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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The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
Bangladesh tour of Pakistan
January 24 – First T20, Lahore
January 25 – Second T20, Lahore
January 27 – Third T20, Lahore
February 7-11 – First Test, Rawalpindi
April 3 – One-off ODI, Karachi
April 5-9 – Second Test, Karachi
AVOID SCAMMERS: TIPS FROM EMIRATES NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
The National photo project
Chris Whiteoak, a photographer at The National, spent months taking some of Jacqui Allan's props around the UAE, positioning them perfectly in front of some of the country's most recognisable landmarks. He placed a pirate on Kite Beach, in front of the Burj Al Arab, the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland at the Burj Khalifa, and brought one of Allan's snails (Freddie, which represents her grandfather) to the Dubai Frame. In Abu Dhabi, a dinosaur went to Al Ain's Jebel Hafeet. And a flamingo was taken all the way to the Hatta Mountains. This special project suitably brings to life the quirky nature of Allan's prop shop (and Allan herself!).
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
FIGHT CARD
1. Featherweight 66kg
Ben Lucas (AUS) v Ibrahim Kendil (EGY)
2. Lightweight 70kg
Mohammed Kareem Aljnan (SYR) v Alphonse Besala (CMR)
3. Welterweight 77kg
Marcos Costa (BRA) v Abdelhakim Wahid (MAR)
4. Lightweight 70kg
Omar Ramadan (EGY) v Abdimitalipov Atabek (KGZ)
5. Featherweight 66kg
Ahmed Al Darmaki (UAE) v Kagimu Kigga (UGA)
6. Catchweight 85kg
Ibrahim El Sawi (EGY) v Iuri Fraga (BRA)
7. Featherweight 66kg
Yousef Al Husani (UAE) v Mohamed Allam (EGY)
8. Catchweight 73kg
Mostafa Radi (PAL) v Abdipatta Abdizhali (KGZ)
9. Featherweight 66kg
Jaures Dea (CMR) v Andre Pinheiro (BRA)
10. Catchweight 90kg
Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Juscelino Ferreira (BRA)
FA Cup fifth round draw
Sheffield Wednesday v Manchester City
Reading/Cardiff City v Sheffield United
Chelsea v Shrewsbury Town/Liverpool
West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United/Oxford United
Leicester City v Coventry City/Birmingham City
Northampton Town/Derby County v Manchester United
Southampton/Tottenham Hotspur v Norwich City
Portsmouth v Arsenal
THE SPECS
Jaguar F-Pace SVR
Engine: 5-litre supercharged V8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 542bhp
Torque: 680Nm
Price: Dh465,071
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
HER%20FIRST%20PALESTINIAN
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Results
6.30pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes Group Three US$200,000 (Turf) 2,000m; Winner: Ghaiyyath, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby (trainer).
7.05pm: Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Cliffs Of Capri, Tadhg O’Shea, Jamie Osborne.
7.40pm: UAE Oaks Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,900m; Winner: Down On Da Bayou, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.15pm: Zabeel Mile Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Zakouski, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby.
8.50pm: Meydan Sprint Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,000m; Winner: Waady, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
if you go
The flights
Fly to Rome with Etihad (www.etihad.ae) or Emirates (www.emirates.com) from Dh2,480 return including taxes. The flight takes six hours. Fly from Rome to Trapani with Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) from Dh420 return including taxes. The flight takes one hour 10 minutes.
The hotels
The author recommends the following hotels for this itinerary. In Trapani, Ai Lumi (www.ailumi.it); in Marsala, Viacolvento (www.viacolventomarsala.it); and in Marsala Del Vallo, the Meliaresort Dimore Storiche (www.meliaresort.it).
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
PROFILE OF INVYGO
Started: 2018
Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo
Based: Dubai
Sector: Transport
Size: 9 employees
Investment: $1,275,000
Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri
At a glance - Zayed Sustainability Prize 2020
Launched: 2008
Categories: Health, energy, water, food, global high schools
Prize: Dh2.2 million (Dh360,000 for global high schools category)
Winners’ announcement: Monday, January 13
Impact in numbers
335 million people positively impacted by projects
430,000 jobs created
10 million people given access to clean and affordable drinking water
50 million homes powered by renewable energy
6.5 billion litres of water saved
26 million school children given solar lighting
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
RESULTS
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England Test squad
Ben Stokes (captain), Joe Root, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts
Medicus AI
Started: 2016
Founder(s): Dr Baher Al Hakim, Dr Nadine Nehme and Makram Saleh
Based: Vienna, Austria; started in Dubai
Sector: Health Tech
Staff: 119
Funding: €7.7 million (Dh31m)
Liverpool's all-time goalscorers
Ian Rush 346
Roger Hunt 285
Mohamed Salah 250
Gordon Hodgson 241
Billy Liddell 228
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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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
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Ain Issa camp:
- Established in 2016
- Houses 13,309 people, 2,092 families, 62 per cent children
- Of the adult population, 49 per cent men, 51 per cent women (not including foreigners annexe)
- Most from Deir Ezzor and Raqqa
- 950 foreigners linked to ISIS and their families
- NGO Blumont runs camp management for the UN
- One of the nine official (UN recognised) camps in the region
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
In Search of Mary Shelley: The Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein
By Fiona Sampson
Profile
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Results
2pm Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 1,800m
Winner AF Al Baher, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer).
2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh75,000 1,400m
Winner Alla Mahlak, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.
3pm Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner Davy Lamp, Adrie de Vries, Rashed Bouresly.
3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 1,400m
Winner Ode To Autumn, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
4pm Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 1,950m
Winner Arch Gold, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
4.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh75,000 1,800m
Winner Meqdam, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
5pm Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 1,800m
Winner Native Appeal, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.
5.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh75,000 1,400m
Winner Amani Pico, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar