Global halal cosmetics market to be worth over US$50 billion by 2025

The global halal cosmetics market is expected to reach US$52.02 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research. Awareness levels of Muslim populace regarding the ingredients used in cosmetic and personal care formulations will determine the industry's future growth trajectory, the research firm said.

The buying clout of the Islamic population has pushed the mainstream beauty industry to concentrate on product offerings that are halal-certified. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for these goods in keeping with their ethical beliefs, Grand View Research says.

Countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia offer tremendous opportunities as a result of Islam being the predominant religion and socioeconomic growth. In fact, Malaysia and Indonesia together accounted for nearly 60% of Asia Pacific revenue in 2015, with skincare and makeup being the dominant products consumed. Malaysia is also home to brands such as SimplySiti and IVY Beauty. 

Key findings:

- Asia Pacific, accounting for nearly 45% of the global Muslim population, was the dominant region and accounted for nearly three-quarters of the overall revenue in 2015.

- Countries such as India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Maldives are characterised by considerable Muslim population and improving socioeconomic conditions.

- The Middle East is also an important consumer hub for the industry, particularly considering high income levels in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and

- The haircare segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 12.3% in terms of revenue over the forecast period.

In view these evolving consumer requirements, manufacturers are trying to comply with Islamic code of law by incorporating more ingredients that are in compliance with shari'ah law.

Major companies in the beauty space include Clara International, INIKA, Talent Cosmetic, MMA Bio Lab, The Halal Cosmetics Company, Saaf Skincare, Prolab Cosmetics, Martha Tilaar Group, and IBA Halal Care.

Interested?

Buy the Halal Cosmetics Market Analysis By Product (Skin Care, Hair Care, Makeup), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America, Middle East & Africa), Competitive Landscape, And Segment Forecasts, 2014 - 2025 report

Saudi Ministry of Finance unveils details of Grand Mosque expansion

A report from the Saudi Ministry of Finance has provided more details about the current expansion of the Makkah-based Grand Mosque, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Once the project as a whole is complete, the Grand Mosque will have a capacity of 1.85 million worshippers.

The Third Saudi Expansion of the Grand Mosque, which was launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, is considered the largest-ever expansion of the area. It follows on from expansion projects initiated by late founder King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman and completed by the late monarchs King Saud and King Faisal.  

The Massaa (circumambulation passage) expansion is already complete. A number of projects are yet to be completed, including the Mataf (circumambulation) area, security buildings, and a hospital. 

The bridges and flyover area amount to 45,000 sq m and are expected to support 50,000 worshippers, while the 550,000 sq m services building will accommodate 310,000 worshippers. The eastern stairs area will span 263,000 sq m, large enough for 150,000 worshippers.

The Masaa area has been increased by 57,000 sq m to accommodate 70,000 worshippers, with the capacity of the mosque increasing from 44,000 people per hour at the circumambulation path to 118,000 people per hour.

The Mataf area has grown by 60,000 sq m to accommodate 90,000 worshippers. The Mataf previously received 50,000 people an hour and accommodated 188,000 worshippers in an area of 150,000 sq m. After the new expansion, the Mataf will receive 107,000 people an hour and will host 278,000 worshippers within an area of 210,000 sq m.

There will be four security buildings accommodating more than 18,000 personnel.

The iftar buffet at Straits Kitchen, Grand Hyatt Singapore

Source: Grand Hyatt Singapore website.

This Ramadhan, StraitsKitchen at the Grand Hyatt Singapore invites guests to enjoy diverse flavours from Asia with an iftar buffet spread of dishes from countries including Indonesia, India, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, in addition to the usual Singaporean favourites. The food is freshly prepared in halal-certified theatre kitchens.

From the Middle East, expect Saudi Arabian roasted leg of lamb, Lebanese samke harra (grilled fish) and shawarma meats, Moroccan mezze and traditional desserts including baklava, basbousa and kanafa bil cream.

