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[Guide] Applying for a Work Visa in Saudi Arabia

For the longest time, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been among the top destinations for work among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and expats alike. This is due to the fact that the country has offered plenty of high-paying jobs across various sectors on top of tax-free revenue.

ALSO READ: Keeping an Employee’s Passport is Against the Law

And for those who are interested in working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it’s important to note that one of the first requirements that you need to secure is a working visa.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in Saudi Arabia

Applying for a work visa is typically done through a recruitment agency as well as an employer. This means that even before you secure a visa, you will first have to look for an employer who can assist with the processing of your work papers, including your work visa before you could fly out to Saudi Arabia.

This being the case, interested applicants should always and only consider job orders posted by authorized recruitment agencies through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), so as not to fall victim to scammers and illegal recruiters.

Upon getting a job offer, it’s important to remember to review the content of your contract as well the documents provided in your “employment packet” which should include the job contract, medical report, embassy authorization memo, and other important documents.

Here are the following requirements you will need to secure when applying for a work visa in Saudi Arabia:

A duly filled out Visa Application Form
A valid passport (validity must be at least two years)
Two (2) pieces of identical passport photos (4×6 cm, must be in white background)
A letter from your sponsor/employer in Saudi Arabia
A copy of the employment contract (must bear both the signature of the employer and the applicant)
Transcript of Records (must be certified/ notarized by the Commission on Higher Education, Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Consulate of Saudi Embassy)
Medical Certificate (bearing the dry seal of a hospital accredited by the Consulate of Saudi Arabia)
Training Certificate (for skilled or technical workers)
OMA Certificate (for Muslim workers)
Driver’s License (for all drivers)
NBI Clearance
PRC License (where applicable)
Additional: Release Letter (for those who have previously worked in Saudi Arabia).

Note: The working visa fee costs PHP 850. And as mentioned earlier, since your visa application will be processed in coordination with your recruitment agency as well as your prospective employer, make sure to follow all instructions and requirements such as the medical examinations, which should be performed at any hospital or clinic accredited by the Saudi Embassy.

Other Important Visa Application Reminders:

The minimum age for work application in Saudi Arabia is 18 years old while the maximum age for work application is 55 years old. However, a sponsor/employer may still opt to hire someone beyond the age of 55, as long as they are able to secure a special permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For anyone who is interested in working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, be sure to review and understand all the requirements and be sure to check the background of your recruitment agency so as to avoid being duped or taken advantage of while overseas.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this article is published for information-sharing purposes only. To know more about the specifics of working and applying for a work visa in Saudi Arabia, you may visit the official websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the Ministry of Labour and Social Development.

Qatar Do’s and Don’ts

They say the best way to show respect to another person or group is not to be simply accepting of their customs and traditions, but to also do what they do on regular days, most especially when you’ve decided to live in their country – whether for work or other personal reasons.

ALSO READ: Things to Avoid and Social Media Etiquette in Qatar

That being said, our focus will be on Qatar, which you may know by now is a Muslim country located in the Middle East. You might want to hold onto some of the things you may have heard about Muslim culture, but keep an open mind to learn a new thing or two, if not a lot from this brief post.

[Guide] Social Etiquette in Qatar

The main thing here is to exercise respect and understanding as to why certain groups of people or individuals act or behave the way they do. As we know, each of us has unique personalities, habits, temperaments, as well as beliefs. In order to understand our Qatari brothers better, here is a short list of the things to do and avoid (especially in public):

Things to Do:

