Lunit shares Hajj involvement

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

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

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

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

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

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

WePlay Berqurban Eid al-Adha charity activity launched in Jakarta

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First batches of Hajj pilgrims arrive

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

Hashtags: #Ease_and_Tranquility, #No_Hajj_Without_a_Permit

Blue Planet strengthens Middle East presence

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

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

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

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

- Landfill mining

- Biogas production

- Tank cleaning and industrial services

- Disaster recovery and remediation

- Complementary environmental services 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hashtags: #Ease_and_Tranquility, #No_Hajj_Without_a_Permit

JETCO strengthens Johor-Singapore cross-border partnership

Source: JETCO. From left: Saifuddin Bin Abdul Rahim, CEO, JETCO; Syed Ali Alsagoff, VP, Singapore Concierge Association; Dato’ Haji Hasni Mohammad, Executive Chairman, JETCO; and Raven Kumar Krishnasamy, Johor State Unity, Heritage And Culture Committee Chairman.

Johor Economic, Tourism and Cultural Office Singapore (JETCO) has been solidifying Johor as a destination within the Singapore tourism landscape with a number of collaborations, including:

A digital tourist counter

Established at Suntec City with WTS Travel, the counter enhances accessibility for travellers by providing real-time travel information and seamless booking services for Johor-bound visitors within a key Singapore retail hub. 

Johor Tourism Ambassador Program 

Set up with Les Clefs d'Or Singapore and the Concierge Association Singapore, the programme equips concierge professionals with in-depth knowledge of Johor's tourism offerings, enabling them to serve as tourism ambassadors and direct more travellers to the state. 

These initiatives align with Johor's vision to strengthen tourism ties with Singapore, especially in preparation for Visit Johor Year 2026, which is expected to attract a surge of international visitors. 

In his welcome address, at a recent  Table Talk session, YB Dato' Hasni Mohammad, Executive Chairman of JETCO, said that the goal is to turn "transit visitors into extended-stay tourists and day-trippers into repeat guests". 

He said: "Johor and Singapore share more than just a border - we share a common vision for tourism growth, and JETCO is here to ensure that vision becomes reality. JETCO serves as the bridge between Johor and Singapore, the driving force behind tourism promotion, and the facilitator of partnerships that benefit both destinations." 

Singaporean tourists are expected to take relatively short trips across the border. For such visitors, Johor offers resorts such as Desaru Coast, theme parks including Legoland and Sunway X-Park, as well as value for dining, shopping, and leisure.

For tourists flying into Singapore, Johor could be an additional destination to a Southeast Asian itinerary. The Malaysian state is less than an hour's drive away and offers beaches, rainforests, and rich cultural heritage.

Johor is also a paradise for golfers, home to 27 world-class golf courses that cater to both amateur and professional players. 

"Let's start a conversation, explore partnerships, and make Johor the next big destination in your portfolio," the Executive Chairman concluded. 

YB Raven Kumar Krishnasamy, Johor State Executive Councillor (EXCO) for Unity, Heritage and Culture said: "As we gear up for Visit Johor Year 2026, it is vital that we work closely with our trade partners in Singapore to enhance connectivity, promote new travel experiences, and ensure seamless access to Johor's attractions. These collaborations demonstrate our commitment to making Johor a top-of-mind destination, and we look forward to deepening these ties for mutual growth." 

JETCO is a Johor State Government agency that provides trade partners with market insights, promotional support, and seamless connections to Johor's best offerings. The organisation is committed to fostering strong cross-border tourism and economic partnerships, and invites more industry players to join forces in developing innovative and sustainable travel experiences for visitors. 

The best Ramadhan videos 2025

Every year, brands come up with videos during Ramadhan to entertain. Here's a selection of the best.

Petronas imagines what could happen when a son has to do Raya (Eid) visits on his mum's behalf, meeting relatives who are strangers, and relatives ask "whose child are you?" In Malay with English subtitles.

Source: Petronas YouTube channel. Anak Siapa Ni? is the Raya video for 2025.

Anak Siapa Ni? https://youtu.be/G7f4-MUTYgc?si=ljywLs1aS9e3DALg (5.47)
#PassionateAboutProgress, #AnakSiapaNi

- 

BHPetrol went for a Raya wedding with a twist, bringing home some of the realities we all face. In Malay with English subtitles.

Hingga Hujung https://youtu.be/94KAQsT4rQA?si=2o3EF-RIj-KJtpny (4.55)
#bhpetrol #bhpetroluntuksemua #ramadan2025 #datukrahimrazali #mierulaiman #fatimahabubakar #saraali #nabilahuda

- 

At the Watson's YouTube channel, Melati was expecting her mum Rokiah to marry Ramli, but is introduced to Ropie instead. Three figures climb out of the TV to settle who will be the better husband. A singing emcee keeps the plot on track. In Malay with English subtitles.

