Collaboration article HiQ & Dur-e-Sabih
You arrive in a country for your summer vacation holidays because everyone on the internet cannot stop boasting about it. But then, your trip ends up getting spoiled. Why? Because you could not taste most of the local cuisine as it was not Halal or you could not offer your prayers because there were hardly any mosques around.
As Muslims, there is a lot more we need to worry about, considering the fact that Islamophobia is also at an all-time high these days. So, if you want to enjoy your next holiday destination to the fullest, we suggest that you go through this article.
What Is a Halal-Friendly Destination?
Halal destinations are a category of tourism that specifically helps out Muslim travelers. Such travel destinations offer various Halal-friendly hotels, resorts, and even swimming pools and spas. Such countries also have easy access to prayer facilities and halal food. Some of these destinations have even banned alcohol from being served in restaurants. The best aspect about these holiday destinations is that there is no Islamophobia. Women can easily wear hijabs in public without being fined or stared at.
Even if you visit a country where you cannot offer your Salah, you can easily offer them in the comfort of your hotel. Moreover, it is also essential to memorize a few powerful duas mentioned in the Muslim and Quran to recite while traveling.
List of 7 Best Halal-Friendly Destinations
We have compiled a list of countries that are famous for being Halal-friendly.
1. Maldives
The Maldives is a perfect destination for all Muslims, as the majority of the country’s residents are Muslims. It is an Islamic country, and you can easily find all the Muslim amenities just a few steps away. The country has around 1190 small islands, which are locally called Atolls. It is situated in the Indian Ocean and is surrounded by water that is all shades of blue.
If you are looking for a Halal-friendly tropical destination, then you must include the Maldives at the top of the list. It is an Islamic country that is home to Halal luxury resorts, private pools, and beaches. Additionally, you can enjoy water sports such as snorkeling and diving and experience the unique sea world that the Maldives have to offer.
2. Malaysia
Around 64% of Malaysia’s population are Muslims, which means that all your Islamic requirements will be covered here. You can experience exquisite Halal cuisine all over Malaysia. Penang has some of the best food options.
When it comes to hotels and accommodations, you will be glad to know that they are suitable for all Halal-conscious travelers. You can find alcohol-free hotels and resorts all over the country. Langkawi Island is a really popular option for Muslim couples on honeymoons.
3. Türkiye
In 2019, 13.7 million tourists from all over the World visited Istanbul. Türkiye became such a popular destination because of its rich culture, heritage, and history. Many Muslim travelers love learning about Islamic culture, so Istanbul has a lot to offer.
Additionally, Türkiye offers unique experiences for both adults and children. Halal-conscious travelers can access hotels and resorts that offer not only alcohol-free environments but privacy as well. Certain resorts also provide beaches only accessible to women.
4. UAE – Dubai
If you are not into tropical destinations or history and culture and are looking to explore a modern Muslim-friendly city, then Dubai is your answer. It is home to some of the tallest man-made buildings, such as Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. You can also visit the Atlantis Aquarium or one of the modern amusement parks.
The best part of Dubai is you get to enjoy all of this without worrying about Halal and Haram. Because Dubai is a Muslim city, most of the cuisine offered to you will be Halal. Moreover, the taste of Dubai cuisine is quite rare, unlike any other place, since it is a mixture of different cultures. It is quite hard to imagine that Dubai used to be a plain dessert a few years back.
5. Indonesia
Indonesia is another tropical and halal-friendly Muslim destination. It is situated between the Indian and Pacific oceans and consists of more than 170000 islands. As one of the most Muslim-populated countries, it is quite easy to find Halal food all over the Island. Moreover, finding mosques is also quite easy for the very same reason. You can visit Lombok, the Island of a thousand mosques.
6. Singapore
Malaysia’s neighbor, Singapore, is one of the most innovative destinations to visit. The city is quite small in size, but it has numerous experiences to offer. Singapore is not only one of the best Muslim-friendly travel destinations but also an exception for Muslim work and study. Like Malaysia, Singapore also has different cultures coming together, which allows you to experience cuisine like no other country.
Singapore is also home to the Unesco-listed botanical gardens Masjid Sultan and Haji Lane. On the way, you can enjoy the street food by gazing at the murals and trendy cafes.
7. Saudi Arabia
Why not end the list with the most visited destination by Muslims? Previously, Muslims visited Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage to Makkah and Medinah. However, recently, Saudi Arabia has also boosted its tourism industry.
You can experience the fascinating Arab culture and learn about the roots of Islam. Pay a visit to the state’s most popular cities, Jeddah and Riyadh, and get a customized tour planned according to your preference. If you are into history and landscape, then you can immerse yourself in exploring the sand dunes of Rub’ al Khali and Nabatean tombs.
The Takeaway
Every traveler has different opinions of what makes a good travel destination. A Muslim traveler needs to consider a few more factors when traveling to foreign countries. For some, tasting the local Halal cuisine is all that matters. At the same time, some look for more adventurous activities, such as snorkeling and parasailing. There are plenty of Halal-friendly countries that tourists have yet to explore. Whatever factors you may consider, always remember that the World has a lot more to offer.
Contributed by: Dur-e-Sabih
Dur-e-Sabih provides ghostwriting and copywriting services. Her educational background in accountancy helps her tackle topics ranging from career and business productivity to web development, finance, and digital marketing.