Generally speaking, any form of courtesy is a sign of respect anywhere in the world. Greet people and address them accordingly when engaging them in conversation.
Dress modestly and cover up especially in public areas such as marketplaces, souqs, as well as worship temples or mosques.
Take cabs such as Karwa, Al Million and Alijarah turquoise taxis, which are safe, clean, and metered when getting around the city. Majority of the drivers can speak English. Also when booking a taxi by phone, be sure to allot ample time as there can be delays to the pick-up and arrival.
Haggling in shops and at souqs or marketplaces is common across the region. Remember to counter an item’s original price below the amount for which you are willing to spend and slowly work your way to this amount.
Pay attention to separate counters and sections designated for women in banks and utilities.
Take in the Qatari nightlife as it is one of the safest places in the world. During the summer and Ramadan, it’s common to see people around town up until the early hours in the morning.
Remember to drink lots of water and other beverages, as temperatures can reach over 40 degrees Celsius. You will need to drink at least two litres a day under this kind of temperature. Deep yellow urine is a sign of dehydration.
Also, remember to apply sunblock on all exposed skin throughout the year. Wear closed footwear, as well. Children and fair-skinned people also need a hat or cap.

Things to Avoid:

Do not look or stare intently at people no matter how fascinated you are with their clothing. This is considered rude in a society where dressing up modestly and behaving conservatively is mandatory.
Do not ask an Arab lady for directions if you are a man. Take note that some Arab ladies are private people in public places. Since they are more than willing to help other women, if you are in a mixed group, it’s best to have the ladies do the talking.
Do not take it personally if a Muslim refuses to accept your handshake. This is mostly common among Muslims of the opposite sex. This is considered a religious prohibition rather than a personal preference.
Do not take photographs of other people especially Muslims (as well as the police or armed forces) and sensitive locations without asking for consent.
Do not use your left hand when feeding among Muslims. The right hand must be used for feeding because the left hand is reserved for personal hygiene.
Do not sit with the soles of your feet facing towards your Qatari hosts as this is considered an insult. Also, do not sit with your back facing other guests.
Do not drink too much alcohol that your behaviour would be affected in public. Consumption of alcohol in Qatar is strictly regulated, and there is zero tolerance for drunkenness, rowdy behaviour, and most especially drunk driving.
Do not walk barefoot at the beach or while swimming at sea as you may step on a poisonous stonefish hiding underneath the sand. Also, watch out for jellyfish attacks, particularly during the summer months.

This simple guide should help you maximize your experience while exploring Qatar, or even as a resident living in the country. There is still much to be discovered that only you can find out for yourself as you begin to see life through the eyes of the locals and other expats living in Qatar. But the most important thing is to exercise respect for the people and their culture.

Things to Avoid and Social Media Etiquette in Qatar

In many parts of the world, we learn that various rules and regulations apply concerning behaviour and social conduct. And as the world moves progressively forward, we should also understand that values such as respect and tolerance of one another must still prevail amid the bold changes that come with the modern ages.

ALSO READ: Social Media Usage in UAE – Penalties and Fines

And being an Islamic nation, Qatar is one of those countries that strictly adhere to the principles and teachings of their religion as seen in their culture and way of life. Understanding these things is an important step in living harmoniously with the people, who come from various walks of life, convictions and principles.

Social Media in Qatar: Things to Avoid

And as connectivity has become a way of life for many of us, those who wish to build a life in Qatar, or any country in the Middle East, for that matter, must understand that there are certain laws that apply as to how people can share information over social media or through the internet.

To help us understand the specifics of what this entails, continue to read on below:

With the signing of an Emirati law that protects the citizens from being attacked and abused online, it’s important that we become acquainted of the law’s provisions and what this means for us as residents of Qatar, as well:

On spreading fake news:

Content that would pose a threat to national safety, sovereignty of the state, public order, as well as international peace shared over the internet may be fined by up to QAR 500,000 and/or sentenced with a maximum of three years’ imprisonment.

On sharing or creating pornographic content:

Any media or material containing pornographic content involving a child shared over the internet may be fined by up to QAR 500,000 and/or sentenced with a maximum of five years’ prison term.

On violation of social values and principles:

Posting materials with information of another private entity such as news, pictures, or videos, and their family member(s) without their consent may be fined by up to QAR 100,000 and/or sentenced with a maximum of three years’ imprisonment.

On slander or threatening a person online:

Any form of malicious attacks on a person’s privacy and dignity online in the form of blackmailing, bullying, or sending threats in exchange for a favour may be fined by up to QAR 100,000 and/or sentenced with a maximum of three years’ prison term.