Raya Terunggul Watsons https://youtu.be/2sR1zIxqtrs?si=fMR3M-BLje9HRJ9r (6.59)
#WatsonsRaya2025, #WatsonsRayaTerunggul, #ShaheizySam, #KartinaAziz, #DatukYusofHaslam, #GOAT

-

Spritzer Water came up with a clever way to showcase the brand for Raya, with a message for health as well. In Malay.

Raya Lebih Bermakna (Mana Adam?) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UY-ctiOqjk (5.31)
#SpritzerSparklingRaya, #RayaLebihBermakna, #3Generasi3Resipi 

-

Heavier topics are tackled:

Zain's video is all about hope. In Arabic.

سجلنا حضور https://youtu.be/qJuGsTvNvZA?si=kq3KQJcPrBVqXgHf (2.19)

-

Lighter topics offer entertainment:

Zalora has an untitled video all about fashion secrets. In English.

https://youtu.be/v7nJ-QGAvy0?si=qWygqsGhNQ9d6JZo (1.42)
#Zaloraya

-

When your Japanese son-in-law and his dad come to visit, how do you bridge the cultural gap? FamilyMart Malaysia's take is funny and heartwarming. In Malay with English subtitles.

Operasi Raya 2025 https://youtu.be/GHQYnnG5KSc?si=0U3DMPyQDZ9LltfB (8.07)
#OperasiRaya #RayaBersama 

-

Two brothers take the train together with their wives in KTMB's video. During the journey, the younger reads a love letter his brother wrote in school...In Malay with English subtitles. KTM is Malaysia's rail system.

Rahsia Along https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTUJ4qbIENo (7.54)
#RahsiaAlong, #KTMBRaya, #KTMB140tahun, #DestinasiSyawal

-

Then there are the catchy music videos:

A musical way to list rituals and values with kids singing refrains. In Arabic.

كليب رمضان ما احلاك https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPuhYsju_Fg (3.31)
Hashtags: مصطفى_المومري #اليمن #كوميدي #كليب #رمضان #انشوده #اغنيه #مصطفى_المومري #كوميدي #اليمن #السعوديه #الامارات #الكويت #قطر #مسلسلات كليب رمضان _ 2025 حصرياً

-

Ithra (the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture) piles on the colour and music in an Eid song in Arabic. 

نطير فرحًا https://youtu.be/vU-EXD_xBP0?si=9gCY89dRyaRmn9iW (2.02)
Hashtags: عيد_إثراء إثراء

-

Nasheed videos included:

Mesut Kurtis and Maher Zain have a new Arabic/English video.

Never Forget https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3OOXyw3V1Q (5.15)

-

Rollercoaster of emotions:

An origin story from RHB Group about a charity that provides Eid clothing to those who need them. In Malay, with English subtitles.

Sulaman Kebersamaan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leyiu2CXDi0 (4.56)
#BersamaSamaMenempaKemajuan

-

A daughter learns about the gritty reality outside her world with this video from Gardenia. In Malay with English subtitles.

Kongsi Kasih https://youtu.be/h82F9JbW_6U?si=eIT9FaZFXI-wMFtL (2.18)
#gardenia, #GardeniaKL, #GardeniaCares, #kongsikasih 

-

An acceptance letter, but no money. An eldest child, and sacrifice in a video from ASNB.

Amanah Sulung https://youtu.be/IUP0zUSSLNY?si=SokUktAP_BoALuuD (6.00)
#ASNB #PNB

-

Another tearjerker, from Bright Cow. A child is filled with despair when someone else accidentally destroys the milk he was going to bring home. In Malay.

Kasih Ahnaf https://youtu.be/0gqiT5MmBNw?si=s5nbiGPxTLy-n-_D (6.54)
#KasihAhnaf #CukupAdaMeriahRaya #BrightCow #ProdukKeluaranFGV

-

A powerful story about misunderstandings and regrets, and sibling rivalry from Radio Televisyen Malaysia.

Duit Raya dah Berapa? https://youtu.be/hhtB3RXJzrA (11.11)

- 

Komuniti Dakwah Tarbiah has a video about a distant father. 

