ISLAMIC TOURISM

 Tourism refers to the business of travelling to a place for recreation, vacation or trade purposes. Tourism is as old as the religion of Islam. Islamic tourism is such that muslims travel to places where they are able to practice their religion with ease and have access to halal-friendly facilities. There is a surging increase in the demand for Islamic tourism and this may have to do with the expansion in the muslim population. If you ever need to travel to a muslim country during holidays or you are thinking of relocating to a muslim country, you might want to consider any of these:

Ø United Arab Emirates (UAE): It has a muslim population of about 76 per cent. The capital is Abu Dhabi. Even though for most people, UAE means just a place-Dubai, the country hosts six more emirates and each with its own character and allure. UAE is a muslim friendly destination with a lot of magnificience and brilliance to delight its tourists.Also of great benefit to female muslims are several hotels that have female only floors.

 

Some of the most important places to visit are : Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain, Ajman, Atta, Fujaira, Khor Fakkan. One of the greatest attractions within the city of Dubai is the Dancing Fountain within the Dubai Mall. The mall also has a great view of the Burj Khalifah. Abu Dhabi hosts among its many beauties the Miraj Islamic Centre that displays numerous Islamic art pieces.

 It is a fine consideration for relocation. Learning the language, Arabic, doubles as a benefit in practicing one’s deen (and vice versa). The average pay is also really good.

TTurkey: It has a muslim population of 98 per cent. The capital is Ankara. It is a country located mainly on Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia with a smaller population on the Balkan Peninsula in South Eastern Europe. The official language is Turkish. Over the years, it has become a popular destination for muslim travelers with the country opening several new halal resorts. Several hotels in the country have female-only pool areas or beaches with no-photo policy. Some of the most interesting places to visits in Turkey are: Topkapi palace, The Bosporus strait, the sultan Ahmet mosque, the Cappadocia mosque.

Ø Bosnia and Herzegovnia: It is a country on the Balkan Peninsula. It is located in South-Eastern Europe. Though a  non-muslim country, it is ranked the best non-muslim country for muslims to visit on the Global Muslim Travel Index and about 30 per cent of the population is muslim.This country promises mind-blowing beauty and Islamic heritage to explore. Praying facilities and the provision of halal food do not come with difficulty.

Some of the historical places to visit here include “The Yellow Fortress”which is the best place to overlook the city at sunset. During the month of Ramadan, the artillery on the fortress is released to inform muslims that the day’s fasting is over. The country also hosts Mostar city that contains the famous Mostar bridge. 

Ø Indonesia: It is the World’s largest Muslim country. Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara is an island with 90 per cent muslim population. Any muslim willing to relocate here will have no troubles settling down. The country has a low cost of living, a very hospitable climate and basks in fresh fruits available all year round. It also offersseveral halal-friendly hotels.

Ø Morocco: It has an approximate 99% muslim population and ranks the most popular halal friendly destinations in the world. It is a North African country and is filled with modern depictions of traditional Islam.

Ø United Kingdom: One of the five non-Organisation of Islamic cooperation countries to make it to the top 10 halal-friendly destinations especially for women. Cities such as Manchester, Birmingnham and Bradford are good places to settle down because of their large muslim population, this with their structured healthcare system and good pay makes it an excellent choice for relocation.London also has halal friendly hotels that also have praying facilities for those considering holiday trips.

Ø Malaysia: It is one of the most halal friendly destinations in the world. The country ranked first in the Mastercard Crescent Rating Muslim Women in Travel Study, and was commended for easy accessiblities of praying facilities for women, halal food, single gender pools spas and salons.

Langkawi is one of the most popular destinations for halal honeymoon. Places to visit in Malaysia include: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Borneo, Penang, Taman Negara, Cameron Highlands. 

Ø Capetown: This is a city in South Africa. It is a great destination for muslims who may want to relocate and also great areas of tourist attraction. In 2017, Cape Town was ranked as the 4th best travel destination for muslimtravelers by the Global Muslim Travel Index. It is culturally diverse, has incredible natural surroundings and numerous muslim and halal friendly eatries.

In conclusion;

The list above is just a small percentage of muslim friendly destinations for tourism and for relocation. They are so diverse in beauty, history and location. They all offer halal food and other muslim-friendly facilities to welcome you and make you feel at home.

Mufulihat Ibagbe