It’s imperative that we exercise discipline and critical thinking whenever we use social media, even if we only choose to express our personal opinions to a certain group of people or audience.

And since the use of information technology and social media in countries such as Qatar among others is sanctioned by the state, everyone should treat this as a privilege and to exercise conscientious decision-making at all times to avoid getting into trouble with the law.

ALSO READ: 6 Things to Know when Visiting the Middle East

[GUIDE] Riding Public Buses in Bahrain Using a GO Card

When visiting a country such as Bahrain for the first time, one of the first things you need to figure out (especially when you’re on a budget) is how to use the city’s public transportation (e.g. buses and trains), if there’s any.

The good thing is, many countries have invested in their public transport system, and many are already using automated or electronic transactions for payment and fare pricing. And when you’re in Bahrain, you’d realize that the country is not any different from those with this kind of system, since they have the GO Card for public bus use.

How to Use a GO Card to Ride Public Buses in Bahrain

If you’ve never heard or seen a GO Card before, it’s basically a stored value card that you can use to ride public buses in Bahrain. To use the GO card, all you have to do is to check-in through the machines on-board, and the exact fare amount will be deducted automatically from your credit.

As you can imagine, this makes boarding and getting a ride much more convenient since all you have to do is to tap your card on the electronic card reader as you board the bus, wait for the machine to charge you a base fare of 250 fils for a single journey ride, and find a comfortable seat for the trip.

Also, take note that once your total fare reaches the daily cap of 600 fils, you will no longer be required to pay extra for the rest of the day.

If you’re planning to stay on longer in the country, you might want to get a Monthly Pass instead. This is worth BD 14, and it will allow you to travel as many times as you want for a month. This would prove to be a good investment if you plan to take the bus every day, say, for work, among others.

Of course, a good question you’d probably have in your mind right now is where to buy/reload GO Cards.

You can get your GO card at any of the ticket offices in Manama, Muharraq, as well as in Isa Town.

Alternatively, you can purchase GO cards at ticket vending machines located in bus terminals or at the Bahrain International Airport and the University of Bahrain.

The first time you purchase a GO card, it would cost you 500 fils. After that, you can top up your credits with any amount, up to a maximum of BD 50. Similarly, you can reload your card at any of the provided options where you can buy a card as mentioned above.

With a GO Card, you can:

Conveniently take public buses, find a sure seat, and reach your destination comfortably.
Forget about carrying the exact change to pay for your fare.
Easily transfer from one bus to another and save money, since “end-to-end” trips cost less.

To find out more about GO cards, bus routes and schedules, and road updates, you can check out the Bahrain Public Transport website.

Depending on your travel itinerary and length of stay in the country, you can take advantage of the city’s public transportation system – and a good way to start is be getting a GO Card to take care of your payment transactions.

[GUIDE] Understanding the Dress Code in Qatar

First and foremost, for anyone who plans to visit any Muslim country, such as Qatar and other countries in the Middle East, you have to recognize that Islamic laws and Muslim culture are very conservative. This easily translates to the people’s way of thinking, behaviour, and even dressing up in public.

ALSO READ: Qatar Do’s and Don’ts

On that note, we must all learn to respect the locals’ values and culture, so as not to cause any form of misunderstanding, or worse — even, get into trouble with the law. Yes, this could really happen so beware!

[Culture] Respect the Qatari People’s Dress Code

Figuring out what’s allowed and what isn’t is quite simple, since the government has consciously launched initiatives on a regular basis to help other nationalities and tourists understand the local culture, and also to guide them accordingly.

For a time, the government even had a slogan which said, ‘Reflect your Respect’ in an effort to educate tourists on what types of clothing are allowed and those that are not.

Under the campaign of Qatar’s Islamic Culture Centre, leaflets that share the message: “If you are in Qatar, you are one of us. Help us preserve Qatar’s culture and values; please dress modestly in public places” were distributed to foreigners and tourists to help them become aware of the dress code.

