The Mira Hong Kong hosts iftar together with Miramar Travel and the Turkiye Consulate

The Mira Hong Kong has hosted its 2nd-ever annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner on 26 February, reinforcing the city's efforts to position itself as a Muslim‑friendly destination and a regional hub for culturally inclusive hospitality. Building on the inaugural iftar hosted last year — the first of its kind staged by a luxury hotel in Asia's World City - the event was jointly organised with the Consulate General of Türkiye in Hong Kong and Miramar Travel.

Source: The Mira Hong Kong. VIPs gathered on stage at the 2026 Ramadan Iftar Dinner at The Mira including 12 Consuls General plus event co-hosts: Consul General of Türkiye in Hong Kong Kerim Sercan Evcin (front middle), GM of Miramar Travel Alex Lee (middle left), and Head of Hotels & Serviced Apartments of the Miramar Group, Alexander Wassermann (middle right). Consuls General in attendance are from Muslim‑majority nations across the Middle East and Asia, representing Egypt, Kuwait, KSA, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as Romania and Poland.

Hong Kong's Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Cheuk Wing Hing said: "We are committed to further promoting Muslim tourism and facilitating halal certification, as outlined in the Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address. Our goal is clear: to enhance Muslim-friendly services for our residents, and to position Hong Kong as a welcoming destination for Muslim visitors from around the world. Through sustained collaboration, we can strengthen Hong Kong's reputation as a vibrant, inclusive city and enrich its cultural tapestry with diversity." 

Alexander Wassermann, Head of Hotels & Serviced Apartments, Miramar Group, said: "It is a meaningful honour for The Mira Hong Kong to host a Ramadan Iftar Dinner once again as a continued commitment to providing a unique platform where cultures connect through hospitality, respect and shared experiences. This annual celebration not only honours the spirit of Ramadhan but also underscores The Mira's leadership in forging Muslim-friendly hospitality. 

"Leveraging on the prime location neighbouring with the Kowloon Mosque, and offering broad range of services ranging from halal Cantonese fine dining, halal wedding banquets to halal coffee breaks for meetings and events, our design-led, tech-forward property named Muslim Friendly Hotel of the Year by CrescentRating, continues to align our guest experience in newly-refurbished guest rooms with Global Muslim Travel Index identified trends so that The Mira Hong Kong remains a destination hotel of choice for Muslim leisure and corporate travellers, and a benchmark for inclusive hospitality in our city."

10 tips to seizing the opportunity with WhatsApp this Ramadhan

Souq concept art generated by Bing Image Creator.

 

Ramadhan represents a significant opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Singapore, according to WhatsApp. With 65% of Singaporeans now messaging a business every week, messaging is the best way for people and businesses to get business done—from asking and answering questions to discussing products and finalising a purchase, the company said. 

Ten WhatsApp Business features to leverage include: 

- A full business profile

A complete WhatsApp Business profile with your description, category, address, and contact information instantly establishes credibility.

- Updated Ramadhan hours  

 Operating hours can change to accommodate iftar or prayer times. Updating business hours prevents frustration when customers send messages during non-operational times. 

- Automatic greetings  

An instant response ensures a customer’s message is acknowledged immediately, making customers feel valued even before you have had a chance to reply. To set up an automatic greeting message, go to the Tools tab and select Greeting message. Turn on Send greeting message to activate the feature. 

SMBs can also choose who receives the greeting by selecting Recipients and setting it to be sent to all customers or specific contacts.

- Sort the surge

Use Labels to instantly categorise chats by status (e.g., Paid - Ready for Shipping, Raya Hamper Enquiry, Iftar Menu) and add different colours to prioritise and manage increased volumes efficiently. Note that some businesses may now see Lists instead of Labels.

- Quick replies  

Stop typing the same answer repeatedly for frequently-asked questions like those related to pricing or delivery times. Create message shortcuts with Quick replies to maintain lightning-fast response times.

