Once only seen as a niche market of travellers visiting Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, halal tourism is now one of the fastest growing sectors of the global travel industry, with visitor spending predicted to reach US$220 billion (Dh807.4bn) by 2020. In this year's Mastercard Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index, Malaysia topped the list as the world's best overall halal travel destination, followed closely by the UAE and then Indonesia. The ranking is – somewhat unsurprisingly – dominated by countries that are part of the Saudi-based 57 member-state Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Singapore managed to make it into the top 10, and in doing so leads a pack of non-OIC countries currently rolling out the red carpet to Muslim travellers. We detail some of halal-travel's rising stars.
Sightseeing in South Korea
Citing a 33 per cent rise in Muslim visitors last year, the Korea Tourism Organisation has pushed for an increased number of mosques, halal eateries and airport prayer facilities. Rolling countryside, ancient monuments, traditional fishing villages and high-tech cities are among the country's draws and a nine-day tour with Serendipity Travel takes in many of the highlights from a halal-friendly vantage point. Journey from the capital, Seoul, to the craters of Jeju Island and on to Busan's cliffs and Korea's ancient capital of Gyeongju. Head to Seoraksan National Park with its oddly shaped cliffs and unusual wildlife – don't miss the overhead cable car journey. With scheduled prayer breaks and halal meals, Muslim travellers can enjoy getting under the skin of South Korea without worrying about day-to-day religious obligations.
Prices for the tour start at Dh19,585 per person, based on four people per group.
South African exploration
As halal travel gains traction in South Africa, the choice of Muslim-orientated itineraries is increasing. Islamic Travel and Tours' Spectacular South Africa nine-day adventure explores the country's dramatic landscapes, tumultuous history and epic wildlife. Get to grips with history in Johannesburg, visiting the Apartheid Museum and Vilakazi Street – the latter was home to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Stop for prayers in one of the local mosques as you visit Jo'Burg's thriving Muslim communities. Head east to Kruger National Park for a safari guaranteeing big-game sightings, followed by a night in the farming town of Hazyview. On to Cape Town where Table Mountain, stunning beaches and a cosmopolitan vibe await. Visit the Cape Malay Muslim community in Bo-Kaap, learn more about the country's first Muslim settlers and stop at the oldest mosque in the country, dating back an impressive 200 years.
Spectacular South Africa tour prices start at 22,110 South African Rand (Dh6,120) per adult, including taxes.
Island-hopping in Thailand
Sweeping beaches, towering palms and turquoise waters set to a backdrop of tropical jungle, southern Thailand's coasts make for the perfect halal-friendly, island-hopping exploration. Serendipity Travel's Southern Islands tour offers a luxury-steeped exploration of Phuket, Yao Noi and Krabi. Starting in the country's longest island, bed-down in Phuket's Bell Pool Villas where you'll have a private pool, round-the-clock butler service and lavish in-villa halal dining. Explore Patong Beach, Karon Viewpoint and Promthep Cape before heading to the predominantly Muslim isle of Koh Yao Noi, and the eco-friendly Six Senses Resort. Enjoy expansive views over Phang Nga Bay in a villa shrouded in privacy under a tropical canopy. Board a traditional longboat and sail around the archipelago, stopping at Hong Island and visiting Koh Panyi – a Muslim floating township where you can have lunch and pray with the locals. End your island discovery in Krabi at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and the perfect place to watch the sun set on your Thai adventure.
Prices start from Dh17,355 per person, based on two people travelling.
Discovering tradition in Japan
The Japanese tourism board has already surpassed its target of 20 million Muslim visitors by 2020, cementing the land of the rising sun as one of halal travel's newest hotspots, and the second edition of Tokyo's Modest Fashion Show this November is set to propel this image further. Omakase offers Muslim-friendly guided experiences in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Sapporo and tours can be crafted to include unique experiences like geisha ceremonies or manga drawing. The Tokyo discovery tour scratches the surface of Japan's ever-moving capital with an exploration of Asakusa's traditions including a visit to Sensoji Temple, where you'll watch people perform the Japanese version of ablution before prayer. In the city with the most Michelin-stars in the world, dining out is always going to be a treat – take your pick from a variety of alcohol-free, halal sushi bars and wagyu restaurants. Next on the visit list is the famous scramble outside Shibuya Station before a visit to Tokyo Camii, the largest mosque in the country and a truly beautiful building.
