Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA takes over two hotels close to Masjid Al Haram

Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa (MEA) is continuing with its successful expansion strategy across KSA with the takeover of two landmark hotels in Makkah. The move solidifies the group’s position as one of the fastest growing operators in the kingdom, ensuring it comfortably meets its target to open over 20 hotels in Saudi Arabia within the next four years.

Source: Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA. The Makkah Millennium Hotel and Towers.

Following the signing of a management agreement with Makkah Construction & Development Company, the Group will operate Makkah Millennium Hotel and Makkah Millennium Towers under the global flagship of Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa. The agreement comes into effect by 1 September 2017. 

As the nearest hotels to Al Masjid Al Haram, with direct access to the Ka'abah, the properties occupy a premium location in Makkah and are an ideal base for pilgrims. With iconic architecture and traditionally-inspired Arabian décor combined, both hotels create a contemporary celebration of Arabic hospitality, and will offer world-class amenities, including a range of restaurants, meeting spaces, prayer halls and fitness facilities.

The 614-key Makkah Millennium Hotel is scheduled to go under extensive renovation with the aim of conversion into a luxury property that is part of The Biltmore Collection. Meanwhile, the 802-key Makkah Millennium Towers, adjacent to the Makkah Millennium Hotel will deliver the high service standards expected from the Millennium Collection. 

Ali Hamad Lakhraim Alzaabi, President and CEO, Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA stated; “We are honoured to enter into an agreement with Makkah Construction & Development Company, one of the Kingdom’s most renowned real estate developers to operate these landmark hotels. Religious tourism is expected to rise even further in the Holy City, and with significant government investment into infrastructure there are plenty of opportunities to support this development by offering an array of excellent accommodation options for visitors.

"Our group possesses the resources and knowledge to operate these prestigious properties, ensuring we consistently deliver the highest standards thanks to our global expertise combined with a deep understanding of the region. We look forward to beginning this long term and fruitful relationship with Makkah Construction & Development Company.”

HE Sheikh Abdul Rahman A. Fakieh, Chairman of Makkah Construction and Development Company noted; “We are delighted to enter into this partnership and look forward to working closely with global hospitality leader Millennium Hotels & Resorts. We are confident that they will deliver exceptional operational and service standards and their considerable expertise will enable these unique properties to achieve their full potential, ensuring a mutually beneficial collaboration for many years to come.”

Millennium Hotels & Resorts currently operates five properties in KSA, with an additional 21 upcoming properties in the pipeline. The Group’s next openings for the country include Millennium Madina Airport, Millennium Makkah Al Naseem and Copthorne Makkah Al Naseem. 

Philippines to celebrate Eid al Adha on 1 September

The President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, has released proclamation no. 297 which declares 1 September a regular national holiday to observe Eid al Adha.

The proclamation was signed on 29 August after the KSA government and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos recommended 1 September as the day on which Eid will fall. The date can vary slightly depending on when the moon is sighted in KSA.

Republic Act no. 9849 provides for the Islamic holiday to be celebrated as a regular holiday in the Philippines.

1.7 million pilgrims have arrived in KSA for Hajj

As of 30 August 1,752,014 pilgrims from 168 nationalities have safely arrived by air, land and sea to perform this year's Hajj, official statistics from the KSA immigration department say, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) has reported.

According to the report, 1,648,332 pilgrims came by air, 88,855 by land and 14,827 by sea.
Male pilgrims accounted for 54% of the total.

As many as 867,945 pilgrims have set foot in Madinah for this year's Hajj, the SPA added. The Madinah-based National Pilgrim-Guides Foundation released daily statistics showing that 866,791 pilgrims have left Madinah, while 1,053 pilgrims remained in it.

In another report the SPA noted that the General Presidency for the Grand Holy Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah have announced the successful completion of the first phase of its plans for Hajj 2017.

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim leads Singapore Haj Delegation this year

The last batch of 340 pilgrims for Hajj 2017 left Singapore on 26 August, reports the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis). The first batch arrived in KSA on August 10.

Muis said on Facebook that 88 pilgrims from Halijah Travels and Abu Bakar Travel Services Consortium departed for Jeddah, KSA on 24 August 2017.

Eight hundred Singaporeans have gone for Hajj this year, up from 680 last year after the Saudi authorities increased Singapore's official Hajj quota in February.

Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Dr Yaacob Ibrahim is leading the Singapore Haj Delegation for Hajj 2017 as a gesture of the Singapore government's appreciation to KSA for the revised quota and to commemorate 40 years of bilateral ties. Dr Yaacob posted on his Facebook page yesterday that he has arrived safely in Makkah, KSA to perform the Hajj and has visited pilgrims at their accommodation in Shisha.

"They tell me that they are well settled and ready to embark on the Hajj rites. I am happy that our pilgrims are safe, in good health and in high spirits, as they make preparations for the peak of Hajj tomorrow," he said in his Facebook post.

Dr Ibrahim also met with KSA Minister for Hajj and Umrah HE Dr Mohammad Saleh bin Taher Benten, and thanked the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah, other Saudi Hajj agencies like Muassasah Southeast Asian Pilgrims for their excellent services and help, as well as the Saudi Hajj Authority for enabling the Singapore Pilgrims’ Affairs Office (SPAO) to extend medical services to Australian pilgrims.

The SPAO comprises two Muis officials, five Medical Officers, 10 Nurses and five Assistant Pilgrim Officers.
 Interested?

Singapore updates are available on the Haj.SG ​Facebook and Haj.SG Instagram pages.

Hashtags: #yaacobibrahim, #hajj1438, #hajj2017, #hajsg

Saudi government creates two digital platforms to share Hajj 2017 updates

Source: SaudiWelcomesTheWorld website. SaudiWelcomesTheWorld.org conveys a message of compassion and inclusion to the entire world.

The Ministry of Culture and Information (MOCI), KSA has launched two digital platforms in the lead-up to the Hajj this year.

Both sites will provide information and insights to pilgrims in Makkah, worldwide audiences and local and international media.

SaudiWelcomesTheWorld.org conveys a message of compassion and inclusion to the world. It tells the stories of the millions of pilgrims of every ethnicity, race, colour, and culture, who undertake the pilgrimage. The platform provides an open window onto their journeys and invites the world to learn and share in the values of Islam. The complementary Hajj2017 portal for media provides information, updates and news about Hajj 2017. 

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and comprises a journey to Makkah to perform religious rituals described in the Quran. Every adult Muslim is obligated to make the pilgrimage at least once in their lives provided that they are physically and financially able.

To date more than 1.5 million pilgrims have already arrived in KSA with another 500,000 expected. The Hajj starts on August 30 and ends on September 4 this year.

Hashtag: #SaudiWelcomesTheWorld

KinerjaPay facilitates qurban payments in Indonesia

KinerjaPay, a digital payment and e-commerce platform, has partnered three Indonesian charity institutions that support regional social welfare - Badan Amil Zakat Nasional (Baznas), Rumah Zakat and Dompet Dhuafa.