The campaign, which had been launched in 2014, has taken on various forms and approach in instilling the acceptable way of dressing up in the country.

Understanding the Dress Code Based on the Law

Despite being a country of multinational colours, Article 57 of Qatari Law clearly stipulates that compliance with the laws issued by Public Authorities, abiding by the requirements of public order and public decorum, as well as the observance of national traditions and deep-rooted customs are duties of everyone residing in the State of Qatar or entering its territory.

And while some foreigners may view Qatari laws as too stringent, even oppressive to outsiders, it has always been this way since Qataris adhere to the Sharia law, and they do not wish for their children to become exposed to what they consider as immodest clothing.

Figuring out what is acceptable from what is not in terms of clothing is simply a matter of decency (meaning – the lesser skin revealed, the better).

With that, revealing clothes that expose the knees and shoulders such as short dresses, mini-skirts, cropped tops and sleeveless tops are not allowed for women. Also, women should try to avoid wearing tight-hugging clothes (even leggings/“jeggings”), as well as those that cover too little of the legs down to the knees. Needless to say, see-through clothes are out of the question.

On the other hand, men are also prohibited from wearing shorts (knees exposed), as well as vest tops that expose the chest.

If you’d like to avoid receiving unnecessary attention especially from the police, it would be best to comply with the dress code in the country.

To be on the safe side: Wear clothes with decent necklines and regular sleeves. Also, remember to keep your legs and knees covered.

As much as the locals make an effort to be warm and welcoming, tourists and expats are also expected to comply with the host nation’s laws and customs. This is a very important sign of respect, not only to the people but more importantly to their culture.

6 Things to Know when Visiting the Middle East

For most of us living outside of the region, the Middle East can seem like an intimidating, dark place to visit at any point in our lives.

ALSO READ: 5 Tips when Travelling to the Middle East during Ramadan

But the fact is, many people from all over the world visit the Middle East for any number of reasons including family visits, business engagements, as well as heritage to religion. While some would just like to explore what the region has to offer; others target to work and relocate in the region, after realizing a single visit is just not enough to see the potential of what this amazing part of the world has to offer.

6 Tips for Traveling in the Middle East

So whether you’ve heard of harsh stories of political dissent, religious conflicts, human rights oppression, terrible climates, and outright cultural difference – many countries in the Middle East are great places to visit in their own right, what with the warmth of the people – many of whom are welcoming and more than happy to showcase their homelands to those who are willing to experience their culture and learn more about it.

And on that note, here are a few reminders and/or tips to take note of before your visit in any of the countries in the Middle East:

Each country has its own unique ‘colours’ and identity.

First up on this list, is that we have to dismiss the idea of the Middle East as one chunk of land with one culture that is all the same. Remember, there are several countries in the region with their own unique history, culture, and often, with their own religious practices (if not distinct variations to them), and languages as well.

Dress appropriately (if not more on the conservative side).

And while no two countries in the Middle East are one and the same, as a form of respect to their local culture, it’s important that we always keep in mind to dress conservatively. Of course, for non-Muslims, this does not mean wearing a hijab or abaya, or other specific types of clothing for men and women, but it does emphasize the need to cover up. For example, low-hanging jeans that slide down when you sit or bend over are definitely unacceptable for both men and women in the region, as do wearing sleeveless tops. Shorts, especially for women are out of the discussion, as well. While it may be hot, but these pieces of clothing will surely be frowned upon in terms of social expectations for dressing up, so we must be careful at all times an avoid committing these mistakes.

In relation to this, it would be good to note that women are not forced to cover up, as this still falls entirely on the woman’s discretion, and is often done as a form of respect for the local culture.

Do not refuse coffee.

This is especially true when you’re out shopping and are already queuing up to purchase a transaction, as refusing the offer is considered incredibly rude, almost forbidden throughout the Middle East. The simple offer is one of the many ways locals show their hospitality, especially to patrons and new guests.

Pork and Alcohol are off-limits!

