Digital technology becoming growing presence during hajj

Global Business

digital-technology-becoming-growing-presence-during-hajj

This year the hajj has gone digital. Millions of pilgrims are in Saudi Arabia for the annual religious journey, and most of them, if not all, have mobile phones. Apps developed specifically for the hajj are proving to be lifesavers.

CCTV America’s Adel EL Mahrouky has more.

Two years ago, cell phone selfies were a growing trend in Saudi Arabia. Yet to some clerics, the devices were a misuse of time and disrespectful especially when taking pictures at mosques. This year, however, mobile phones and specific apps turned out to be lifesavers for those attending the hajj. Each visitor entering Saudi Arabia have been assigned a unique bar code to help with identification. Which for the first time here, has made mobile phones an integral part of security checks.

Saudi Arabia is also testing a new mobile service that helps monitor and detect crowds.


Mahmoud Amin El-Gamal on how entrepreneurs view the hajj

For more on the annual pilgrimage and how some entrepreneurs see the hajj as a business opportunity, CCTV America’s Rachelle Akuffo interviewed Rice University Economics and Statistics professor Mahmoud Amin El-Gamal. He is also the chair of Islamic Economics, Finance and Management.


Global interest grows in Islamic fashion industry

The ban on the Muslim bathing suit, the Burkini, in France has driven more interest in Islamic fashion globally.

This has been good for designers in Turkey. Istanbul is known as a mecca for Islamic Fashion. Many designers, design houses and design shows take place in the country.

CCTV’s Natalie Carney has more. Follow Natalie Carney on Twitter @NatalieCarney77

Large international brands, such as Mark’s and Spencer’s are starting to stock modest fashion while the world’s second largest retailer, H&M featured a Muslim model wearing a hijab in a recent video.

Yet, while modest fashion may be becoming more mainstream, critics, such as those in France see the conservative attire as a representation of extreme Islamic practices that say a women must not show her skin for fear of tempting the opposite sex.

The Islamic fashion world said it’s not about the religious oppression of women, but rather about servicing the needs of today’s conservative and modern women something long overlooked by the general fashion industry.