Edwin Ng, CEO of KinerjaPay said, "We are excited to launch this feature as we welcome Eid al Adha, the festival marking the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah. The Muslim community makes up approximately 87% of the Indonesian population, and by partnering with three of Indonesia's most reputable charity institutions, we have enabled our customers to make donations and participate in qurban directly through the KinerjaPay App."

Fitriansyah Agus, Head of the National Retail Division of Badan Amil Zakat Nasional (Baznas) stated, "Our partnership with KinerjaPay will facilitate users ability to contribute to Baznas and other organizations that service the neediest among us. I am hopeful that this convenience will motivate users to make donations, which all goes to help reduce poverty across the country."

Irvan Nugraha, Marketing Director of Rumah Zakat, commented, "We welcome the opportunity to work with others who have the same vision and mission as Rumah Zakat; supporting community empowerment programs in education, health, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability initiatives. I am optimistic that our relationship with KinerjaPay will attract more donors to our cause."

Dompet Dhuafa, is a non-profit institution that is also engaged in zakat*, infaq*, charity, and endowments. "The more institutions participating in the effort to raise awareness and funds, the easier it will be for Dompet Dhuafa to serve the community. We look forward to working with the team at KinerjaPay to accomplish those objectives," said Urip Budiarto, GM, Ziskur Mobilization at Dompet Dhuafa.

Ng concluded, "The ways that consumers use digital platforms to conduct financial transactions, such as banking and shopping, continues to evolve. KinerjaPay is always looking for ways to expand our traditional e-commerce services in order to best service the needs of our user base - for both consumers and affiliates. Our success has been reflected in the company's financial performance; KinerjaPay recorded a 40% increase in transactions in the first quarter of 2017 as compared to the last quarter of 2016."

Based in Indonesia, KinerjaPay has an omnichannel platform allowing users to pay credit card, utility, phone and healthcare insurance bills, or make direct transfers to anyone. KinerjaPay is also planning to launch other e-commerce verticals such as travel market, delivery services, and online gaming in the near future. The company's services are available through its mobile applications and on its website.

*Infaq (إنفاق) is expenditure to please God, without expectation of rewards or returns.

Zakat (زكاة‎‎) is an annual payment, obligatory for Muslims, whose amount is calculated on the value of selected assets. The money is used for specific charitable and religious purposes. 

KSA reports nearly 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived for Hajj

Source: PRNewsfoto/Ministry of Culture Saudi Arabia. The Great Mosque of Makkah, the largest mosque in the world. 

KSA has to date welcomed 1.497 million pilgrims who have arrived in the country in preparation for the annual Hajj, which is due to begin on August 30, 2017. The kingdom is expecting to welcome around two million international pilgrims in total.

As one of the five pillars of Islam, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, KSA is mandatory for physically and financially capable Muslims at least once in their lives. The responsibility for organising the pilgrimage is handled by the KSA government under direct supervision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman; a massive logistical undertaking that will run until the Hajj ends on 4 September, 2017.

The plans include Mina, which is also known as the City of Tents as it hosts tens of thousands of air-conditioned tents as temporary accommodation for a significant portion of the pilgrims expected to take part in Hajj this year. Mina is located between Mount Arafat and Makkah's Grand Mosque. The tents are arranged in rows and grouped into areas labelled with numbers and colours according to nationality. Every pilgrim is given a badge with an assigned number and colour to help them find the way back to their tent if they get lost. To prevent fires, the tents are constructed of Teflon-coated fibreglass, and are fitted with sprinklers and fire extinguishers.

Saudi officials have prepared to receive the influx of pilgrims, many of whom also visit Madinah. The Hajj team deployed on the ground speaks over a dozen languages to ensure that the needs of pilgrims are met. Some statistics include:

- More than 17,000 highly trained personnel, supported by 3,000 advanced vehicles, are in position to guarantee pilgrims the highest level of safety.

- Three hundred ground ambulances, 30 motorbikes, 113 ambulance centres and eight air ambulances

- Over 2,000 Saudi Red Crescent Authority personnel deployed in Makkah, Madinah and other holy sites to provide ambulance services to pilgrims during Hajj

The number of foreign pilgrims has multiplied exponentially over the years. There were just 24,000 in 1941 and 1.325 million in 2016. Including pilgrims that reside in KSA, a total of 1.86 million Muslims performed the Hajj last year.

posted from Bloggeroid

Medical team from Bahrain on standby in Makkah

Bahrain has deployed a dedicated medical team to serve pilgrims during the Hajj season for 2017, the Bahrain News Agency has reported.

Bahrain Haj Medical Committee Chairman Dr Ibrahim Obaid was cited as stressing the readiness of the Makkah, KSA-based delegation. “The 32-strong medical team is sparing no efforts to serve pilgrims, working as one team round the clock,” he stated in the report.

Hajj preparations continue apace, 1.4 million pilgrims in KSA

The Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, who is Deputy PM and Minister of Defense, KSA, graced the annual ceremony to review the Hajj security forces and the agencies involved in Hajj affairs for 2017 on August 23. The ceremony was held in Makkah, and included an anti-terrorism drill, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) has reported.

A separate SPA report noted that an operations centre to orchestrate the events of the Hajj has been set up on August 23 by the Ministry of Culture and Information, KSA. The operations centre involves various ministry departments and government agencies related to Hajj services. The Director of the Operations Room Abdulkhaleq Al-Zahrani said that the media committee and its operations room are directly linked 24x7 to the Minister of Culture and Information.

The SPA added that 370 pilgrims in the program of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud have so far arrived in Makkah to perform Hajj rituals this year. The total number approved to be hosted will be 1,300 pilgrims.

The SPA separately reported that 1,405,924 pilgrims have so far arrived in KSA as of 24 August. It quoted the General Directorate of Passports' daily statistics which noted that 1,313,946 pilgrims arrived by air; 79,501 by land; and 12,477 by sea. This is 33% (350,531) more pilgrims compared to the same period last year. Of these pilgrims, nearly 800,000 have already entered Madinah. SPA said National Pilgrim-Guides Foundation daily statistics as of August 24 said 621,010 pilgrims have left Madinah, while 178,755 pilgrims remained in it.

The Kuwait News Agency has cited a Saudi Ministry of Information and Culture report on the number of pilgrims growing from half a million a year 48 years ago to 3 million today. The growth is supported by infrastructure and other services, such as a train linking Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah and expansion of the Masjid Haram area in Makkah.

Meals distributed to Hajj pilgrims in memory of the late Sheikh Zayed

WAM, the Emirates news agency, has reported on the distribution of 153,000 meals to Hajj pilgrims by the UAE’s official Hajj Mission in memory of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE.

Dr Mohammed Matar Al Kaabi, Awqaf Chairman and Head of the UAE’s official Hajj Mission, was quoted on the meals being distributed to pilgrims from across the world in phases. So far, 20,000 meals have already been handed out in Madinah, in two batches of 10,000 each.

Plans are to give 50,000 meals to pilgrims on the Day of Arafat, in addition to 30,000 meals in Muzdalifah. Another 50,000 meals are scheduled to be distributed in the Mina camps during the tashriq days.