Prices for discovery tours start from 11,000 yen (Dh360) per person, not including transport.
The full English
London, Britain's capital and one of the world's most visited cities, has endless appeal. With the UK coming in at number three on the Global Muslim Travel Index, there's plenty of halal-friendly fun to be had in the big smoke. Book a tailor-made journey in the capital with Muslim History Tours where you can opt to stay at La Suite West, a luxury boutique hotel right beside Hyde Park where rooms are alcohol free and you can tuck into a full-halal English breakfast each morning. Head off on an afternoon tea cruise on the River Thames, enjoy an open-top bus tour taking in landmarks like Tower Bridge and Big Ben, as well as lesser-known sights such as London's first (and newly discovered) mosque. Trips can be customised to suit your group and will always include professional tour guides and private transfers.
Tailor-made four day itineraries start from £2,600 (Dh14,040) per person.
Taiwanese treasures
Explore dormant volcanoes, ride on high-speed trains or hit the capital where towering skyscrapers and the upscale shopping of Taipei await. The Taiwan Tourism Bureau has created a dedicated site geared towards Muslim travellers, which lists mosque locations, halal restaurants and recommended hotels. Lokopoko Travel offers a five-day tour that takes in some of the country's best spots with highlights including a fruit picking experience on a leisure farm, a visit to Taichung Mosque and family-friendly shopping at Taichung night market. Don't miss the 4-kilometre Maokong Gondola cable car in the heart of the capital where you can go soaring through the air. Stop for prayers at Taipei Grand Mosque and end your journey on a literal high with a visit to Taipei 101 – the country's tallest building. The company ensures halal food is available throughout the tour and books only Muslim-friendly accommodation.
Prices start from about Dh1,990 per person, plus service fees.
A Hong Kong gateway
Hong Kong, a relative newcomer on the halal travel circuit, is a fast-paced gateway to China where towering glass structures sit beside tropical greenery amid a fusion of cultures. The Four Seasons Hong Kong offers rooms equipped with prayer mats, prayer time schedules and ablution facilities, and chefs in the all-day dining restaurant are trained to prepare halal dishes. Book the Family Itinerary to experience the best of the city in just three days. Ride the world's longest outdoor escalator system, take the kids to Hong Kong Zoo and pay a visit to Ocean Park's pandas and giant salamanders – many of the kiosks here are halal-certified so snacking isn't a problem. Board the ferry from Victoria Harbour to Tsim Sha Tsui where you can visit the Hong Kong Science Museum then stop for prayers at Kowloon Mosque. Enjoy dinner at Ma's Restaurant – try the signature halal beef pancakes – and round things off with an afternoon of shopping at IFC mall, handily connected to the hotel.
Rates at The Four Seasons start from HKD5,060 (Dh2,378) and prices for the family itinerary are customised on request.
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Read more:
How halal tourism is travelling in the right direction
UK set to capitalise on halal lifestyle economy
Japan opens up to halal tourism
Travel news: Get snap happy at Amman landmarks
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Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
11 cabbie-recommended restaurants and dishes to try in Abu Dhabi
Iqbal Restaurant behind Wendy’s on Hamdan Street for the chicken karahi (Dh14)
Pathemari in Navy Gate for prawn biryani (from Dh12 to Dh35)
Abu Al Nasar near Abu Dhabi Mall, for biryani (from Dh12 to Dh20)
Bonna Annee at Navy Gate for Ethiopian food (the Bonna Annee special costs Dh42 and comes with a mix of six house stews – key wet, minchet abesh, kekel, meser be sega, tibs fir fir and shiro).