Tunggu Abah https://youtu.be/ghE1-DGA4BA?si=1XAVikKVrsyLbjGH (10.09)
#bersamabudayakandakwah, #saifulapek, #saiful, #apek

Hashtags: #AIDILFITRI2025, #FilemRaya2025, #IklanRaya, #IklanRaya2025, #Ramadan2025, #Ramadhan2025, #Raya2025, #RayaFilm2025, #SalamAidilfitri, #SelamatHariRaya, SelamatHariRayaAidilfitri, #ShortFilmRaya, #videoraya2025 

Taobao organises first Raya sale in Malaysia

Source: Taobao Malaysia Instagram page. Duit Raya is up for grabs on Wednesdays in March.

Taobao Malaysia is ushering in its first-ever sales campaign dedicated to the Ramadhan and Raya season. Running throughout March, the month-long campaign features promotions, daily free shipping vouchers, and curated festive essentials.

Following the successful introduction of its English interface in September last year, Taobao Malaysia continues its commitment to making the platform more accessible to local users with tailored shopping solutions and promotions via the Raya campaign.

Jess Lew, Country Head of Taobao Malaysia said: "We are thrilled to celebrate one of our country's biggest festive moments together with our first-ever Raya campaign. We have prepared an abundance of promotions to make it easier and more rewarding for our customers to shop for their festive needs. With the successful implementation of the English interface, we can further enhance the shopping experience, ensuring that everyone can easily access the Taobao platform and shop effortlessly."

The Last Call Raya Sale will be held from 23 to 31 March.

On top of these shoppers have the chance to grab a limited-time offer, and an RMB35 voucher (equivalent to RM21) to enjoy free shipping with no minimum spend required during this promotion period. For first-time Taobao shoppers, deals for as low as RMB1 (equivalent to RM0.62) are up for grabs. 

Taobao Malaysia is also introducing the Spend & Win Duit Raya promotion. Shoppers stand a chance to win up to RMB50 (equivalent to RM30) in duit Raya every Wednesday in March at 12 pm when they make a purchase, with 100 winners per day. The duit Raya will be in the form of a cashback amount, and equivalent to the amount shoppers spend, capped at RMB50 (equivalent to RM30).

"We hope to build a more holistic shopping environment with the promise of delivering our biggest promotion in Malaysia ever. We believe Malaysians will be able to save more and enjoy more this festive season," said Lew.

Explore

The Taobao app is available to download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. 

Watch the associated video at https://www.tiktok.com/@taobao.malaysia/video/7478181353075313927

*Platform rules will prevail over the specific promotion details.

Vision Bank takes on Finastra's Islamic banking treasury solution

Vision Bank, a shari'ah-compliant, digital bank in KSA has launched the pilot phase of its banking operations after implementing Finastra Kondor and cloud-based managed services provided by DXC Technology. The implementation contributed to Vision Bank recently obtaining no objection from the Saudi Central Bank and launching the pilot phase of its banking operations.

Finastra's best-of-breed treasury trading system allowed the bank, formerly known as the Saudi Digital Bank, to upgrade its capabilities for asset and liability management, liquidity management, trading and investment, foreign exchange, capital adequacy and reserve management. The deployment of the solution on cloud also aligns with the digital bank's broader strategy of creating better user experiences while keeping pace with new demands.

"Our mission is to be a pioneer in the Saudi banking sector, relying on innovation and technology to provide seamless, shari'ah-compliant banking solutions that meet our customers' needs," said Abdul Shakeel Aidaroos, CEO at Vision Bank. 

"To help us achieve this, we needed a robust treasury management system with cloud-based managed services that enable us to grow while mitigating risks. Finastra and DXC ensure that we can comply with current and upcoming regulations, drive business continuity and maximum availability, and scale the rollout of new products as needed. We are also contributing to the goals of the Financial Sector Development Program, one of the programmes of Saudi Vision 2030."

"Vision Bank's growth ambitions and customer-centric ethos align closely to the values we hold at Finastra," said Wissam Khoury, EVP, Treasury & Capital Markets at Finastra. 

"The implementation of Kondor played a significant role in the bank's launch and digital transformation journey, providing the necessary agility to evolve with new demands and take advantage of the opportunities presented by Saudi Arabia's financial services sector. Working alongside DXC, it has been a pleasure to help Vision Bank reach this milestone and we look forward to its ongoing success."

"DXC is proud to have partnered with Finastra and Vision Bank to successfully deliver Kondor as the bank's fully hosted and managed treasury system," said Anthony Hammond, Global Finastra Lead at DXC. 

"This collaboration underscores our commitment to driving innovation in financial technology, providing a secure, scalable and future-ready solution that enhances the bank's treasury operations."

A traditional route to charity with Qalby Etmaan

The Qalby Etmaan programme has launched clay donation boxes for its eighth season in line with the national Year of Community. 