Fresh, sustainably sourced seafood dishes will also be a highlight of the menus across the various theatre kitchens including Bengali machi (fish) curry, udang lemak nanas (Peranakan curry prawns), mini salmon skin with yellowtail maki, Alexandria-style mixed seafood and a crustacean bar with poached tiger prawns, clams, mussels and oysters.

From countries closer to Singapore, the Chef’s specialties include mini double-boiled superior ‘Buddha jumps over the wall’, Hyderabadi biriyanis (basmati rice with lamb or seafood), wok-fried crab with salted egg and nasi kambing herba (slow-cooked herb mutton rice).

The buffet also features a variety of desserts and six fine date selections: ajwah, barhi, sokari, kholas, khidri, and segai; ice creams and sherbets such as fig, honey and walnut ice cream, Arabic coffee ice cream and mango sherbet, plus umm ali, and more.

StraitsKitchen will serve the iftar buffet from 6:30pm to 10:30pm, priced* at S$68++ for adults and S$38++ per child. The meal includes selected free-flow of juice, lassi (Indian yoghurt drink), tea and coffee. 

The hotel offers prayer rooms for diners to perform the Maghrib prayers. The sunset call to prayer is broadcast through the audio system.

Interested?

For reservations, call +65 6732 1234. Club at the Hyatt cardholders can enjoy a 15% discount. 

*All prices quoted are subject to a 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes.

Taj Mahal, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre and Hagia Sofia Museum among top landmarks globally

TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice for the top 25 landmarks include three with Islamic history:

Source: Taj Mahal website.

Ranked no. 3 is the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. The memorial, built by the 5th Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1592 – 1666) to house the grave of his wife Mumtaz Mahal (also named Arjumand Banu Begum, 1593 - 1631), is considered the best of example of Mughal architecture, which combines elements from Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It received an 'excellent' rating from 8,807 TripAdvisor reviewers, and a 'very good' rating from another 1,329 reviewers, out of a total of 10,515 reviews.

Source: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre website.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi, the UAE is no. 4. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is visible from the three main bridges connecting Abu Dhabi island to the mainland, and aims to highlight the heritage of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The late Sheikh, first President of the UAE, is buried beside the mosque. It received an 'excellent' rating from 7,269 TripAdvisor  reviewers, and a 'very good' rating from another 1,037 reviewers, out of a total of 8,476 reviews.

Source: Hagia Sophia Museum website.

At no. 15 is the Hagia Sophia Museum in Istanbul, Turkey. This building was first used as a church for 916 years, then converted into a mosque following the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmed. The Hagia Sophia remained a mosque for 482 years and was turned into a museum by the order of Atatürk and the Council of Ministers in 1935. It received an 'excellent' rating from 1,302 TripAdvisor reviewers, and a 'very good' rating from another 3,821 reviewers, out of a total of 17,957 reviews.

Interested?

View TripAdvisor's top 25 landmarks

Eid feasts, Eid stays and Eid spa packages announced for Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai

The Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai has announced its plans for a grand Eid feast as well as other promotions over the holiday period.

The Eid Lunch Buffet will be served at The Atrium restaurant at AED150 per person. It will feature signature dishes from different parts of the Arab world, live cooking stations, as well as international favourites. Kids’ activities are also planned, and children under six dine for free (up to two children per family), while those between six and 12 years enjoy 50% off.

Peter Mansourian, General Manager of Grand Millennium Dubai, said, "We invite you to enjoy a sumptuous Eid lunch with your family and friends and let the children enjoy the special entertainment. Also, The Atrium enjoys the status of an exclusive restaurant for those willing to reward themselves with outstanding culinary fare as the outlet consistently delivers quality dishes in a familiar environment, with a team of dedicated staff to pamper and make you feel at home.”

The Eid Stay offer begins from AED599 with a complimentary breakfast buffet for two adults, while the Eid Glamour package at the Jasmine Spa offers 120 minutes of pleasure for AED525. Indulge in a 45-minute Moroccan hammam session followed by a Balinese massage for 40 minutes,  a 25-minute facial and a 10-minute flower bath.