As the global travel landscape has evolved in recent years, especially post-pandemic, one segment that has emerged is that of the Muslim travel market. According to CrescentRating, in 2024,  Muslim international arrivals hit 176 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 10%. By 2030, this number is expected to climb to 245 million, with spending forecast to reach $235 billion.  These figures underline the market’s economic potential and signal its growing clout in shaping travel trends. 

Catering to the rise of the Muslim travel market
There’s truth to the saying, “First impressions last”, especially when it comes to arriving in a new destination. While the Muslim travel market is incredibly diverse, a few universal needs consistently shape traveler preferences. Chief among them are access to halal-certified food, clearly designated prayer spaces with proper qibla direction and gender separation, and accessible ablution (wudu) facilities. When these essentials are available, Muslim travelers are far more likely to choose destinations that accommodate their faith-based requirements over those that do not. 

This has prompted a growing number of international airports in non-OIC (non-Muslim-majority) countries to invest in Muslim-friendly infrastructure.

According to CrescentRating, the key criteria used to assess Muslim-friendly airports include access to halal-certified food in both public and secure transit zones, dedicated prayer spaces with appropriate signage and qibla direction, gender-separated facilities, and accessible wudu stations nearby. Service quality, visibility of signage, and communication in multiple languages also factor into rankings.

This attention to detail reflects a commitment to inclusivity and serves as a competitive advantage. Airports that proactively meet the needs of Muslim travelers are more likely to be recommended, revisited, and featured in social media-driven decision-making. In many ways, airports have become quiet ambassadors of cultural respect, and those that get it right stand to benefit from the loyalty of a rapidly growing global segment.

The following airports have distinguished themselves for their thoughtful, inclusive amenities tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers.

While all operate in non-Muslim-majority countries, they’ve each invested substantially in prayer facilities, halal-certified dining, ablution areas, and inclusive services.

Here is a list of ten Muslim-friendly airports in no particular order. 

1. Suvarnabhumi International Airport – Bangkok, Thailand
One of Asia’s busiest airports, Suvarnabhumi, has gone to great lengths to accommodate Muslim passengers. It offers multiple dedicated prayer rooms located in both public and secure transit zones, with gender-separated sections and facilities for Jumu’ah (Friday) prayers. Ablution stations are integrated near the prayer areas. Halal-certified food, including Thai cuisine and international fast-food franchises, is widely available throughout the terminal.

2. Changi International Airport – Singapore
Often ranked the world’s best airport, Changi excels in faith-sensitive services. All terminals include multi-faith prayer rooms with male and female separation and proper wudu facilities. Halal dining options are available at certified retailers such as Burger King, Popeyes, McDonald’s, Delifrance, and Coffee Bean. Clear signage and high service standards make it one of the most accommodating airports globally.

3. O.R. Tambo International Airport – Johannesburg, South Africa
As South Africa’s main air hub, O.R. Tambo provides a dedicated Muslim prayer room with gender-separated areas near the basement parking area. Jumu’ah prayers are held weekly, and halal-certified food is available at the airport, including a Nando’s outlet in Terminal A.

4. Heathrow Airport – London, United Kingdom
Each of Heathrow’s terminals includes multi-faith prayer rooms open 24/7 and accommodating Friday prayers. While halal dining options are not as extensive as in other airports, they include AMT Coffee, Pret a Manger (select outlets), and snack shops like Bite. The airport’s clear signage and consistent access to prayer spaces make it a reliable choice for Muslim travelers transiting through the UK.

5. Bandaranaike International Airport – Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo’s main international airport includes a designated Muslim prayer room in the transit lounge, with gender-separated spaces. Though there are no specialized wudu stations, nearby restrooms include foot-washing facilities. While halal restaurants are limited, shops across the terminal offer packaged halal snacks and convenience foods.

6. Franz Josef Strauss Airport – Munich, Germany
Munich Airport has provided a dedicated Muslim prayer room since 2011, complete with Qurans, prayer mats, and qibla direction. Halal food options are accessible and marked in Terminals 2 and 3. The facilities cater well to the rising number of Muslim travelers in Germany and the EU, and the airport’s clean, quiet spaces offer a peaceful environment for religious observance.

7. John F. Kennedy International Airport – New York City, USA
JFK offers Muslim prayer rooms in Terminals 1 and 4 with gender-specific areas. While designated wudu facilities are lacking, adjacent restrooms suffice. During Ramadan, the airport provides dates and water for iftar and extends prayer room access to accommodate peak usage. Halal dining options are scattered but include some fast-food and café offerings.

8. Melbourne Airport – Australia
Melbourne Airport includes a well-signposted prayer room, separated by gender and equipped with adjacent washrooms featuring footrests for ablution. Halal food options, including international chains like Krispy Kreme and select local vendors, are available across Terminals 2 and 3.