This has much to do with Islamic laws which govern the land and the people. The tenets of Islam strictly forbid the preparation and consumption of pork, as well as the selling and consumption of alcohol, especially in public.

Therefore, do not be surprised to not find anything on your menu with these products in most eateries or restaurants in the region.

Do not be afraid to Haggle for your Purchases.

Visiting marketplaces and bazaars in the region can be tricky, especially for first-time visitors in the Middle East. Unlike in Western countries where people simply pay the prices set by the store, most if not all of the locals tend to get on a bit of haggling for the best price. This way of doing business in the region is also seen as a way of building social relations, and thus takes time.

Note: This skill is particularly useful not only for in-store shopping, but also for more practical matters like cab fares, among others.

Baksheesh is Expected.

For the uninitiated, there are certain money customs in the Middle East which seem to be similar in the West, but they are really not. Such is the case of baksheesh (or the Western counterpart of “tipping”). What’s quite strange about this practice in the Middle East is that anyone can ask for a tip for just about any kind of service, whether it was necessary or not. While in most parts of the Middle East, customers get to decide whether or not they want to tip, but tipping is almost expected by workers in the hospitality industry, including hotel maids, bellhops, valets, and restaurant staff. This is mainly due to the fact that these service jobs are typically low-paying, and that baksheesh make up a large portion of these workers’ income. Otherwise, for other services, there isn’t a need to tip everyone, especially if you didn’t like the service provided!

Travelling in the Middle East should be an exciting endeavour, so much so when you’re prepared to understand and appreciate the uniqueness of their culture, customs, as well as the local traditions of the people.

Visiting the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai

Visiting a different country is all about learning a new culture. By seeing other people’s way of life, we gain new experiences and expand our way of thinking.

ALSO READ: 6 Things to Remember when Visiting the Middle East

When we mean to learn about a new culture, we should take into account all aspects of this experience, and that involves a whole lot of things: gaining insight of their language, foods, social customs, as well as their religion. As the UAE is composed of various emirates and embraces a number of nationalities, visiting this country is kind of like being everywhere in just one spot. So if you’re looking to make the best of your trip here, you should look closely at what the Emirati way of life is all about. And a good place to start is the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai.

Plan a Trip at the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai

The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in Dubai. The mosque has adopted an ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’ policy, which practically welcomes all types of visitors of all faiths to experience and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings, as well as learn about the local culture and Islam.

But don’t worry, as the place is welcoming to guests of all faith, respect is widely observed in this important landmark for the people of Dubai. So, remember to keep an open mind when visiting this place to maximize your stay in the UAE.

What to Expect

A 75-minute guided tour is offered by representatives from the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, which aims to offer visitors an opportunity to understand the Emirati way of life and religion.

During the tour, guests will gain valuable insights on Islamic holidays, rituals, traditions, customs, as well as cuisines. There is also much to be learned about the fasting month of Ramadan in this one-of-a-kind tour.

As the tour aims to have a welcoming and educational atmosphere, guests are also encouraged to ask questions, join the discussion, and take photos while inside the mosque. Guests can even try out a number of traditional Arabic light refreshments such as coffee, dates, and other varieties of food.

The tour is not only for adults, as there are special age-appropriate programs offered for children, as well. Along with this, guests are expected to act and dress appropriately. Traditional attire is available to borrow on-site. Women will be asked to wear a scarf over their head within the building premises, ensuring that their shoulders are well-covered.

Visiting the Jumairah Mosque

Members of the public can visit the mosque either in the morning or in the afternoon. Booking is not required but participants are expected to come at least 30 minutes before the session to register at the majlis just across the mosque.

The standard entrance fee into the mosque is AED 25 for both the morning and afternoon session. Children below 12 years are free of charge.

Mosque Visit Schedule:

The mosque is open for public visits daily except Fridays.

The morning tour begins at 10 am, and registration starts at 9:30 am.

The afternoon session begins at 2:00 pm, and registration starts at 1:30 pm.