The Emirates Red Crescent, on the other hand, has launched Zayed's Legacy to Support Yemeni People in Al Mukalla, Hadramut, Yemen, in honour of all Yemeni people, especially the families of martyrs and the wounded, WAM reported separately.

The initiative will provide families with Eid clothing, gifts for children, and cash along with vouchers to purchase necessities. Ahmed Al Neyadi, Head of the ERC team in Hadramaut, said the campaign embodies the UAE's approach to humanitarian and developmental aid.

The Saudi Press Agency separately reported that the Saudi Red Crescent Authority met with pilgrims on August 23 in Jeddah and provided advice on first aid as well as gifts.

The Day of Arafat is on 9 Dhulhijjah, and the second day of the Hajj. Eid al Adha is on 10 Dhulhijjah; the days following it, 11, 12 and often 13 Dhulhijjah, are termed the tashriq days as these days are marked for eating, drinking and remembering Allah. They are also a significant part of Hajj rituals. The stoning of the Jamarat (الجمرات) occur during these days for the Hajj, for example.

Halal mooncakes available for order from Glory

Glory Food Products' mid-autumn festival collection features individually-packed mini mooncakes in novelty shapes, mini mooncakes, bean paste pastries (taosha piah) as well as full sized mooncakes. The collection is halal and includes some vegetarian options.

The mini mooncakes (S$0.50 to S$0.65) are available as bears, mice, cats, fish and the Ding Dang cartoon character, as well as in the traditional round cylinder shape. Standard sized mooncakes cost from S$4.20 and are offered in lotus paste, single yolk lotus paste, and double yolk lotus paste flavours.

Source: Glory website. Glory offers mooncakes in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Interested?

Order. Orders are accepted till 27 September.

Hajj Grand Symposium to begin 26 August

The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, KSA, Dr Mohammed Saleh bin Taher Benten, will inaugurate the Hajj Grand Symposium on 4 Dhulhijjah, in Makkah, KSA, the Saudi Press Agency has reported. The date corresponds to 26 August 2017.

Organised by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, KSA, the event's theme is Hajj is the peace rostrum from the Holy Land.

The Minister of Hajj and Umrah said the symposium reflects the key role played by KSA in disseminating the values of Islam and consolidating the universality of the message of Islam and its humanity.

KSA's budget airline flyadeal is all set to take off on 23 September

KSA's new budget airline flyadeal was officially inaugurated at the the Royal Fleet Hangar at King Abdulaziz International Airport on August 23. At centrestage was the first flyadeal aircraft, which had arrived in Jeddah from the Airbus delivery center in Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft has been named Al-Nayyir (النيَر), which means 'bright star’.

Source: flyadeal. The budget airline flyadeal was inaugurated at a ceremony on August 24. The airline’s colours – a distinct palette of purple and lime – was on full display at the delivery event, along with members of the cabin crew, which gave guests a tour of the unique features onboard.

Announced in 2016, flyadeal will commence operations on 23 September 2017, on KSA's national day, serving domestic markets initially before expanding into Middle East markets. The airline is operated as a separate company under Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation and focused on providing a low-fare, high-value product to a growing travel segment in the kingdom.

Al-Nayyir is flyadeal's first aircraft and the first of eight Airbus A320ceo aircraft acquired for its fleet from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Airbus reported. With 186 seats in a single-class configuration, flyadeal’s A320 features the latest Recaro 18” wide economy class seats, equipped with USB power outlets and personal device holders.

Chairman of flyadeal HE Saleh Al Jasser said: “Saudi Arabia has launched its Vision 2030; a strategic platform for the future development of the kingdom where transportation and tourism are key pillars. The launch of flyadeal is core to the strategy to mobilise further the country and the region.”

Al Jasser added, “The unique identity and service model of flyadeal will provide travellers with an experience that is complementary with the modern and budget conscious traveller.”

CEO of flyadeal Con Korfiatis said: “Flyadeal will be Saudi Arabia’s newest airline, providing a unique experience with an optimal fleet to serve our domestic and regional markets. The Airbus A320 has been distinctly selected for the needs of our operation, and we look forward to passengers experiencing flyadeal’s onboard service.

“Saudi Arabia and the region have a very young and digitally savvy population that has an increasing thirst for low fare travel domestically and across the region. Flyadeal plans to serve and grow this significant segment of air travel.”

DAE CEO Firoz Tarapore said, “We are delighted to be able to support flyadeal’s fleet strategy as it begins operations, and we look forward to working with the airline to fulfill its fleet ambitions, going forward.

“Having listened to our customers, we feel that the acquisition of these popular and efficient single aisle aircraft reflect continuing market demand for this type of plane.”

John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft added, “Airbus is committed to play a major role in supporting flyadeal in its exciting journey, enabling more people to fly at affordable cost.

“Flyadeal’s decision to launch its operations with an A320ceo fleet is a clear affirmation of the continuing appeal of a product that provides an exceptionally comfortable cabin, low operating costs and excellent fuel consumption. These factors will provide a framework from which the airline can build and sustain its future successes and market growth, in both KSA and the region.”

The A320 family is the aircraft family of choice within the low cost carrier market, said Airbus. To date, the family has won over 13,200 orders and more than 7,700 aircraft have been delivered to some 400 customers and operators worldwide. The full fleet for flyadeal will arrive by mid-2018, and expansion is expected for the future.

KSA announces Hajj days for 2017

The KSA Supreme Court, which had requested the public to view the crescent moon marking the advent of the Islamic month of Dhulhijjah at sunset of 22 August, has announced in a statement that many adult witnesses have testified to their perspective regional courts accordingly, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.

This makes 23 August 1 DhulHijjah according to the Calendar of Umm Al-Qura. Accordingly, the attendance at the Mount of Arafat, the peak and main pillar of Hajj ritual which is also called the Day of Arafat and the 9th day of Dhulhijjah, falls on 31 August 2017. Eid Al Adha falls on 10 Dhulhijjah, or 1 September 2017.

Singapore mufti announces Dhulhijjah in 2017

According to astronomical calculations as agreed upon by the member countries of The Informal Meeting of the Religious Affairs Ministers of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore (MABIMS), the crescent moon for the month of Dhulhijjah, the last month of the Islamic year, appeared in the evening of August 22 after sunset, for about 33 minutes.

"Therefore, I am pleased to announce that the first day of the month of Dhulhijjah 1438 falls on
Wednesday, 23 August 2017. This means Eiduladha or Hari Raya Haji, which is on the 10th day of Dhulhijjah, falls on Friday, 1 September 2017," said Dr Mohamed Fatris Bakaram, Mufti of Singapore.

Halal mooncakes from the Concorde Hotel, Singapore come in mirror chests this year

Source: Concorde Hotel website. Mooncakes from the Concorde Hotel will come in LED mirror chests.

The Concorde Hotel, Singapore has invested in unusual mooncake presentation containers every year, and this year is no different. Mooncakes will be encased in an LED mirror chest which lights up when opened.

