advancing development by providing additional sources of income for the expansion of infrastructure projects.

“VAT was introduced in the UAE after in-depth studies indicating that there would be no impact on the business sector and the investment environment in the country, nor would it affect the country’s position and competitiveness should it be implemented. In fact the UAE will implement the lowest VAT tax rate on a global level, with the aim of reaching the highest levels of happiness within the UAE community.”

Tourists will also pay VAT, but foreign businesses may recover the VAT they incur when visiting the UAE.

Businesses with turnover below AED375,000 are not required to register for VAT, but voluntary registration is accepted if the turnover exceeds AED187,500 and is below AED375,000.

Several products and services are exempt from value added tax, namely: the supply of certain financial services as specified in the Executive Regulations, the supply of residential (non-zero-rated) buildings either by sale or lease, the supply of bare land, and the supply of local passenger transport. In early December, the UAE Federal Tax Authority stated that selected sectors that will be assigned zero-rated tax, such as education, healthcare, oil and gas, transportation and real estate.

Examples provided by the Tax Authority include:

Education VAT rate	VAT rate
Private and public school education (excluding higher education) and related goods and services provided by education institution	0%
Higher education provided by institution owned by government or 50% funded by government, and related goods and services	0%
Education provided by private higher educational institutions, and related goods and services	5%
Nursery education and pre-school education	0%
School uniforms	5%
Stationery	5%
Electronic equipment (tablets, laptops, etc.)	5%
Renting of school grounds for events	5%
After school activities for extra fee	5%
After school activities supplied by teachers and not for extra charge	0%
School trips where purpose is educational and within curriculum	0%
School trips for recreation or not within curriculum	5%

Healthcare	VAT rate
Preventive healthcare services including vaccinations	0%
Healthcare services aimed at treatment of humans including medical services and dental services	0%
Other healthcare services that are not for treatment and are not preventive (e.g. elective, cosmetic, etc)	5%
Medicines and medical equipment as listed in Cabinet Decision	0%
Medicines and medical equipment not listed in Cabinet Decision	5%
Other medical supplies	5%

Oil and gas	VAT rate
Crude oil and natural gas	0%
Other oil and gas products including petrol at the pump	5%

Transportation	VAT rate
Domestic passenger transportation (including flights within UAE)	Exempt
International transportation of passengers and goods (including intra-GCC)	0%
Supply of a means of transport (air, sea and land) for the commercial transportation of goods and passengers (over 10 people)	0%
Supply of goods and services relating to these means of transport and to the transportation of goods and passengers	0%

Real estate	VAT rate
Sale and rent of commercial buildings (not residential buildings)	5%
First sale/rent of residential building after completion of construction or conversion	0%
First sale of charitable building	0%
Sale/rent of residential buildings subsequent to first supply	Exempt
Hotels, motels and serviced accommodation	5%
Bare land	Exempt
Land (not bare land)	5%
UAE citizen building own home	5% (recoverable)

Financial services	VAT rate
Margin based products (products not having an explicit fee, commission, rebate, discount or similar)	Exempt
Products with an explicit fee, commission, rebate, discount or similar	5%
Interest on forms of lending (including loans, credit cards, finance leasing)	Exempt
Issue, allotment or transfer of an equity or debt security	Exempt

Investment gold, silver and platinum, jewellery	VAT rate
≥99% pure and tradable in global markets	0%
<99% pure	5%
Jewellery	5%

Insurance and Reinsurance	VAT rate
Insurance and reinsurance (including health, motor, property, etc)	5%
Life insurance and life reinsurance	Exempt

Food & Beverages	VAT rate
Food and beverages	5%

Telecommunications and electronic services	VAT rate
Wired and wireless telecommunications and electronic services	5%

Government activities	VAT rate
Sovereign activities which are not in competition with the private sector undertaken by designated government bodies	Considered outside VAT system
Activities that are not sovereign or are in competition with the private sector	VAT rate dependent on good/service ignoring provider

Not for Profit Organisations	VAT rate
Activities of foreign governments, international organisations, diplomatic bodies and missions acting as such (if not in business in the UAE)	Considered outside VAT system
Charitable activities undertaken by societies and associations of public welfare which are listed by Cabinet Decision	Considered outside VAT system
Activities of other not for profit organisations (not listed in Cabinet Decision) which are not business activities	Considered outside VAT system
Business activities undertaken by the above organisations	VAT rate dependent on good/service ignoring provider

Free zones	VAT rate
Supplies of goods between businesses in designated zones	Considered outside VAT system
Supplies of services between businesses in designated zones	VAT rate dependent on service ignoring location
Supplies of goods and services in non-designated zones	VAT rate dependent on good/service ignoring location
Supplies of goods and services from mainland to designated zones or designated zones to mainland	VAT rate dependent on good/service ignoring location

Other	VAT rate
Export of goods and services to outside the GCC implementing states	0%
Activities undertaken by employees in the course of their employment, including salaries	Considered outside VAT system
Supplies between members of a single tax group	Considered outside VAT system
Any supplies of services or goods not mentioned above (includes any items sold in the UAE or service provided)	5%
Secondhand goods (e.g. used cars sold by retailers), antiques and collectors’ items	5% of the profit margin

In late December 2017 the Federal Tax Authority also clarified that diplomatic missions and international organisations that do not conduct business will be registered in a system that does not require a tax registration number (TRN). International organisations that do conduct business, import and export on regular basis should however register for VAT.

WAM, the Emirates news agency, also reported on 1 January the Ministry of Finance's assurance that the Federal Financial System is ready to manage all financial transactions related to VAT. The Federal Financial System is an integrated financial system that enables the ministry to finance federal entities, manage and govern financial procedures, and monitor the spending of federal entities.

Explore:

Ministry of Finance FAQ on VAT

Useful links for VAT

Deloitte has prepared a free VAT in the GCC Guide mobile app, which can be downloaded on the Apple and Google app stores

Read PwC's discussion on VAT and the movement of goods between UAE and KSA

Some businesses have already made statements online about VAT, including insurance firm AIG, telco Etisalat, e-marketplace Souq.com, and logistics firm TNT.