9. Chek Lap Kok International Airport – Hong Kong
One of the busiest airports in East Asia, Hong Kong’s main airport includes two Muslim prayer rooms. While halal-certified restaurants are limited, Sky City Bistro near the terminal offers halal meals. Ablution can be performed in connected restrooms. 

10. Manchester Airport – United Kingdom
Manchester Airport features two multi-faith prayer rooms with full wudu facilities and 24-hour access. During Hajj season, it goes a step further, offering ihram changing areas and temporary prayer spaces to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. 

Inclusion is the new competitive advantage
In a travel landscape increasingly shaped by choice and personalization, inclusivity becomes a strategic asset, with benefits that go beyond mere optics. Airports that offer halal-certified dining, clean and accessible prayer rooms, and wudu facilities often become preferred transit hubs for Muslim travelers, translating positive experiences into long-term loyalty, stronger word-of-mouth, and increased likelihood of repeat visits. 

After all, in the age of social media and peer reviews, even small gestures, such as offering dates and water at iftar or marking qibla directions, can make a lasting impression that travelers pass on.

 As Japan’s halal food sector enters a decisive stage, its growth is being fueled by growing demand from Muslim-majority countries and an anticipated influx of Muslim tourists for upcoming international events.
 
One major influence on the market is Indonesia’s halal product assurance law, which will soon require mandatory halal certification for all imported goods. 
 
“There are currently more than 1,000 halal-certified companies in Japan, primarily focused on exports,” says Hind Remon, chairperson of the Japan Halal Association (JHA). “While food remains a key category, demand is now expanding to include raw materials used in cosmetics, ahead of Indonesia’s planned implementation of the law for non-food items in October 2026.”
 
These materials now account for about 60–70% of Japan’s halal-certified exports, according to Remon.
 
Consumer-ready halal goods represent a smaller portion of the market, although exports of halal-certified Wagyu beef—especially to Malaysia and Indonesia—are on the rise.
 
“While exact certification numbers are difficult to obtain, Japanese export-oriented companies are increasingly seeking halal certification, especially in the food ingredient and cosmetics sectors,” says Shinya Yokoyama, co-founder of Food Diversity Inc., Japan’s leading halal food information provider.
 
Domestic demand remains low
 
At home, Japan’s halal market primarily serves the country's growing Muslim population and inbound Muslim tourists. According to Kyodo News, Japan’s Muslim population grew from 110,000 in 2010 to 350,000 at the start of 2024
 
In terms of inbound tourism, Malaysia and Indonesia constitute a combined 2.8% of Japan’s total inbound arrivals in 2024, with 506,883 and 517,651 visitors, respectively. Meanwhile, travelers from the Middle East represented just 0.5%, or roughly 166,259 visitors.
 
According to Yokoyama, knowledge of halal remains limited among local consumers, with most choosing restaurants based on taste rather than halal authenticity. 
 
Proliferation of halal dining hubs and initiatives
 
Over the past decade, halal-friendly restaurants have sprung up across Japan, though they remain heavily concentrated in large cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
 
Tokyo, in particular, has become a hotspot for halal dining—especially the Ueno district, known for its popular halal yakiniku (Japanese-style BBQ) restaurants.
 
Beyond urban centers, Hitoyoshi City in Kumamoto Prefecture has emerged as a halal destination. There, the hot spring inn Ayunosato has gained popularity among Muslim tourists for serving what Yokoyama describes as "the freshest halal beef in Japan,” while Ryokan Ayu no Sato, a riverside inn, has been offering halal-certified meals since 2019.
 
Another success story is Malaysian food services provider Brahim, which partnered with Japanese retailer Muji in 2020 to sell halal-certified ready meals across more than 400 outlets. Brahim has since opened four food outlets in Japan, the most recent launching in April 2025.
 
The Aichi Prefecture opportunity
 
With Aichi Prefecture and its capital, Nagoya set to co-host the 2026 Asian Games from September 19 to October 4, preparations are underway to welcome a surge of Muslim visitors.
 
However, the region still has only about 30 halal restaurants—woefully short of what’s needed to accommodate an estimated 15,000 athletes and staff, plus 1.5 million visitors. In comparison, Tokyo has 298 halal restaurants, according to Halal Gourmet Japan.
 
Certification remains a stumbling block
 
Despite the sector’s potential, growth continues to be hampered by the complexity of Japan’s halal certification system and lingering doubts about its credibility.
 
Many restaurant operators are unfamiliar with key halal practices, such as preventing cross-contamination and sourcing certified ingredients.  
The total number of halal certifiers in Japan remains unclear, and many do not publicly disclose the number of certificates they issue.