Mooncake flavours include bamboo charcoal skin with red dragon fruit and black sesame, golden jade lotus with a single yolk, pure lotus, white lotus, pure lotus with a single yolk and white lotus with a single yolk. All mooncakes are halal-certified, and cost S$49.60 for a box of four except for the pure lotus and white lotus flavours, which cost S$48.

Interested?

Order the Concorde Hotel's mooncakes online. Pioneer Generation cardholders can purchase a maximum of two boxes of mooncakes at a special rate* of S$46.00 nett per box. There is an early bird discount of 20%* for purchases made between 14 August and 3 September 2017. Prices include 7% GST

Call +65 6734 0393 or 6733 8855 ext. 8133 with questions

*Only one discount can be applied at any one time.

Tai Thong has four new mooncake flavours for 2017

Tai Thong has introduced four new flavours for mooncakes this year:

Source: Tai Thong website. The durian emperor mooncake.

Durian emperor (榴槤皇中皇): The filling is made from fresh durian. Tai Thong has two other snow skin mooncakes with durian: the imperial Musang King royale (至尊貓山皇), a premium limited edition mooncake filled with pure Musang King durian flesh, and the snow skin durian coulis (冰皮鮮榴槤) that contains durian pulp and paste.

Mocha milk tea (奶茶咖啡): Inspired by the 'yuan yang' Hong Kong beverage, which mixes tea and coffee, this is a charcoal-baked mooncake with mocha coffee and royal milk tea lotus paste.

Snow skin pandan single yolk (冰皮翡翠單黃): A blend of salted egg yolk enveloped in fresh pandan paste.

Source: Tai Thong website. The new Snow skin Japanese potato with custard mooncake.

Snow skin Japanese potato with custard (冰皮紫薯奶黃): Slightly sweet and smooth. Tai Thong recommends Chinese tea to complement it.

Other Tai Thong flavours for baked mooncakes include flavours with the classic lotus, white lotus, pandan and red bean fillings. It also has a salted White Lotus with Belacan Dried Shrimp & Chicken Floss 咸白蓮馬來棧蝦米雞絲 version. for snow skin mooncakes Tai Thong has yam, red bean and lotus paste flavours.

Tai Thong has crafted mooncakes for two decades. Its mooncakes are free from artificial colourings and flavourings, and certified halal by the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (JAKIM).

Interested?

Call 1800 882 338 in Malaysia with questions from Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6.30pm

KSA donates US$200,000 to Islamic Committee of the International Crescent

KSA has provided US$200,000 in financial support of the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent, an affiliate of the Jeddah-based Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Saudi Press Agency has reported.

The Islamic organisation has humane goals, such as providing relief and assistance in case of disasters; offering services and care to victims of armed conflicts; cooperating with organisations operating in the field of humanitarian services, and contributing to the efforts exerted to establish better relations among people.

The financial support was formally delivered by the Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia, Mohammed bin Mahmoud Al-Ali during a meeting with the Executive Director of the Committee Dr Mohammad bin Hamad Al-Asbli.

Proceeds from NKF mooncake campaign to go to education, needy kidney patients

This year the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) of Malaysia is fund-raising with assorted halal mooncakes.

Partnering with Oversea, the mooncakes are presented in a custom designed gift box in red and white.
The type A box includes a 1 kg set of pure lotus paste, lotus paste with one yolk, golden emerald with one yolk, and red bean paste mooncakes for a donation of RM68 per box. The premium presentation box includes a 1.35 kg set of mooncakes in the following flavours:
White lotus with one yolk,
Lotus paste with two yolks,
Golden starlight with one yolk,
Assorted fruits and nuts,
Green tea with red bean and
Shanghai style with one yolk, at a donation of RM88 per box.

The proceeds will go towards the treatment and support of underprivileged dialysis patients, as well as funding NKF’s efforts to educate the public about kidney disease. Members of the public can also sponsor mooncakes for NKF patients and their families.

Interested?

Order online, or download a booking form

Email fundraising at nkf.org.my with questions. Tax-exempt receipts will be provided.

Donors will be informed when the mooncakes are available for collection at the NKF Secretariat office in Section 14, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. The mooncakes can also be delivered for a charge.

Tao Chinese Cuisine offers selection of halal baked mooncakes

Source: InterContinental Kuala Lumpur. This snowskin mooncake with durian and salted caramel chocolate is the signature mooncake for 2017.

Tao Chinese Cuisine, part of the InterContinental Kuala Lumpur, is offering six flavours of halal baked mooncakes this year. The Tao Chinese Cuisine mooncakes are available till 4 October and handmade daily by master dim sum chef Lo Tian Sion. The season’s selections are packed in luminous gold or charcoal grey boxes.

Source: Tao mooncake brochure.

The InterContinental Kuala Lumpur recommends the bamboo charcoal baked mooncake with assorted nut paste. Other flavours for baked mooncakes include white lotus paste with single egg yolk, pure white lotus paste with nuts, Shanghai mooncake with single egg yolk, and golden jade.

Interested?

Check out the brochure for Tao Chinese Cuisine mooncakes

Get the mooncakes at the InterContinental Kuala Lumpur lobby, 165 Japan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur 50450, Malaysia.

Prices start at RM26 for a baked mooncake. There is a 25% discount for box purchases and early bird pricing till 20 August for a minimum purchase of 10 boxes of four. Bulk purchase discounts are available. Discounts also apply for selected credit cards.

Foh San's halal mooncakes available for corporate orders

Foh San began as a dim sum restaurant and is now known for both dim sum and mooncakes. The company has a wide selection of baked and non-baked halal mooncakes which can be packed in presentation box that fit two or four mooncakes. A premium box that packs four mooncakes as well as gaharu (agarwood or oud) tea is also available.

Flavours include orange peel lotus paste, agarwood lotus paste, and moringa lotus paste, in addition to traditional flavours.

Interested?

Source Foh San website. Some of the mooncake flavours available from the company.

View the list of retail outlets for Foh San mooncakes in Malaysia. Foh San products are also available in Thailand and Cambodia. 

Contact Foh San about corporate orders for mooncakes

Halal mooncakes that are also sugar-free

Delcie's Desserts and Cakes has opened orders for halal-certified vegetarian, vegan, sugarfree and low-sugar mooncakes for 2017.

Source: Delcie's website. The spiral flaky sugar-free mooncakes are a best-seller, and contain sugar-free pandan paste.

A new flavour is available this year, a white lotus with salted mung bean mooncake that has no cane sugar.

All mooncakes contain wheat and gluten except for the gluten-free mooncakes. All mooncakes contain peanuts and nut sources, but nut-free mooncakes are also available on a limited basis.

Interested?

The mooncakes can be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis with full prepayment. View the full list of mooncakes

A box of four mooncakes costs S$108. Early bird discounts end 20 August. Collection is from 20 August to 24 September

Call +65 6282 2951 Tuesdays to Sundays from 11am to 7.30pm to check if nut-free mooncakes are available. These can be picked up in-store at 34 Whampoa West #01-83, Singapore 330034, next to Boon Keng MRT exit B at S$29 each

Email order at delciesdesserts.com to pre-order. Include your personal particulars and preferred date of collection

Over 700,000 pilgrims have arrived in KSA for Hajj

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) has reported that Hajj arrival statistics from the KSA General Authority of Civil Aviation. As of August 14, 705,000 pilgrims have arrived to perform Hajj 2017.

