The Mira Hong Kong hosted its second annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner on 26 February, convening nearly 200 government officials, diplomats and tourism leaders to reinforce Hong Kong’s positioning as a Muslim-friendly destination and regional hub for inclusive hospitality, following the hotel’s recognition as Muslim-Friendly Hotel of the Year at the Halal in Travel Awards 2025.
A Diplomatic and Community-Focused Gathering
The invitation-only event took place in the 10,000-square-foot penthouse ballroom at The Mira Hong Kong, a design-led property in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Jointly organised with the Consulate General of Türkiye in Hong Kong and Miramar Travel, the dinner built on last year’s inaugural edition — regarded as the first Ramadan Iftar staged by a luxury hotel in Hong Kong.
The property was recently named Muslim-Friendly Hotel of the Year at the Halal in Travel Awards 2025 by CrescentRating, reinforcing its positioning within the global Muslim travel segment.
Distinguished Attendance
Nearly 200 guests attended, including:
- Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Cheuk Wing Hing (Guest of Honour)
- Legislative Council Member Vivian Kong (Tourism Functional Constituency)
- Commissioner for Tourism Angelina Cheung
- Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board Anthony Lau
- Consuls General from 12 countries, including Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia
- Representatives from Hong Kong’s Islamic community, including the Chief Imam
The evening began at sunset with a Quran recitation by Mufti Muhammad Arshad, Chief Imam of Hong Kong, followed by the symbolic breaking of the fast with dates and lentil soup.
Culinary and Cultural Programming
At the centre of the evening was a halal-certified buffet curated by The Mira’s culinary team, reflecting Hong Kong’s multicultural dining landscape.
Turkish and Middle Eastern Highlights
- Chicken döner carving station
- Lamb kebab with mint yoghurt
- Mezze selection
- Crispy cheese kunafa
- Turkish date halva
Chinese and International Selections
- Halal Peking duck from Michelin-recommended Cuisine Cuisine
- Beef Madras curry
- International and Asian specialities
A Ramadan Bazaar activation added experiential depth, featuring:
- Turkish coffee brewed in hot sand
- Freshly prepared simit following a recipe shared by the Turkish Consul General
- Pistachio baklava
- Turkish shadow puppet theatre
- Live Ebru marbling art
- Musical performance by The Saffron Quartet
Décor drew inspiration from Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Iznik pottery, referencing historic Silk Road exchanges between East and West.
Government Alignment and Policy Context
In his remarks, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing Hing reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting Muslim tourism and facilitating halal certification, in line with the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address.
The policy direction aims to:
- Enhance Muslim-friendly services for residents and visitors
- Strengthen halal accreditation frameworks
- Position Hong Kong as a welcoming destination for Muslim travellers
The event reflects broader citywide initiatives to expand tourism source markets and diversify visitor segments.
Why It Matters
Muslim travel is projected to remain one of the fastest-growing segments of global tourism, with the Global Muslim Travel Index identifying rising demand for halal-certified dining, prayer facilities and culturally attuned hospitality experiences.
For Hong Kong, which is actively diversifying beyond traditional source markets, this segment presents:
- High-yield leisure potential
- Growth in corporate and MICE demand
- Strong diplomatic and trade linkages across Southeast Asia and the Middle East
The Mira Hong Kong’s proximity to the Kowloon Mosque and its offering of halal Cantonese fine dining, halal wedding banquets and halal meeting packages position it as a case study in operational adaptation.
The event also signals how luxury hotels can serve as platforms for cultural diplomacy, community engagement and destination branding — beyond room inventory alone.
For reference on halal travel standards, see:
Leadership Commentary
Alexander Wassermann, Head of Hotels & Serviced Apartments at Miramar Group, described the annual Iftar as a continuation of the property’s commitment to inclusive hospitality.
He noted that the hotel’s newly refurbished guest rooms and service enhancements align with trends identified by the Global Muslim Travel Index, reinforcing its positioning for both leisure and corporate Muslim travellers.
The property’s strategy integrates:
- Halal-certified culinary programming
- Tech-forward guest experience
- Strategic location adjacent to Kowloon Mosque
- Collaboration with diplomatic partners
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At a Glance
- Event: Second Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner
- Host: The Mira Hong Kong
- Date: 26 February
- Attendance: Nearly 200 government, diplomatic and industry leaders
- Co-organisers: Consulate General of Türkiye in Hong Kong; Miramar Travel
- Recognition: Muslim-Friendly Hotel of the Year, Halal in Travel Awards 2025
- Strategic Focus: Positioning Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly destination
Also read Three Shangri-La Hotels in Hong Kong Recognised with 5-Crescent Rating
