'Your Ticket Your Visa': Saudia first airline to offer stopover transit visa

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Updated 31 January 2023
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'Your Ticket Your Visa': Saudia first airline to offer stopover transit visa

Saudi Arabian Airlines, the Kingdom’s national flag carrier, has announced the launch of a new service that provides guests with even easier access to the Kingdom through a digital integration system that links transit visas with flight tickets.

The “Your Ticket Your Visa” service will allow guests to stay in the Kingdom for up to 96 hours, during which they can travel around the Kingdom and perform Umrah. The first-of-its-kind service has been introduced in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Pilgrims Service Program, and Saudi Tourism Authority, and covers all international airports in Saudi Arabia. 

The digital integration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs facilitates the issuing of the transit visa and links it to the flight ticket within three minutes.

Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of Saudia, said: “The launch of this innovative and seamless stopover visa is the first-of-its-kind in the aviation industry and a significant milestone in our digital transformation program. It is a testament to Saudia’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s strategic goal of reaching 100 million visits by 2030 and we are confident it will positively impact the growing number of transit passengers while enhancing our position as a hub that connects east and west. The new service will also encourage passengers to perform Umrah, visit key destinations and attend events and Saudi seasons.”

The launch of the service comes in line with Saudia’s commitment to promoting King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and strengthening its role in the region by configuring the airline’s flights coming from the east and departing to the west. It will facilitate travel procedures by collaborating with the Jeddah Airports Company, and coordinating with the Saudi Tourism Authority to provide incentive packages for those wishing to benefit from the “Your Ticket Your Visa” service.

The new service is part of the digital services provided by Saudia via its website and smart applications, which are constantly evolving to facilitate and simplify travel procedures and make a shift in the after-sales services.


Muzz helps GCC to embrace modern marriage without compromising faith

Updated 18 December 2025
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Muzz helps GCC to embrace modern marriage without compromising faith

In an era where digital platforms shape nearly every aspect of modern life, many Muslims across the world are turning to technology not for casual interactions, but for something far more meaningful: marriage. Among the platforms leading this shift is Muzz, the world’s largest Muslim marriage app, which has established itself as a trusted space for young professionals, families, and faith-minded individuals seeking genuine, value-aligned connections.

With a global community of more than 15 million members and over 600,000 marriages facilitated through the platform, Muzz has redefined how Muslims meet and communicate while honoring cultural expectations and Islamic principles. Its rapid growth reflects an increasing demand for tools that offer modern convenience without compromising traditional values.

Muzz’s origins trace back to 2011, when founder Shahzad Younas created a simple website from his London bedroom. What started as a small personal project soon evolved into a pioneering venture. In 2017, the platform became the first Muslim-focused startup to be accepted into Y Combinator, the Silicon Valley accelerator known for backing giants such as Airbnb and Dropbox. This milestone marked a turning point that propelled Muzz from a grassroots idea into a global technology brand.

Today, the company operates with more than 150 employees across several regions, serving diverse Muslim communities throughout the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. Despite its global footprint, the platform remains rooted in a clear mission: to offer Muslims a safe, respectful, and intentional way to pursue marriage.

In contrast to mainstream dating apps that cater largely to casual relationships, Muzz’s guiding philosophy is that “Muslims don’t date — they marry.” This principle shapes the platform’s user experience and distinguishes it from competitors. The app incorporates features designed specifically to reflect Islamic values, including privacy tools, optional chaperone modes, verified profiles, and a strong emphasis on safety and conduct. These elements resonate particularly strongly with users in the GCC, where cultural expectations around courtship remain firmly tied to modesty, family involvement, and serious intentions.

“We built Muzz to empower Muslims with a tool that fits their lives and their values,” said CEO Younas. “Our users want modern convenience, but they also seek sincerity and intention. Muzz brings both together.”

Beyond impressive numbers and global reach, the platform’s impact is evident in the personal stories shared by couples who found each other through it. Omar and Noura, a Saudi–Jordanian couple who married last year, credit Muzz for creating the opportunity that brought them together. Living in different countries, they never expected their paths to cross naturally. “Conversations on Muzz felt sincere from the start,” Omar said. “Within weeks, we realized this was something real.”

For individuals like Sara, a single mother from the Gulf region, the app provided a renewed chance at companionship after years of hesitation. Concerns about trust and privacy initially held her back, but the platform’s respectful environment helped her feel comfortable enough to explore the process. “Muzz felt intentional,” she said. “I met someone who understood my journey, someone I didn’t expect to find.”

Stories like these, now numbering in the hundreds of thousands, highlight how thoughtfully designed technology can support tradition rather than undermine it. The platform’s growing adoption in Saudi Arabia and the UAE reflects this balance, combining technological ease with the cultural sensitivity deeply valued in the region. According to a spokesperson for the company, this growth demonstrates a widespread desire for tools that honor authenticity and respect while offering users an accessible way to pursue marriage.

In addition to its role as a matchmaking platform, Muzz has emerged as a socially conscious brand committed to humanitarian initiatives. The company has raised more than $1.2 million in charitable contributions, supporting essential projects in Sudan, Pakistan, Türkiye, Palestine, and other regions. Its donations have helped fund bakeries, mobile clinics, temporary shelters, and emergency relief efforts, reinforcing its commitment to community support and ethical responsibility.

As digital tools continue to influence how people work, communicate, and build relationships, Muzz’s success illustrates how technology can harmonize with religious and cultural values. By offering a platform grounded in sincerity, safety, and faith-centered design, Muzz is shaping a new chapter in Muslim matchmaking, one where innovation and tradition work hand in hand to help people build lasting connections.