As directed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, King Abdulaziz International Airport and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport have both stepped up on preparations to receive the growing number of pilgrims.

The SPA separately reported that the National Pilgrim-Guides Foundation for Arab countries received the vanguard of 4,500 Yemeni pilgrims in Makkah. They were received by the Yemeni Minister of Endowments and Guidance and Head of Yemeni Hajj Mission Dr Ahmed Atiyyah.

Dr Atiyyah commended the directives of the KSA government and the services to receive pilgrims. He said the full complement of Yemeni pilgrims should be in KSA by Dhulhijjah 2, 1438, estimated to be around 24 August 2017.

According to the SPA, the Turkish pilgrims guiding foundation has adopted the offered electronic guidance system for the Hajj. Traditionally, a leader guides a delegation at his discretion. With the electronic system, all movement to the Hajj rituals is systematic and organised.

In a workshop to explain the new system in Makkah, Majid Sibgha, the general supervisor for pilgrims guiding sector, said that under the new system Turkish pilgrims will leave their camps at a certain time, and follow preset routes to and from the Jamarat site.

Dubai trade shows for food promise new experiences, ingredients and foods

Source: The Speciality Food Festival website. Banner for The Speciality Food Festival.

The Speciality Food Festival, a dedicated gourmet event that has evolved purely from demand for international gourmet and fine foods, returns for an 8th edition this September.

To be held on 18 to 20 September 2017 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE, the The Speciality Food Festival is part of Dubai International Hospitality Week (DIHW). With a surge in demand for speciality foods such as organic products - expected to reach a value of US$52 billion by 2021 - and the rise of the global halal industry - projected to hit US$3.7 trillion by 2019 - the expansion of this year’s Speciality Food Festival reflects the strong market potential in the region.

The Specialty Food Festival is an ideal platform for regional and global food producers, suppliers, importers and exporters to present their products to a screened audience of caterers, chefs, distributors, retailers and delicatessen outlets wishing to sample, source and order wholesale gourmet, organic, and speciality products. 

Showcasing a diverse selection of fine foods, from artisanal olive oils, pickles and chutneys to speciality coffee and teas and gourmet staples such as charcuterie, bakery and dairy, as well as rare spices and ingredients, the trade show continues to attract exhibitors, including for the first time, brands from Taiwan and Thailand. With hundreds of new launches at the show, F&B professionals will be able to source up to 2,800 ingredients and foods that had previously not been available in the region. 

It also includes the Cezve/Ibrik Championship, where the best regional and international baristas from global food and beverage chains gather for recognition and knowledge. This competition is organised by the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE).

The 2016 edition of The Speciality Food Festival saw participation of 230+ exhibitors from 38 countries. A combined number of 15,000 buyers attended the event. 

Koelnmesse, organiser of yummex Middle East (ME), shares that the international trade fair for sweets and snacks in the MENA region celebrates its 11th anniversary this year. The countries with the strongest participation include India, Malaysia, and Turkey, Koelnmesse said. There will be 19 regional and international pavilions. 

"Following the successful anniversary of the previous year, yummex ME 2017 will offer expanded access to the attractive hospitality and foodservice market in the region with its new setup in the context of the Dubai Hospitality Week and emphasise the importance of global trends for regional markets," said Denis Steker, VP, International of Koelnmesse. "Together with the other trade fairs taking place simultaneously, yummex ME optimally addresses the great demand in the retail and hospitality areas."

In 2016, 364 companies from 47 countries presented their products at yummex Middle East. The event hosted 8,180 visitors from 83 countries. 

SEAFEX Middle East is the only professional seafood event for the MENA region. This is where food professionals sourcing the latest in wild, farmed and value added seafood can discover new product lines that will satisfy today’s adventurous and increasingly health-conscious consumers. The 6th edition invites professional chefs, catering buyers, wholesalers, restaurant owners and retail distributors to attend.

DIHW is a three-day trading platform endorsed by Dubai Tourism. It brings together hospitality trade events GulfHost, The Speciality Food Festival and SEAFEX organised by Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), yummex Middle East jointly organised by DWTC and Koelnmesse plus The Hotel Show organised by DMG Events. The event is set to attract more than 50,000 visitors, trading at an optimal phase before the hospitality high season. 

Interested?

SEAFEX is at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Za'abeel Hall 4. It is a trade-only event

The Speciality Food Festival is at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Za'abeel Hall 5 and Hall 6. It is a trade-only event

The yummex ME 2017 event is at Za'abeel Hall 2, Za'abeel Hall 3, Za'abeel Hall 4, and Za'abeel Hall 6. It is a trade-only event

Qurban.SG offers qurban in different countries

Source: Qurban.SG website. A sheep.

Qurban.SG is offering meat from sheep and cows from Australia this year.

The rites will  be held in a halal-approved abattoir in Melbourne, Australia, with the process will be inspected* by a Qurban.SG representative. The cut meat will then be flown to Singapore, where it is further butchered the meat into portions ready for doorstep delivery, or distributed to the needy in Singapore.

Qurban in Australia will be held on 1 September 2017, the first day of Hari Raya Haji. Delivery and donations will take place between 5 and 10 September 2017.

Those who would like to visit the qurban process firsthand can consider qurban in Johor, Malaysia. Families may witness the slaughter and an individual may also opt to slaughter the animal, with guidance from the team on-site.

For the 5th year running, Qurban.SG is also offering the option of qurban in Indonesia, with the meat to be distributed to the needy in Indonesia.

Qurban can be performed in in Semarang, Central Java or Pasuruan, East Java. It will take place in Pasuruan on 1 and 2 September, and in Semarang on 3 and 4 September. Different qurban teams will be deployed in each location. Distribution will be held in Semarang, Pasuruan as well as other parts of East Java. 

For those who wish to perform qurban in India, Qurban.SG is introducing qurban performed by the Musthafa Sabiya Educational Trust in Dindigul i Tamilnadu, South India, with the meat to be distributed by the charity in India. According to Qurban.SG, the Musthafa Sabiya Educational Trust is a registered charity working for the welfare and upliftment of poor Muslims and underprivileged people in Tamilnadu.

Qurban options are also available for the Trincomalee district of Sri Lanka; three locations in Cambodia; and in Vietnam. Fidyah (الفدية), money given to feed the poor for a day in compensation for a day of missed fast during Ramadhan, is available for Cambodia.

Interested?

Australia

Qurban for one name, S$330 for an Australian sheep

Average weight of meat flown to Singapore: 18kg 

Qurban for seven names, S$2,100 for an Australian cow
Average weight of meat flown to Singapore: 105kg 

Price includes delivery to the doorstep. Read the terms and conditions for Australia qurban, or order. The closing date for orders is 24 August 2017

Cambodia

Qurban for goats will be performed at Madrasah Darul Ulum, Hasyimiyah, Kampung Treas, Cambodia, and at Maahad Tahfiz Ibnu Abbas, Kampung Chey Soksan, Cambodia. Qurban for bulls and cows will take place at Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia.