And to make the trip more memorable, guests can drop by the gift shop inside the Jumeirah Mosque Majlis where they can shop for items such as traditional clothing for men and women, as well as for small gift items, trinkets, and choice souvenirs.

The gift shop is open daily (except Fridays) from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.

To know more about the Jumeirah Mosque, you can check out their website here, or you may reach them through the following:

Address: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Tel No: +971 4 353 6666

E-mail: https://[email protected]

Here is the Google Map Location of the Jumeirah Mosque:

5 Tips when Travelling to the Middle East during Ramadan

First things first, even before we consider visiting any place in the world, we need to have at least some background of the place we’re visiting, especially if it’s our first time – no surprises there.

And knowing about a place isn’t really “knowing” if you don’t go deeper into the way people do things there. For example, when visiting any country in the Middle East, it’s important that we understand that majority of the people living there are practicing (and/or self-confessed) Muslims. Therefore, it’s important that we are aware of what that entails for us as visitors in their homeland, most especially during important seasons such as the Holy month of Ramadan.

5 Things to Know for Expats Visiting the Middle East during Ramadan

And since Ramadan is a month-long celebration in the Middle East, it’s important that we take note of the following basic things to do or observe during our stay in any of the countries there.

Bring Supplies

The Ramadan season lasts for an entire month, and those who intend to stay in the Middle East through this season should know that food supply in the region would be scarce. It’s not so much because of any kind of food shortage in the country, but it’s mostly due to the people’s habit and rituals involving long periods of prayer and fasting. On that note, it’s safe to assume that there won’t be a lot of (or any) food places such as restaurants or diners you can go to for a quick meal during this time. And if that’s something you can’t live without, it’s best to take care of your own supply of food to last you during your stay in the region.

Be courteous and discreet.

Even if you decide not to partake in the fast, you should at least be considerate enough not to eat or drink in public, as most of the people are curbing their appetites through this month-long event. Also, since we all know that hunger and thirst can affect one’s mood and psyche, it’s important that we do our best to be understanding of other people’s temperaments this season.

Take it Easy and Relax

As an outsider visiting a place where people are keen on abiding by their religious rituals and activities, it’s easy to feel alienated amidst all of this. But that should not be the case, since there are also a number of residents who are no more religious than the vast majority of citizens, and will perform the same ritual/s behind their own drawn blinds, so keep in mind to relax and to avoid getting anxious over this.

Furthermore, groups such as drivers and travelers no longer subject themselves to the requirements of the season to prevent cases of delirium and sickness on the road.

Get acquainted with the Festivities.

Surely visiting the Middle East as a non-Muslim will not keep you from exploring a country’s culture and traditions. That being said, take some time to get acquainted to the people’s rituals, and more importantly try to get a grasp of the reason for why they do this to make your stay much more meaningful and memorable – you’d even get a friendly nod from the locals when you manage to show your participation in their religiously held customs and practices, even if only for a day or two.

Maintain a Safe Distance.

As a tip, this one does not hold any safety or security value, but it’s more of a practical one. Imagine when people go on days without any food or drink, you will most likely encounter foul-smelling breaths from those participating in the fast. And so try not to get too close to others during this period to avoid finding yourself in uncomfortable situations. Even so, we should also mind our manners and try not to be rude to others by pointing this out, especially in public.

The Middle East is a charming place to experience, with all of its rich traditions and cultural values. As a visitor, it’s important to have a safe level of understanding about the people’s customs and practices, especially during the Ramadan period.

Should I Get Travel Insurance for my Visit to the Middle East?

If you’ve given some thought about visiting any country in the Middle East anytime soon, you’d have probably been asked whether or not you would like to get travel insurance. It is very important to get an insurance so that you are covered in case there are any unforeseen incidents that may occur. After all, you don’t want to end up paying for unwarranted expenses such as hospital bills or loss of luggage in case these situations will happen.

ALSO READ: 5 Things to Consider when Travelling to the Middle East during Ramadan

And while this entirely depends on your preference, a better question to ask is “Why not?” After all, any form of insurance always has benefits in the long run, and hopefully this applies not only to “smart planners” but to everyone else out there.