Al Habasha in Tanker Mai for Ethiopian food (tibs, a hearty stew with meat, is a popular dish; here it costs Dh36.75 for lamb and beef versions)
Himalayan Restaurant in Mussaffa for Nepalese (the momos and chowmein noodles are best-selling items, and go for between Dh14 and Dh20)
Makalu in Mussaffa for Nepalese (get the chicken curry or chicken fry for Dh11)
Al Shaheen Cafeteria near Guardian Towers for a quick morning bite, especially the egg sandwich in paratha (Dh3.50)
Pinky Food Restaurant in Tanker Mai for tilapia
Tasty Zone for Nepalese-style noodles (Dh15)
Ibrahimi for Pakistani food (a quarter chicken tikka with roti costs Dh16)
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
MORE ON TURKEY'S SYRIA OFFENCE
MATCH INFO
Rajasthan Royals 158-8 (20 ovs)
Kings XI Punjab 143/7 (20 ovs)
Rajasthan Royals won by 15 runs
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Anna and the Apocalypse
Director: John McPhail
Starring: Ella Hunt, Malcolm Cumming, Mark Benton
Three stars
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Sebastian Stefan, Sebastian Morar and Claudia Pacurar
Based: Dubai, UAE
Founded: 2014
Number of employees: 36
Sector: Logistics
Raised: $2.5 million
Investors: DP World, Prime Venture Partners and family offices in Saudi Arabia and the UAE
RESULTS
6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group One (PA) US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner RB Money To Burn, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer).
7.05pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (Turf) 1,200m
Winner Ekhtiyaar, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.
7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) $100,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Commanding, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
8.15pm Singspiel Stakes Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner Benbatl, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.
8.50pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Zakouski, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
9.25pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group Two (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Kimbear, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
10pm Dubai Trophy Conditions (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner Platinum Star, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.
10.35pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner Key Victory, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby.
Hamilton’s 2017
Australia - 2nd; China - 1st; Bahrain - 2nd; Russia - 4th; Spain - 1st; Monaco - 7th; Canada - 1st; Azerbaijan - 5th; Austria - 4th; Britain - 1st; Hungary - 4th; Belgium - 1st; Italy - 1st; Singapore - 1st; Malaysia - 2nd; Japan - 1st; United States - 1st; Mexico - 9th
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Why it pays to compare
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
The%20team
%3Cp%3E%0DFashion%20director%3A%20Sarah%20Maisey%0D%3Cbr%3EPhotographer%3A%20Greg%20Adamski%0D%3Cbr%3EHair%20and%20make-up%3A%20Ania%20Poniatowska%0D%3Cbr%3EModels%3A%20Nyajouk%20and%20Kristine%20at%20MMG%2C%20and%20Mitchell%0D%3Cbr%3EStylist%E2%80%99s%20assistants%3A%20Nihala%20Naval%20and%20Sneha%20Maria%20Siby%0D%3Cbr%3EVideographer%3A%20Nilanjana%20Gupta%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Saturday
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur (3.30pm)
Burnley v Huddersfield Town (7pm)
Everton v Bournemouth (7pm)
Manchester City v Crystal Palace (7pm)
Southampton v Manchester United (7pm)
Stoke City v Chelsea (7pm)
Swansea City v Watford (7pm)
Leicester City v Liverpool (8.30pm)
Sunday
Brighton and Hove Albion v Newcastle United (7pm)
Monday
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion (11pm)
THE BIO
BIO:
Born in RAK on December 9, 1983
Lives in Abu Dhabi with her family
She graduated from Emirates University in 2007 with a BA in architectural engineering
Her motto in life is her grandmother’s saying “That who created you will not have you get lost”
Her ambition is to spread UAE’s culture of love and acceptance through serving coffee, the country’s traditional coffee in particular.
Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush
Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”
A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.
“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”
MATCH INFO
Leeds United 0
Brighton 1 (Maupay 17')
Man of the match: Ben White (Brighton)
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, semi-final result:
Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona
Liverpool win 4-3 on aggregate
Champions Legaue final: June 1, Madrid
'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh1,470,000 (est)
Engine 6.9-litre twin-turbo W12
Gearbox eight-speed automatic
Power 626bhp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 900Nm @ 1,350rpm
Fuel economy, combined 14.0L / 100km
UAE tour of the Netherlands
UAE squad: Rohan Mustafa (captain), Shaiman Anwar, Ghulam Shabber, Mohammed Qasim, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Chirag Suri, Ahmed Raza, Imran Haider, Mohammed Naveed, Amjad Javed, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
Fixtures and results:
Monday, UAE won by three wickets
Wednesday, 2nd 50-over match
Thursday, 3rd 50-over match
How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.