Qurban per goat in Cambodia, S$300; three goats cost S$870

Qurban per bull or cow in Cambodia, S$998

Fidyah of S$4 for 4.5kg of rice, equivalent for three days of fasting missed, can be distributed to the poor villagers in Cambodia. Individuals may also pay S$13 for 15kg of rice, equivalent to 10 days of fasting missed.

Read the terms and conditions for Cambodia qurban, or order. The closing date for orders is 24 August 2017.

India

Qurban per goat in India, S$210; three goats cost S$600 

Price includes delivery to the doorstep. Read the terms and conditions for India qurban, or order. The closing date for orders is 24 August 2017.

Indonesia

Qurban per goat in Indonesia, S$210; three goats cost S$600

Qurban per bull or cow in Indonesia, S$1,350
Qurban for one-seventh of a bull or cow in Indonesia, S$200; Qurban.SG will combine orders so that it is seven names per bull or cow

Read the terms and conditions for Indonesia qurban, or order. The closing date for orders is 2 September 2017 at 6pm

Malaysia

Qurban will be held at:

Surau Khatijah, Jalan Abdul Smaad, 80100 Johor Bahru on 1 September, and at 

Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-anak, Yatim Islam Mersing, 3 Jalan Endau, Bukit Pedoman 86800 Mersing, Malaysia on 2 September. 

Please arrive by 7am on each day.

Qurban per goat in Malaysia, S$330; three goats cost S$960 

Read the terms and conditions for Malaysia qurban, or order. The closing date for orders is 24 August 2017.

Sri Lanka

Qurban for one name, S$210 for a Sri Lankan sheep

Qurban for seven names, S$770 for a Sri Lankan cow

Qurban for one-seventh of a cow in Sri Lanka, S$130; orders are combined so that it is seven names per bull or cow

Read the terms and conditions for Sri Lanka qurban, or order. The closing date for orders is 24 August 2017

Vietnam

Qurban in Vietnam will be conducted on 3 September 2016, in a village of Long Khanh Province, Vietnam

Qurban for seven names, S$1,250 for a Vietnamese bull/cow

Read the terms and conditions for Vietnam qurban, or order. The closing date for orders is 24 August 2017

*Due to Australian regulations, pictures of the animal before or after slaughter cannot be taken in the abattoir.

MoH in KSA has all in readiness to support Hajj pilgrims

The Ministry of Health (MoH) in KSA has further intensified its preparations and efforts to develop and equip its health facilities, and to ensure their readiness to provide healthcare services to pilgrims during the Hajj 2017 season, from their arrival to KSA via air, sea and land, through the rituals, and up to their safe return home. More than 29,000 health practitioners - including various medical, technical and administrative groups - have been commissioned to serve the pilgrims.

MoH has taken several precautionary measures, including developing health regulations to be met by all individuals preparing for the Hajj – based on global epidemiological variables, and circulating them to all Saudi embassies and consulates to be shared when issuing Hajj and umrah visas. MOH has also activated health control centres at pilgrims’ land, air and sea access points to provide preventive, therapeutic and ambulatory (outpatient) services. These centres have been enhanced with the necessary manpower and medical supplies (vaccines, preventive drugs, and much more), to operate 24x7 during this year’s Hajj season, the MoH said.

MoH has also launched campaigns to vaccinate the residents of Makkah and Madinah, as well as all individuals involved in Hajj against meningitis and seasonal influenza.

Hospitals and healthcare centres in Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites have been prepared. Twenty-five hospitals have geared up (four in Arafat, four in Mina, seven in Makkah, nine in Madinah, as well as King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah), with 5,000 inpatient beds, including 500 for ICU and 550 for emergency use), in addition to the Holy Mosque’s hospital in Makkah for emergency cases.

These hospitals are supplemented with 155 permanent and seasonal health centres across Hajj sites, including 43 health centres in Makkah, 78 in the holy sites, (46 in Arafat, six at the Muzdalifah walkway, plus 26 in Mina), 18 in Madinah, 16 on the Jamarat Bridge, as well as three advanced ambulatory centres around the Holy Mosque in Makkah. Eighteen medical points will operate on both sides of the train stations.

MoH has also prepared several facilities in Makkah, the holy sites and Madinah to treat heat stress and sunstroke cases, by securing proper ventilation using fans which spray chilled water, and increasing the number of beds in the holy sites' hospitals dedicated to heat stress and sunstroke cases.

The MoH Safe Surgery Saves Lives (SSSL) programme, featuring free specialised healthcare services, including open-heart surgeries, cardiac catheterisation, kidney blood and peritoneal dialysis, alimentary endoscopy, obstetrical cases, in addition to other specialised services needed by pilgrim patients.

For field medicine and emergencies during Hajj, MoH has prepared a fleet of 100 small ambulances as mobile intensive care units, to handle field ambulatory emergencies, in addition to highly equipped, larger ambulances.

JKMS reports all livestock orders taken up for qurban 2017

The Singapore Mosques Korban Committee (Jawatankuasa Korban Masjid-masjid di Singapura, JKMS) has announced that all 3,700 livestock to be imported from Australia have been taken up by members of the public.

Preparation of qurban will go on to the next phase. Preparations for korban at all 25 mosques are on schedule, JKMS said.

The price of each Australian sheep supplied by the approved korban vendor (AKV) for 2017 was set at S$485, S$5 less than the price in 2016.

JKMS would like to thank members of the community for their strong support towards qurban in 2017.

posted from Bloggeroid

Hajj pilgrims in Madinah surpass 373,000

The Saudi Press Agency has reported that 373,081 Hajj pilgrims have arrived in Madinah, KSA to date. The National Pilgrim-Guides Foundation in Madinah pointed out in its daily updates that 159,924 pilgrims have left Madinah, while 213,124 pilgrims remained in it.

The first batch of Hajj pilgrims to arrive for the Hajj 2017 season were a delegation of 360 from Indonesia, the SPA reported on July 30.

Internal medicine doctors needed for Hajj 2017 support

The KSA Ministry of Health (MOH) Hajj Visiting Manpower Committee has vacanies for temporary internal medicine physicians for the Hajj season 2017 (1438) in the following regions:

Madinah

From 20/11/1438 to 05/12/1438, 12 working hours daily
From 13/12/1438 to 29/12/1438, 12 working hours daily

Holy sites

From 6/12/1438 to 15/12/1438, 12 working hours daily

Interested?

Estimate the Hijri date. The 12th month of 1438, Dhulhijjah (ذو الحجة), is expected to begin around 23 August 2017, and the Hajj will occur from 8 to 12 Dhulhijjah.

Contact the Committee at tusalghamdi at moh.gov.sa with attached documents

Priority is given to early applicants, and those not already registered as manpower for the Hajj 2017. Vacancies are limited

Qatar to allow visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries, territories

Source: Qatar Airways. The press announcement yesterday.

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MoI), the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and Qatar Airways have announced that Qatar will allow visa-free entry* for citizens of 80 countries and territories, effective immediately.