The boxes are made by Emirati potters and artisans locally, and packaged in environmentally-friendly burlap and recycled paper. Packed by humanitarian institutions and volunteers, such as the UAE Red Crescent, Zayed Foundation for Charitable and Humanitarian Works, and Khalifa Foundation for Charitable and Humanitarian Works, each box will be delivered at no cost.

This initiative aims instil the concept of goodness is within everyone's reach, simplifying charitable acts and emphasizing the importance of everyone's contribution to the community, while highlighting the profound impact their donations can have. The donation boxes also seek to revive tradition in the age of digitisation, especially with the decline in the use of cash.

Funds collected will be used to plant 100,000 date palms, with date sales directly supporting orphaned children in Gaza over the long-term.

Source: Qalby Etmaan. A clay donation box.

The boxes will be broken open on March 25, coinciding with the 25th day of Ramadhan, and the clay will be mixed with soil and used to improve soil quality and fertility.

Over 5,000 Clay donation boxes will be distributed, with 10 boxes containing free tickets for winners to attend the filming of the next season of the Qalby Etmaan program.

Details

The clay donation boxes will be available at multiple distribution points, including the Qalby Etmaan online store, Hamad Store, ADNOC fuel stations, and UAE Red Crescent kiosks in shopping malls.

To contribute to Qalby Etmaan projects and initiatives, visit https://www.emiratesrc.ae/Ghaith/Home.aspx

The Qalby Etmaan programme is available on YouTube, Abu Dhabi TV, and the Abu Dhabi TV app at:
7 pm UAE time | 6 pm KSA time

GAC completes Ramadhan charity drive in Dubai

GAC, known for its high-performance vehicles, has hosted a charity initiative in Dubai during Ramadhan. The company distributed 300 food boxes to local labour groups, reflecting the brand's commitment to giving back to society and strengthening bonds with the region's consumers. 

Two GAC M8 and two GAC GS8 vehicles provided transportation to key locations. GAC representatives distributed 30 food boxes to mosque workers at a local mosque, while 270 food boxes were given to labourers at a dormitory. 

 

Source: GAC. GAC strengthens community bonds with Ramadhan charity drive in Dubai. Wang Shunsheng, VP, GAC International, joined volunteers at the dealership to pack food boxes, reinforcing the company's hands-on approach to community integration. 

Agoda: Nearly 80% increase in accommodation searches

As the Hari Raya (Eid al Fitr) holiday approaches, digital travel platform Agoda has seen* an almost 80% month-on-month increase in accommodation searches from travellers in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore for this year's festive period. This increase reflects a growing interest in travel, with travellers actively planning their getaways.

Hari Raya or marks the end of Ramadhan, a month of fasting, reflection, and community for Muslims worldwide. It is a time for joy, connection, and celebration. For many, it's also the perfect opportunity to travel, whether to visit loved ones, return to hometowns, or to enjoy a holiday after a month of spiritual focus.

Travellers are showing an interest in exploring beyond their immediate regions, Agoda said. Thailand and Japan lead the way as the top two most-searched destinations among travellers from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, suggesting a desire for diverse cultural experiences during the festive break. Mainland China, South Korea, and Taiwan complete the top five.

When looking at the city level, Bangkok is the most-searched destination, followed by Tokyo and Seoul. Hong Kong secured the fourth spot, while Taipei rounds out the top five.

Gede Gunawan, Senior Country Director Indonesia at Agoda said: "Hari Raya is a time when travel becomes an important part of the celebration. It's great to see people looking forward to reconnecting with family, exploring new destinations, or simply taking a well-deserved break. The increase in searches compared to the previous month reflects the anticipation for travel and the desire to use the holiday for travel opportunities. 

"At Agoda, we aim to ensure that wherever travellers choose to go, they can find the right accommodation at an affordable price, with a seamless booking experience."

*The data provided is based on Agoda accommodation searches for check-ins between 29 March and 1 April 2025. The comparison is between searches conducted from 1-25 January 2025 and 1-25 February 2025.

Celebrate iftar at the Grand Hyatt Singapore

Source: The Grand Hyatt Singapore. A selection
of dishes from the Ramadan buffet.

The Grand Hyatt Singapore welcomes guests to celebrate the spirit of togetherness with an iftar buffet at StraitsKitchen, Singapore’s first halal-certified buffet restaurant in a five-star hotel on Orchard Road.

Under the guidance of Chef Mohamad Mohamed Abdelmoety Ahmed, Chef Khairul Akmal Bin Zakaria, and Chef de Cuisine Nelson Wong, StraitsKitchen’s culinary team has prepared an extraordinary Ramadhan experience. 