Compounding the issue is the role that some local mosques have taken in offering halal certification—often through informal procedures. “For example, some mosques can provide a halal certificate in just one day at a very low cost, whereas certification through JHA involves a lengthy process and detailed documentation,” Remon notes.

 
There are exceptions, such as Malaysia’s JAKIM, which does publish such data, often covering food ingredient or cosmetic raw material manufacturers targeting export markets. “The rise in overseas Japanese restaurants [in Muslim-majority countries] may be contributing to this trend,” says Yokoyama.
 
A vision for the future
 
According to Remon, JHA has been working to raise awareness of the halal industry’s potential within the government, and there are signs that this effort is gaining traction. 

However, there remains a critical need for solid data to accurately assess the size, scope, and opportunity within the halal sector.
 
“While we observe these trends through our daily activities, having accurate statistics is essential for broader understanding and informed policymaking,” she says.
 
She believes that there’s scope for Japan’s halal sector to grow,  particularly by leveraging the country’s strengths in food technology and high-quality agricultural products. However, for the industry to truly thrive, it must be developed as part of a comprehensive ecosystem involving researchers, marketers, government agencies, and other key stakeholders.
 
JHA’s long-term ambition goes beyond market development, envisioning a self-sustaining platform where halal certification serves as a generator of waqf. These funds could help finance Islamic schools, scholarships for future Japanese Imams and scholars, halal slaughterhouses, supermarkets, and other essential services.
 
“The goal is to build a self-sustaining ecosystem where Muslims in Japan can live with peace of mind and dignity,” Remon says.  

*This article was later edited for clarity.

Although it's been around for a long time, modest fashion has gained traction recently. What was once a niche style has become a booming fashion category as Western academics have started paying attention. According to a 2025 study, the demand for modest clothing has continued to grow despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Still, it's not yet a mainstream topic in academia. One article noted that only a few scholars have examined the new wave of modest-fashion entrepreneurs closely. That said, interest is growing, with more research papers, conferences, and even some degree programs starting to focus on the subject.

While Western universities have only recently warmed to modest fashion as a research topic, several peer-reviewed publications mark its emergence. For example, a 2024 study in the Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship profiles Muslim-American women who launched modest-fashion brands, highlighting how the global modest market grew rapidly in the 2010s and yet remained underserved by academia. Likewise, a 2025 Journal of Islamic Marketing paper analyzed big data on e-commerce modest clothing sales and found a resilient, price-sensitive consumer base with enduring demand for modest styles. Such studies demonstrate that mainstream academic journals are beginning to cover modest fashion as a legitimate business and consumer research topic.

Similarly, top researchers in the field have also produced important groundwork. This includes professor Reina Lewis from the London College of Fashion, who authored two influential books on Muslim fashion and modesty, "Muslim fashion: Contemporary style cultures" and "Modest fashion: Styling bodies, mediating faith." 

Interest in modest fashion in the West has been growing for a long time. Even as far back as 2011, an LCF-hosted symposium titled "Mediating modesty" brought together researchers from Europe and the US to discuss faith-based fashion and online modest-dressing practices. That trend continues to grow, as recently, the University of Copenhagen's Centre for Modern European Studies ran a 2022 workshop on "Modest fashion: An expression of contemporary Muslim women's lifestyles," noting how Islamic modest dress has shifted from niche to "large-scale global industry" and serves as an identity expression.

Dedicated courses on modest fashion are still rare, but a few institutions are beginning to weave the subject into mainstream fashion studies. One example is Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) in Canada. The university's Centre for Fashion Diversity and Social Change hosted a master's research project titled "Women undercover," led by Romana Mirza. The project explored the intersectional identities of Muslim women through ethnographic wardrobe interviews and digital storytelling. It featured public lectures such as "Modest fashion – Tradition, innovation, subversion," showing how a public fashion school can meaningfully integrate modest fashion into research and student learning.

And while most fashion schools don't yet offer full programs dedicated to modest wear, many are beginning to engage with the topic through faculty research and special courses. For instance, the London College of Fashion (UAL) has modesty as part of its research agenda. Its AHRC-funded project "Modest fashion in UK women's working life" (in collaboration with Coventry University) explores how religious dress codes impact women in the workplace. Elsewhere, Johns Hopkins University's Life Design Lab has offered a student-led course on modest fashion marketing. At Parsons School of Design in New York and Paris, students have explored modesty within broader studies of identity and inclusivity.