Citizens of 80 countries and territories wishing to visit Qatar will no longer need to apply or pay for a visa; instead, a multi-entry waiver will be issued free-of-charge at the port of entry, upon presentation of a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed onward or return ticket.

Depending on the nationality of the visitor, the waiver will either be valid for 180 days, from the date of issue, and allow the visitor to spend a total of 90 days in Qatar (multiple-entry waiver); or it will be valid for 30 days from the date of issue and entitle the visitor to spend up to 30 days in Qatar with the possibility of applying for an extension of the waiver for an additional 30 days (multiple-entry waiver).

These developments come as part of a series of measures that Qatar has taken to facilitate visitor access to the country. Last month, Qatar launched an e-visa platform through which travellers of all nationalities can apply for tourist and visitor visas. The country is also considering further enhancements to its visa policy, such as waiving visa requirements for holders of a residence permit or a valid visa from the nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, KSA, and the UAE), Australia, and New Zealand. This waiver would allow eligible visitors to obtain an electronic travel authorisation by completing an online application at least 48 hours prior to travel.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, HE Akbar Al Baker, said yesterday: “Today’s announcement places the state of Qatar as the most open country in the region. This is a momentous occasion for Qatar, making the number of nationalities eligible to enter our country without a visa the highest in region, which is something that we are very proud of.

“Qatar Airways is the patriotic flag carrier for the state of Qatar and as such we are extremely honoured to bring millions of people each year to our beautiful, welcoming and historic country. This important initiative from the Ministry of Interior and Qatar Tourism Authority will provide an opportunity to welcome even more visitors, from even more countries, to experience the many exciting attractions that await them.”

According to Hassan Al Ibrahim, Chief Tourism Development officer at QTA, visa facilitation is a critical component of the national tourism sector strategy, which QTA is currently reviewing in partnership with stakeholders from the public and private sectors. With renewed focus by the country’s leadership on diversifying the national economy, a revised strategy which empowers various players to boost the growth of tourism is set to be launched on 27 September 2017, when Qatar hosts the official celebrations of World Tourism Day.

“Easing entry to Qatar is a key enabler for the growth of Qatar’s tourism industry. With this announcement we are already turning the pages of the next chapter of Qatar’s journey towards 2030,” commented Al Ibrahim. “Together with our partners in the public and private sectors, we have examined all of the elements needed to create a smooth and enticing experience that can attract visitors from around the world. There is no doubt that facilitating and streamlining access at all ports of entry are key factors in creating a positive first and lasting impression of Qatar.

“With 80 countries eligible for a visa waiver, Qatar is now the most open country in the region and we are delighted to invite visitors to discover our renowned hospitality, cultural heritage and natural treasures.”

Brigadier Mohammed Al Ateeq, Director General of the Department of Passport and Expatriates Affairs at MoI, commented, “We are very pleased to announce that nationals of 80 countries are now eligible for a visa waiver and can enter Qatar without requiring any prior visa arrangements. Together with our partners at QTA and Qatar Airways, we have been working to enhance our country’s visa policies and implement solutions to better facilitate travel to Qatar. Further enhancements are being studied and we look forward to announcing them in due course.”

In November 2016, Qatar introduced a free transit visa, which allows passengers of all nationalities transiting in Qatar for a minimum of five hours to stay in Qatar for up to 96 hours (four days). In May 2017, QTA launched +Qatar, an initiative to promote the country as a stopover destination, with the national carrier, Qatar Airways. These measures, along with intensified international marketing, have resulted in a 39% increase in the number of stopover visitors during the first six months of 2017, compared with the same period last year.

As part of Qatar Airways’ and QTA’s combined efforts to boost tourism in the country, the award-winning airline has accelerated its global expansion plans, and recently announced the launch of a number of new destinations that it is adding to its network by the end of August 2017. The airline launched Sohar, Oman as a new destination in early August. 

Interested?

The following countries are included under the visa-free programme:

Nationals of the following 33 countries will not require prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival in Qatar. The waiver will be valid for 180 days from the date of issuance and entitle its holder to spend up to 90 days in Qatar, during either a single trip or on multiple trips.

1. Austria

2. Bahamas

3. Belgium

4. Bulgaria

5. Croatia

6. Cyprus

7. Czech Republic

8. Denmark

9. Estonia

10. Finland

11. France

12. Germany

13. Greece

14. Hungary

15. Iceland

16. Italy

17. Latvia

18. Liechtenstein

19. Lithuania

20. Luxembourg

21. Malta

22. Netherlands

23. Norway

24. Poland

25. Portugal

26. Romania

27. Seychelles

28. Slovakia

29. Slovenia

30. Spain

31. Sweden

32. Switzerland

33. Turkey

Nationals of the following 47 countries and territories will not require prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival in Qatar. The waiver will be valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and entitle its holder to spend up to 30 days in Qatar, during either a single trip or on multiple trips. This waiver may be extended for a further 30 days.

1. Andorra

2. Argentina

3. Australia

4. Belarus

5. Bolivia

6. Brazil

7. Brunei

8. Canada

9. Chile

10. Mainland China

11. Colombia

12. Ecuador

13. Panama

14. Costa Rica

15. Georgia

16. Guyana

17. Hong Kong

18. India

19. Indonesia

20. Ireland

21. Japan

22. Kazakhstan

23. Lebanon

24. Azerbaijan

25. Macedonia

26. Malaysia

27. Maldives

28. Mexico

29. Moldova

30. Monaco

31. New Zealand

32. Paraguay

33. Peru

34. Russia

35. San Marino

36. Singapore

37. South Africa

38. South Korea

39. Suriname

40. Cuba

41. Thailand

42. Ukraine

43. UK

44. US

45. Uruguay

46. Vatican City

47. Venezuela


*Entry to Qatar is approved at the sole discretion of Qatar’s Ministry of Interior.

Oman Hajj Mission set to leave on August 19

Sheikh Sultan bin Said al-Hinai, Head of the Omani Hajj Mission for the Hajj season of 2017, has affirmed that the mission is prepared for travelling both inside and outside the Sultanate.

In a report from the Oman News Agency Sheikh al-Hinai said that the mission will leave on 19th August and that all procedures related to the electronic registration system for Omani pilgrims are ongoing.

The transfer of Omani pilgrims' data to the Saudi Hajj Portal will start this week, resulting in the release of the pilgrim permits from KSA that pilgrims will need to enter the holy sites in KSA. The data transfer will also help Hajj companies to finalise contracts and services required by pilgrims in Madinah and Makkah.

He added that 9,000 pilgrims are confirmed out of the 14,000 pilgrims registered across 66 Hajj companies. Applications are being processed for replacement pilgrims.

WIEF focuses on entrepreneurship and emerging spaces with IdeaLab 2017

The World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) Young Leaders Network (WYN) has concluded the third edition of WIEF IdeaLab 2017. This two-day conference aims to strengthen the ASEAN startup ecosystem and attracted close to 400 participants from 35 countries.

“As the rising centre of the global economy, the ASEAN region boasts myriad opportunities; especially for startups and entrepreneurs. With innovation and entrepreneurship being a key agenda in many countries throughout the region including Malaysia, it is only inevitable that startups are increasingly looked to as key drivers of socioeconomic and market transformation in the region,” said Ebrahim Patel, Chairman of the WIEF Young Leaders Network.

According to Patel, global venture capitalists continue to seek investment opportunities in the ASEAN startup ecosystem due to the available talent pool and rapid growth potential.

“We bring together global venture capital firms and angel investors looking at investing in seed to post-seed stage companies. This also includes startups in the ideation stage across ASEAN. By doing so, WIEF IdeaLab 2017 is a prime example of the type of values that the WIEF Foundation and its associated programmes bring to its various participants,” said Patel.

At the IdeaLab Pitch session this year, 31 ASEAN startups presented their ideas to global venture capitalists; after which 10 startups were shortlisted for the final pitch session. Moneybay, Zap Zap Math, CheQQme, Glueck, BolehCompare and Moovby received expressions of interest.

WIEF IdeaLab 2017 featured signature events including:

Ideation Stage, where topics relevant to the startup scene in ASEAN were discussed by industry leaders;

Networking Pods, an online to offline platform in designated areas for setting up casual conversations between participants during the event;

IdeaClinic, where startups received real-time advice on matters such as legal, public relations, and marketing;

Business Anonymous, breakout rooms where ASEAN startups are given the opportunity to share their experiences living the startup life;

Startup Ecosystem Fair, showcasing the offerings of major players in the Malaysian startup ecosystem as well as startups from other parts of the region; and

The IdeaLab Pitch where startups and corporations pitch their ideas, either to seek investments or industry solutions.

“With the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) quickly approaching its 2025 milestone, there is now an accelerated focus on e-commerce and digital economy – potentially worth up to US$200 billion over the next 10 years in the region. The WIEF IdeaLab as a platform corresponds with the Entrepreneurship and emerging Spaces industry growth vector. This represents the ideals that we at the WIEF stand for,” said Tan Sri Fuzi, Secretary-General of the WIEF Foundation.

Source: WIEF IdeaLab. Source: WIEF IdeaLab. Ebrahim Patel (centre) with the top 10 startups and participating global venture capitalists after the final IdeaLab pitch.

The WIEF IdeaLab 2017 is one of a series of key events organised in the lead-up to the 13th WIEF, which will be held from 21-23 November at the Borneo Convention Centre, in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Leading with the theme Disruptive Change: Impact and Challenges, this event also focuses on startups.

The WIEF Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, organises the annual WIEF, a business platform showcasing business opportunities in the Muslim world, and runs programmes of the various initiatives of the foundation that strengthen people partnership and knowledge exchange between Muslim and non-Muslim communities across the globe.

The 13th WIEF consists of panel discussions, masterclasses, an Initiative Room, exhibition, business exchange and the IdeaPad, a platform for innovative ideas and businesses, in addition to smaller complementary programmes. The Initiative Room consists of group sessions with the aim of getting participants involved actively in the outcomes of the forum. With the aid of a professional facilitator, participants think of innovative solutions that can become actionable initiatives.

The WIEF has previously held forums in Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Kuwait, Pakistan, the UK and UAE.

WIEF IdeaLab 2017 is in line with one of the five industry growth vectors which will be discussed at the 13th WIEF this year - entrepreneurship and emerging spaces. The other vectors are disruptive science, technology and innovation, halal consumables and services, Islamic finance and law, and arts, culture and design:

Disruptive science, technology and innovation 

Disruptive technological advancements are increasingly transforming our daily lives, creating new opportunities and reshaping traditional industries. Disruptive changes in the form of artificial intelligence (AI), Blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT) and other medical and manufacturing technologies, continue to radically alter how we do things, how leadership is perceived, how businesses are run and how manpower is organised. The challenge for businesses lies in developing concrete and sustainable innovation and technology collaboration opportunities to help bridge this gap, and to enable countries at all levels of development to take advantage of available technologies and develop a robust culture of innovation.

Robust market opportunities exist in Asia. For example, the Asian fintech accounted for US$4.5 billion in investments in 2016*, and AI is to create economic value between US$1.8 trillion and US$3 trillion a year by 2030 in Asia**.

Halal consumables and services 

According to the WIEF organisers we are witnessing a gradual shift towards halal products and services – be it fashion, fragrance, cosmetics, personal care products or travel, tourism and hospitality. The increasing demand for ethical, sustainable, environmentally - and socially - responsible goods and services is also a driving factor for the growth of the halal market and one of the main reasons for its growing acceptance by non-Muslim consumers*. The sector is growing at 8% year-on-year , with an estimated value of US$2.3 trillion, higher than the GDP of more than 200 countries in the world. The halal food and beverage (F&B) industry is worth US$1.4 trillion***.

Islamic finance and law 

Since the 2008 financial crisis, income inequality across the globe has risen sharply, with the global economy moving significantly from asset-based economic transactions to an increasingly speculative financial one, resulting in weaker domestic economies and a fragile financial system. Alternative paradigms of finance and law are currently being explored as opportunities areas.

The Islamic finance industry will continue to expand this year, but lose some momentum in 2018*****. The industry's assets reached US$2 trillion at end-2016 on the acceleration of sukuk issuance. The sector is driven by an expanding, young Muslim population, which is expected to reach 2.2 billion in 2030, up from 1.7 billion in 2014******.

Entrepreneurship and emerging spaces

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have played a vital role in Asia's development. Indeed, SMEs in more developed Asian economies have continued to take advantage of technological progress to grow and become the mainstay of the manufacturing sector. Micro SMEs (MSMEs) represent around 90% of global economic activity as well as 45% of total employment; the sector contribution to Malaysia’s GDP is expected to exceed 40% and on track to achieve the target of 41% of the GDP*******.

Arts, culture and design 

The arts, culture and design sector (heritage, arts, media, and functional creations) makes a vital contribution to jobs and the economy as creativity generates higher value and is more resistant to automation. The sector generated US$2.25 billion in revenue (3% of global GDP) with the highest earners being television (US$477 billion), newspapers and magazines (US$354 billion) and visual arts (US$391 billion)******** and generated 29.5 million jobs (about 1% of the world’s active population).

Potential growth drivers for the sector in ASEAN include:

- ASEAN integration
- High youth population
- High technology penetration
- High cultural diversity

*It should be noted that non-Muslim consumers are not seeking out halal products per se but are seeking products which happen to be in agreement with various tenets of halal requirements, such as products that are not tested on animals.

*Fintech growth accelerates in Asia with record $4.5 billion investments 

**How artificial intelligence will transform Asia, Shifting Asia: Artificial intelligence, UBS Asia, April 2017 

***Global halal industry grows 8pc to hit $2.3 trillion

****Doing Business in the Halal Market (PDF) 

*****Islamic finance sector set to lose growth momentum in 2018 

******State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2016-17 (PDF) 

*******Malaysia’s SME GDP contribution to exceed 40%

********The First Global Map of Cultural and Creative Industries
 
posted from Bloggeroid