- Ramadhan catalogues  

Display all iftar packages, Raya hampers and limited-time bundles directly in the chat. A clear, visual catalogue lets customers shop and choose without leaving WhatsApp, leading to faster sales. And keep your products organised with Collections, so it’s easier for your customers to browse. 

- Flash sales

Customers love Status. Use it to create urgency and excitement by sharing limited-time discounts or last-minute iftar bundles.

- Click-to-WhatsApp ads  

Don't just generate chats—drive revenue. Utilise ads that click to WhatsApp to find high-potential customers on Facebook and Instagram.

- Meta Verified  

 Build confidence and authority with new audiences with a Meta Verified subscription. It not only safeguards brands against impersonation but also unlocks advertising and engagement tools. The verified badge can be prominently displayed across call tabs, business profile and context cards. 

- Business Broadcasts  

Send messages to multiple customers simultaneously. This capability can improve message response rates and strengthen customer relationships.

Explore limited-time offers in KSA's Red Sea and AlUla

Saudi, Welcome to Arabia, the consumer-facing brand of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), has unveiled a new collection of travel deals for early 2026 as part of its global Ramadhan campaign, Embrace the Radiance of Ramadan Lights.

These limited-time offers provide exceptional value across Saudi's most iconic destinations, giving travellers broader access to night itineraries designed specifically for the season.

Source: Saudi, Welcome to Arabia. Sunlit moments unfold at AlUla’s Hegra (left) while a fire sets the scene for star-gazing (right).

Saudi, Welcome to Arabia and its partners are rolling out luxury-made-affordable Ramadhan offers across the Red Sea and AlUla. With over 35 curated packages, travellers can enjoy Ramadhan pricing across more than 12 properties. 

Guests can enjoy savings of up to 35% in spectacular natural settings, including at Banyan Tree AlUla, Our Habitas AlUla, Ashar Tented Resort, Chedi Hegra, and at the Shaden Resort. Those visiting the Red Sea can benefit from 20% savings at standout properties such as Desert Rock and Shebara, creating opportunities to experience restorative wellness, contemporary design, and unforgettable coastal and heritage-rich escapes.

In Ramadhan, Saudi adds an extra layer of warmth, beauty, and celebration to its destinations. Throughout Ramadhan, visitors to KSA can enjoy night markets, festive streetscapes, beautiful iftar (break fast) and suhoor (pre-dawn meal) settings plus opportunities for heritage exploration and adventure in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Diriyah.

Saudi Tourism Authority spokesperson Abdullah AlDakhil said: "Saudi welcomes travellers with an invitation to discover more and connect with the true essence of Ramadhan, a season defined by tranquility, reflection, and the warmth of shared moments. Across Saudi, cities come alive with Ramadhan lights, cultural traditions, and a unique atmosphere of serenity and joy. 

"This year, we are delighted to introduce a curated collection of seasonal luxury travel offers across Saudi's most iconic destinations, making it easier than ever for travelers to experience the beauty and spirit of Ramadhan in Saudi."

KSA hosted over 122 M visitors in 2025, and is advancing toward its goal of being among the top 10 tourism destinations.  

Explore

Deals and packages on the Visit Saudi website at https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/campaigns/ramadan-lights

Swiss Bear honours food operators and delivery riders this Ramadhan

This Ramadhan, Swiss Bear, a food solutions brand under Kerry Group that provides sauces and dressings, is recognising food operators and delivery riders across Kuala Lumpur for their essential role in ensuring iftar meals reach families and communities each evening. 

The brand observed that many food operators continue preparing dishes through sunset - the time of breaking fast - while delivery riders often break their fast on the move to ensure timely deliveries. 

Source: Swiss Bear. This Ramadhan, food riders will enjoy free meals as they break fast at participating locations in Kuala Lumpur.

In appreciation of their dedication, Swiss Bear, in partnership with selected food operators, will distribute complimentary meals to food riders at participating locations. These locations will also serve as designated spaces where delivery riders can break fast comfortably while collecting orders.

The public is encouraged to support the initiative through the following activities:

- Purchase meals from partner operators prepared using Swiss Bear sauces. 

- Follow Swiss Bear's Facebook and Instagram accounts to track the donation counter and the growing number of dishes contributed.

- Visit Swiss Bear's participating locations and leave messages to encourage community involvement. 

- Engage with campaign content across Swiss Bear's social media platforms, which will include videos, recipe features, and live streams. 

- Participate in the Shopee Raya Bundle promotion, where every purchase made from now until 15 March contributes to the final number of dishes donated.

Malaysian heritage cuisine shines at iftar at the Birkin International Hotel

Birkin International Hotel, a new coastal haven located in Klebang, Melaka offers guests the perfect blend of seaside serenity and the cultural charm of heritage. The hotel is set to welcome Ramadhan with the Gulai Kawah Tradisi Ramadan Buffet. 

Running from 27 February to 19 March 2026, this buffet showcases authentic Malaysian heritage cuisine, with a strong emphasis on traditional flavours and communal dining. Highlights include the fan-favourite kambing gulai kawah, alongside a spread featuring rusa golek, kambing golek, nasi Arab, ayam bakar tandoori, ayam panggang Maharani, ketam bunga masak lemak, murtabak tomahawk, ekor asam pedas, and sup sum-sum, a beef or mutton soup made with marrow-filled bones. 

"These festive promotions reflect our commitment to celebrating Malaysia's rich cultural diversity through food and meaningful experiences," said Kevin Lee, GM of Birkin International Hotel.

Details 

The Ramadhan buffet, available daily from 6:30 pm to 10 pm, is priced at RM205+ for adults. There is a Buy 10 Free 1 promotion as well. 

Call +6012-558 7295 or email reservations@birkinhotels.com for reservations and enquiries. 

Advance reservations are strongly recommended, and all promotions are subject to availability. Prices are subject to prevailing sales and service tax (SST).

17th IFSB Summit: envisioning impact and stability

The Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) invites financial sector professionals to the 17th IFSB Summit, slated to take place from 2 to 4 February 2026 in Muscat, Oman. 

Source: IFSB. Poster for the  IFSB Summit 2026.

Hosted by the Central Bank of Oman, the summit brings together policymakers, regulators and global thought leaders to examine how the industry can respond to fast-evolving market conditions and rising societal expectations. Governors and senior leaders from over 30 jurisdictions are expected to attend.  

Themed Islamic Finance for the Future: Breaking New Ground for Global Impact, the summit highlights how Islamic finance is transitioning from being reactive to proactive amid economic and technological disruptions. At the same time, Islamic finance is strengthening the non-bank financial sector, deepening market liquidity through sukuk development, and enhancing crisis preparedness and financial safety nets within the industry. 

Islamic finance further promotes financial inclusion, social impact, sustainability and climate resilience, alongside harnessing emerging digital technologies for a more resilient future. 

Speakers at the event are expected to help frame the industry's strategic direction and offer insights into global trends shaping Islamic finance. The lineup includes senior representatives from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI), the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the United Nations. 

Held over three days, the Summit includes a public pre-summit programme featuring broader themes on leadership, business strategies, youth empowerment, NGO engagement, and the role of credit rating agencies. These sessions capture a wider group of stakeholders and reflect the IFSB's commitment to fostering informed, inclusive and progressive discourse.

Details

Registration is free for IFSB member organisations and US$400 for non-members. With limited seats available, prospective delegates are encouraged to register early at www.ifsb.org/17thsummit 

A taste of tradition this Ramadhan

Source: Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview. Iftar buffet at Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview.

This Ramadhan, Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview invites guests to break fast over a spread inspired by kampung-style cooking. Returning by popular demand, the hotel's Kampung-Style Iftar Buffet celebrates the spirit of togetherness through familiar dishes that have long been part of family gatherings and festive evenings.  

Rooted in the simplicity of village life, kampung-style cuisine is defined by bold spices, slow-cooked recipes, and dishes meant to be shared. Priced at S$58 nett per person, the spread includes comforting staples such as bubur lambuk, accompanied by a variety of traditional condiments that complete the breaking of fast. 

Signature highlights include fragrant ayam lemak chilli padi, tangy ikan masak asam pedas, and crispy kampung ayam goreng. At the laksa live station, bowls of rich, aromatic coconut-based dish will be prepared on the spot. 

Guests can also enjoy a refreshing selection of drinks, including bandung, iced Milo, and blue lagoon longan. 

To conclude the meal, guests can indulge in a selection of traditional desserts, including assorted Nyonya kueh, a chendol DIY station, and the hotel's signature durian pengat. 

Details

27 February – 15 March 2026
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
6 pm – 10.30 pm (last entry at 9.30 pm)

Jubilee Ballroom, Level 4
Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview
382 Havelock Road, Singapore 169629

Advance reservations of at least one day prior required. Reserve online at https://sevn.ly/xyBu4k54 

+65 6349 4872 | WhatsApp +65 9837 3635 | eatery@fourpointssingaporeriverview.com

Enjoy 20% off the Iftar Buffet with promo code IFTAR2026 when booking directly via the official reservation platform. Terms and conditions apply.

Saudi designers put modest fashion on the international stage

Source: DERZA at Riyadh Fashion Week 2025.

Modest clothing has become a global style statement, thanks in large part to a new wave of Saudi designers. By blending tradition with modernity, they are rewriting the rules of fashion and setting trends that extend far beyond the Middle East, said the Saudi Tourism Authority.

No longer restricted to the traditional black, abayas now appear in a variety of colours, fabrics, and cuts. Hijabs, too, represent confidence and individuality, coming in silk, chiffon, or cotton with lively prints and new hues. 

The message: women can honour their cultural roots while embracing their personal style. That balance between heritage and self-expression is the heart of Saudi fashion’s power.  

Riyadh Fashion Week in October 2025 has emerged not merely as a regional event but as a global barometer for how fashion is evolving—especially for modest, culturally-rooted design. Vivienne Westwood’s debut capsule combined British couture with Saudi artisan embroidery, creating gowns that conveyed heritage through gold threads and delicate stitchwork while previewing the house’s Spring/Summer 2026 direction. 

Local talents such as Tima Abid impressed with crystal-embroidered volumes and sculptural forms that blurred the lines between tradition and contemporary elegance, while Razan Alazzouni showcased her Monotone collection, featuring fluid, understated pieces that highlighted refinement over spectacle. Meanwhile, HINDAMME presented Hejaz, a collection highlighting the heritage of western Saudi in a contemporary style.

What Riyadh signals for 2026: a blending of grounded cultural identity with approachable global style, mirroring Indonesia’s own trajectory. This year, Indonesian designers are leaning into heritage with a light, wearable hand while global fashion looks increasingly to voices who can articulate culture through comfort, climate, and confidence, said the Authority.

Explore

Browse the Visit Saudi website to plan a trip.

For Indonesian travellers, exploring Saudi has become increasingly seamless, with simplified visa options and expanding flight connectivity. Holders of a valid UK, US, or Schengen visa, complete with an entry stamp from the issuing country, can apply for an e-visa or obtain a visa on arrival when travelling to KSA. Those travelling for umrah can also extend their journey beyond the holy cities.

900 Hajj places taken up in Singapore

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) has successfully allocated the full quota of 900 Hajj places for 2026 (1447) to eligible applicants who submitted the required medical certificate, as stipulated by the KSA Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU). 

The health certificates confirm that the pilgrims are medically fit, free from the disqualifying chronic medical conditions, and are physically capable of performing Hajj rituals safely, in line with MOHU’s new health requirements. To better support senior applicants, MUIS had given priority consideration to those aged 70 years and above who have received the letter of intent and are certified medically fit during the final selection for Hajj 2026. 

Of the 900 places, 12% were allocated to senior applicants aged 70 and above who qualified under the quota, an increase of 5% from 2025. MUIS will continue to review and adjust this approach as needed for future allocation exercises. 

Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, Singapore, Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim said: "The successful allocation of all 900 Hajj places for Hajj 2026 reflects our collective commitment in ensuring a fair, transparent and compassionate process for Singaporean pilgrims. All 900 selected pilgrims are medically fit, having obtained the required medical certificate from registered medical practitioners in Singapore as required by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU) of Saudi Arabia. 

"This measure aims to protect the safety and well-being of our pilgrims. MUIS will continue to work closely with our partners and the Saudi authorities to ensure that our pilgrims are well prepared financially, physically, mentally and spiritually for this sacred journey, as we strive to fulfil our community’s aspirations."

All confirmed pilgrims have purchased their Hajj packages from MUIS-authorised travel agents, MUIS said.

 Applicants who did not receive the letter of offer in this allocation exercise will remain on the waiting list until 20 March 2026, the closing date for Hajj visa processing set by MOHU. Applicants who do not receive any communication from MUIS via the MyHajSG portal after 20 March 2026 may assume no places are available for 2026. Currently, about 65,000 applicants are awaiting their turn.

Mega Matrix, Ihsan Dhahab to develop Islamic precious metals ecosystem

Mega Matrix has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ihsan Dhahab in January to finance and operate a an Islamic precious metals ecosystem. 

Under the MoU, the parties agreed to collaborate on a range of projects, including:

- An integrated precious metals special economic zone located in the Middle East, primarily in KSA, Qatar or other locations, dedicated to the entire precious metals value chain, including refining, storage, trading, and manufacturing

- To design, structure, develop, and launch a shari'ah-compliant, real-world asset (RWA) gold-backed token and stablecoin 

- To establish and operate a shari'ah-compliant digital exchange for the trading of precious metals, bullion, and other RWA-based financial instruments

- To create an Islamic digital bullion bank, providing shari'ah-compliant financing, vaulting, logistics, and other banking services for the precious metals ecosystem

- To collaboratively identify, assess, and develop other innovative fintech projects that align with the strategic objectives of the parties.

As part of the collaboration, Mega Matrix will draw on its technical experience in stablecoins and Web 3 to provide advisory support for capital raising and financing, including equity investments, debt arrangements and other compliant financial instruments. Mega Matrix will also provide expertise in corporate structuring, financial modelling, capital markets strategy and international governance standards, and will contribute its technology, intellectual property and global Blockchain and digital asset network to support project implementation and scalable development.

Ihsan Dhahab will act as the founders group and promoter, leveraging their local presence and market knowledge in KSA, Qatar and the wider region to provide strategic direction, sector expertise in Islamic finance and precious metals markets, and to lead regulatory approvals, licensing and day-to-day operations following project commencement.

Yucheng Hu, CEO of MPU commented: "Partnering with Ihsan Dhahab that has deep local experience and resources in the Middle East to develop the precious metals RWA sector represents a measured extension of MPU's stablecoin and its governance token DAT strategy. MPU is contributing to the development of global digital financial infrastructure while broadening its activities within the stablecoin and Web 3 landscape."

DAT stands for digital asset treasury. 

Muslim-focused wearables launched at CES

Muslim-focused consumer technology will appear alongside mainstream global wearables at CES 2026 as iQIBLA unveils its third-generation smart device lineup at the event. The products address daily religious practice, continuous health monitoring, and physically-demanding environments, reflecting how connected devices are increasingly being designed around real cultural and environmental needs.

Source: iQIBLA. The iQIBLA third-generation smart wearables: (from left) the Zikr Ring J03 smart ring, Qwatch S6 smart watch, and the Hajj Band.