Till 31 March 2025, StraitsKitchen will offer a buffet that brings together authentic Singaporean flavours with a touch of Middle Eastern cuisine. 

The dining experience begins with a selection of traditional mezze (appetisers), including smoky baba ghanoush and silky hummus, served with warm pita bread. 

Beyond the appetisers, guests can enjoy a variety of live stations and regional specialties celebrating both Malay and Arabic traditions. In addition to the Malay barbecue station serving chicken, beef, and mutton satay accompanied by warm peanut sauce and traditional ketupat (rice cakes), guests can enjoy Middle Eastern street food at its finest with the shawarma station, serving freshly-carved chicken shawarma wrapped in warm pita bread, topped with lettuce, onions, and tahini sauce.

Guests craving hearty mains can enjoy ayam buah keluak, a rich Peranakan specialty: braised chicken cooked with nutty buah keluak*, and beef rendang, a slow-cooked, coconut-infused beef dish fragrant with lemongrass and other aromatics. Seafood lovers will be delighted with ikan bakar, where sustainable barramundi is grilled to perfection, then served in a banana leaf and slathered with sambal. Udang Belado, a fiery tiger prawn stir-fry coated in homemade belado sauce, is another option.

To complete the feast, guests can indulge in handcrafted desserts, from flaky baklava filled with crushed nuts and drizzled with Arabic syrup, to dense, honey-soaked basbousa topped with toasted hazelnuts. The buffet also offers traditional Southeast Asian desserts, including pulut hitam (black glutinous rice in coconut milk), goreng pisang (crispy banana fritters), and bubur cha cha (a creamy coconut dessert with yam, sweet potato, and sago pearls). Sweet treats like chendol as well as an assortment of durian mochi and Nonya kueh are also on the menu.

In the evening, the Ramadan Dinner buffet offers a spread of dinner exclusives. In addition to the core mezze offerings of hummus and baba ghanoush, the dinner spread presents tabbouleh, fattoush, tzatziki, feta cheese salad, and warak enab (grape leaves stuffed with Arabic-spiced rice and raisins). The seafood on ice station adds on slipper lobster, mussels, and clams in the evenings to accompany the black tiger prawns available throughout the day.

Dishes like lamb mandi (fragrant steamed basmati rice with saffron and slow-cooked lamb, topped with pine nuts and coriander) and sayaduyah rice (صيادية, an Arabic dish of jasmine rice cooked with shrimp, barramundi, and spices) offer a taste of the Middle East’s vibrant culinary heritage, and guests can savour the kambing qorma (a rich, slow-braised lamb dish infused with creamy cashew nut sauce and aromatic bell peppers) and mahshi felfel (capsicum stuffed with spiced rice, dill, tomato, and minced beef). 

The dinner buffet is rounded out with comforting soups, including sup tulang merah, a robust, red-hued mutton bone stew served with crusty baguette, and sup ayam Palembang, a delicate kampung chicken soup with tofu and fresh basil leaves.

To end the meal on a sweet note, guests can visit the Date Bazaar, featuring an exquisite selection of premium dates from across the Middle East and North Africa, including the rich, caramel-like Ajwa and the chewy and flavourful Mabroum from KSA, the prized Medjoul from Jordan and Palestine, and the delicate Deglet Nour from Tunisia. Complementing these are natural dried figs and apricots from Turkey. Guests can also enjoy warm treats such as the aish el saraya (عيش السرايا), a classic Arabic bread pudding perfumed with fragrant syrup, as well as ladida coconut, a confection blended with mixed dried fruits.

StraitsKitchen also invites guests who are not fasting to experience the lunch buffet, which features a selection of local and regional favourites from Singapore’s Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan cuisine, complemented by a touch of Middle Eastern flair.

Details

Ramadan Buffet at StraitsKitchen
2 March – 31 March 2025 (including Hari Raya eve and Hari Raya Puasa (Eid))

S$68++ (lunch) | S$98++ (dinner)
All prices are subject to 10% service charge and 9% goods and service tax.

To reserve a table, please visit https://www.singapore.grand.hyattrestaurants.com/straitskitchen. 

There is a dedicated prayer room which is segregated for privacy and fully air-conditioned, together with a clean ablution area, prayer mats, slippers, and telekung (prayer garments) for added convenience. Guests will also find chairs for those who require seated prayer, as well as Qurans available for use. Guests who wish to access the prayer room may approach any of Grand Hyatt Singapore’s associates for assistance. 

Hashtags: #GrandHyattSingapore, #GoGrand

*Buah keluak comes from the Pangium tree. It is fermented before cooking.