How to Pick Travel Insurance for your Trip to the Middle East

Accidents and illnesses can occur anytime wherever you may be in the world. Not only can these emergency situations ruin your trip, they can also burn a big hole in your wallet when not properly prepared for. And for those who would like to get more out of their travel experiences not just in the Middle East, but anywhere in the world, an international travel health insurance will prove to be one of themost important investments in your lifetime.

Here are the things that you need to consider or look for when shopping for an international travel health insurance:

Medical and hospital coverage.

In cases where hospitalization in the Middle East is necessary, your insurance company must be able to cover the expenses directly so there wouldn’t be a need for you to pay from your pocket first, then ask for a reimbursement later.

Medical repatriation assistance.

In the event where something bad happens, you want to be assured of the option from your insurance company that you can be sent bank home to be treated.

An urgency hotline available 24/7/365.

Going back to our point earlier, no one knows when and where an emergency can take place, but you’ll want to be assured that someone, at any given time or day, can attend to your concerns, especially when you’re travelling on your own.

Civil Liability Coverage

And even when you’re very careful with your dealings, a good insurance plan should have you fully covered in the event when you (accidentally) hurt someone or damage a private property.

Many are wary of getting travel insurance because of the fact that this will be an additional expense on your part. But when you make sure that your plan fully covers you as it should, then you’ll realize there’s much added value to your purchase because it gives you that sense of security and peace of mind. And no amount of (extra) pocket money can give you that. And for smart measure, always keep a copy of and read the fine print so that you know what to expect and to look for when the situation calls for it.

What is Halal and its Significance to Muslims?

When out shopping at your local grocery store, you may notice that there are certain food products which bear special labels on them. If you look closer you will see a symbol which says ‘halal-certified’ in some of them. While halal is a Muslim term, this special kind of food preference has branched outside of the Middle East, as Muslims (practicing or otherwise) can be found all over the world.

ALSO READ: 5 Things to Consider when Travelling to the Middle East during Ramadan

It is important to understand the local customs and Islamic traditions especially if this is your first time to visit the Gulf region. Halal doesn’t only describe non-pork items, but also include how the type of meat (whether fish, chicken, or beef) is cooked.

Things to Know about Halal Food in the Middle East

In this post, we will provide details on what ‘halal’ is all about.

Islamic dietary food laws identify foods that are halal, which means lawful or permitted. On this note, the foods and drinks which Muslims avoid are called haram.

If you’re planning to visit the Middle East, it pays to know what food and drinks are considered halal and those that are haram.

Here are some of the basic things to note about the Islamic dietary food law:

Muslims only consume halal meat.

Now if you’re asking, “how does meat become halal?” We must first refer to the source of this law which is the Q’uran. According to the Islamic Shari’ah, to make meat halal or permissible, the animal or poultry must be slaughtered observing a ritual known as Zibah or Zabibah. To make it easier to understand, halal is somewhat equivalent to Jewish kosher, and Zibah is, with a few exceptions, almost the same as Shechita.

For halal purposes, it must be clear that:
- An animal should not have died prior to slaughter
- A Muslim should perform the slaughter
- Any flowing blood of the carcass must be completely drained out of the body.
- Choice of modern or newer method of food preparation has to be considered with caution, to ensure that the process abides to Islamic principles.
Pork is forbidden under Islamic laws, therefore:
- Halal slaughtering must not be done in the same place where pigs are slaughtered, or within the same area.
- As per animal welfare consideration, certain edits and rules have to be followed such as:
  - The animal has to be fed as usual and given water prior to slaughter;
  - Other animals must not see one of their kind being slaughtered;
  - The knife should be four times the size of the neck and razor sharp;
  - As much as possible, the slaughterer as well as the animal should face the Qibla or Mecca; and
  - The animal must not be suffering from any disease or injuries.

It’s quite interesting to find out why certain values and traditions are particularly important to a culture and group of people. Knowing this aspect of your travel adds value and meaning to your trip wherever it may be in the world.