Founded in 2021, iQIBLA created the smart dhikr (ذِكْر, remembrance of god) ring category and has since shipped more than 3.5 M devices worldwide, with particularly strong uptake across GCC markets including KSA, the UAE, and Kuwait. There has been broader adoption across the Middle East and Southeast Asia, iQIBLA said.  

The Zikr Ring J03, iQIBLA's third-generation smart ring and the first to integrate Qibla direction into a ring-based wearable. Designed for discreet, continuous use, the device supports nine dhikr channels, touch controls, text display, prayer time reminders, and daily activity tracking.

Also featured is the Qwatch S6, a third-generation Bluetooth smart watch equipped with medical-grade sensors. The device monitors heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep quality, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour. Alongside these health functions, it includes Quran access, prayer time reminders, qibla direction, a tasbih counter, multiple dhikr channels, and a Hijri calendar.

Completing the lineup is the Hajj Band, developed specifically for Hajj, umrah, and other high-exertion, high-density environments. The wearable continuously collects vital-sign data, uploads health information in real time, and issues alerts as physical strain increases, supporting users during prolonged walking, heat exposure, and crowd-intensive conditions.

"From the beginning, our focus has been on building technology that fits naturally into daily life," said the founder of iQIBLA, Jack Shao. 

"Many of our real-world use cases come directly from the Middle East. CES gives us a platform to show how these products sit naturally alongside the wider global consumer technology industry."

Lights of Vienna reports completion of Makkah lighting project

Lights of Vienna, a global provider of premium custom lighting, has completed the manufacturing and delivery of all chandeliers and luminaires for the Mataf extension at the Holy Mosque in Makkah. 

The Ꞓ90 million project covers gold-gilded chandeliers, ceiling and wall luminaires, and climate-resistant outdoor lighting, all equipped with high-efficiency LED systems. About 550 custom-made fixtures were delivered across 10 lighting types, produced from high-grade stainless steel and more than 200 kg of 24-karat gold. 

All fixtures passed extensive structural, waterproofing, and heat-resistance tests, exceeding international certification requirements. The centrepiece is the 7 m Al Fath Gate chandelier, weighing 3 tons and engineered to meet the extreme environmental and operational demands of the world's most visited mosque. 

"This project highlights our capability to deliver large-scale, technically-sophisticated lighting solutions with cultural relevance," said Lights of Vienna's Managing Partner Alexander Oborny. 

The project extends Lights of Vienna's longstanding involvement in Makkah, following its earlier supply of more than 4,450 luminaires for the Shamiya Extension. Production was carried out in Austria with support from partners in Austria and Italy.

PayNet launches digital aid for Sabah

Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) has partnered with Gobarakah Tech (Gobarakah) to deliver targeted relief to rural communities impacted by floods and landslides in Penampang, Sabah. 

The digital flood relief supported over 140 individuals from 47 households in heavily-affected areas, including Kampung Madsiang, Kampung Sogumau, Kampung Inobong, Kampung Limbata, and Country Heights.

This marks PayNet’s first digital aid initiative in rural Sabah and its second relief effort for Penampang. Beneficiaries were verified and onboarded onto Gobarakah’s platform, receiving e-vouchers, enabling impacted households to redeem essential goods via Koperasi Wawasan Rakyat Sabah’s mobile supply trucks and local grocery stores. Earlier this year, PayNet also supported repairs at the Madsiang Community Learning Centre (under Moyoq Innovation House) damaged by the 2024 floods.

“The current monsoon season has heavily impacted the residents of Penampang. Our goal was to provide greater control and flexibility in the flood aid relief to the impacted residents. This digital approach in partnership with Gobarakah, empowers beneficiaries to choose what they needed and assures donors that contributions reach the intended recipients,” said Farhan Ahmad, Group CEO of PayNet.

Source: PayNet. Representatives from PayNet and Gobarakah together with residents from Penampang.