Together, these efforts reflect growing academic interest in modest fashion, not only in faith-based institutions but also across leading Western universities. Parallel to Western scholarship, researchers in Muslim-majority countries are also advancing the field, especially in textile innovation. Indonesia and Middle Eastern countries have become hotbeds for modest-fashion R&D, often with government or industry support. For example, Indonesian companies have pioneered halal-certified textiles specifically for modest clothing. In 2021, PT MilangKori Persada's "KainHalal" brand became the world's first halal-certified textile manufacturer. They produced fabrics that meet Islamic standards by tracing supply chains and using a specialty cupro (Bemberg) fiber. These textiles are breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and quick-drying, ideal for hijabs and pilgrimage garments.

In the Middle East, academic institutions and industry labs drive innovation in sustainable textiles for modest wear. In Saudi Arabia, the Sustainable Materials Research Center, part of the KAUST initiative, is actively developing eco-friendly fabrics tailored for garments like abayas and thobes. This effort is part of a broader regional push toward circular fashion and environmentally conscious materials in traditional clothing.

As part of Vision 2030, Saudi designers increasingly use recycled plastics and natural dyes, while moving away from harmful chemicals in textile production. These developments show how advanced textile science reimagines modest garments, blending modern sustainability goals with cultural traditions.

While these are giant strides in and of themselves, the next critical leap lies in focused research and development for the modest fashion industry to truly thrive, especially across OIC markets. What's needed now is deeper investment in designing products that genuinely reflect modest consumers' needs, values, and preferences. That innovation must come from those who intimately understand the lifestyle, not just from trend-driven adaptations of mainstream fashion. As global interest grows, the opportunity for OIC players is clear: to lead with authenticity, insight, and technical excellence in shaping the future of modest fashion.

In an increasingly fractured global landscape, where conflict, climate change, and chronic illness are reshaping the way we live, one question has become impossible to ignore: What does it mean to eat well in the 21st century? For the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA), the answer is clear: halal is not simply about dietary restriction but about dignity, discipline, sustainability, and shared humanity.

These ethos and vision were front and centre at IFANCA's 22nd International Halal Food Conference, held from April 14–15, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago. Under the theme "Navigating change together: Connecting the global halal community," the gathering brought together scholars, regulators, scientists, and industry leaders from over ten countries. What unfolded was more than a technical exchange about certification standards; it was a call to reimagine the global food economy through an ethical lens grounded in faith, justice, and cooperation.

Summing up about the importance of the conference, Dr. Muhammad Munir Chaudry, President and CEO of IFANCA, noted, “This conference is not just a platform for dialogue but a collaborative engine to shape the future of the Halal industry. Our mission at IFANCA is to ensure Halal integrity while fostering global cooperation.”
 

 From shared plates to shared purpose
 One of the most stirring moments of the conference   came during Shaykh Hamza Yusuf's keynote address,     which wove together prophetic teachings, personal   reflection, and global challenges. He began with a   reminder from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon   him) that encapsulated the theme of sharing: "The most   beloved dish to God is the one with the most hands in it"   (Sunan ibn Majah 3272). The act of eating, said Shaykh   Hamza, has always been a communal ritual in Islamic   culture that fosters mindfulness, humility, and presence.

 In modern life, however, food has lost much of its   meaning. With business lunches replacing shared   meals and eating on the go, in isolation or haste,   becoming the accepted norm, he said, humans faced a   growing disconnect between our consumption habits   and our spiritual, physical, and ecological well-being.   But it wasn't anything that couldn't be reversed simply   by holding onto our traditional Muslim practices. 

 From communal eating, the talk shifted naturally to the   ethics of consumption. Shaykh Hamza pointed to the   Qur'anic injunction, "Eat and drink, but not to excess" (Qur’an 7:31), as a timeless guide in an age of rampant overconsumption and chronic disease.

Citing the rise in obesity, diabetes, and inflammation-related illnesses, he emphasized that the crisis isn't simply about what we eat but how much and how mindlessly we consume. He praised Islamic practices like voluntary fasting, which were long recognized for promoting self-discipline and are now gaining traction in secular health circles through concepts like intermittent fasting.

"We know how much food the average person needs," he said. "But we lack self-restraint. That's a spiritual crisis, not just a dietary one."

The global halal economy: Ethical and expanding
That ethical framing echoed throughout the two-day conference. With delegates from Indonesia's BPJPH, Malaysia's JAKIM, Saudi Arabia's SFDA, Turkey's SMIIC, the UAE's Emirates International Accreditation Center (EIAC), Singapore's Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS), Thailand’s CICOT, and others in attendance, the agenda covered everything from global standardization and laboratory testing to market development and food innovation. Speakers stressed the importance of science-based certification and global regulatory alignment to protect the integrity of halal systems in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Keynote speaker Rafi-uddin Shikoh, CEO of DinarStandard, drove home the economic case: the halal market, representing 2 billion consumers and nearly 20% of global spending, is no longer niche. "If you haven't considered producing for these markets," he said, "then a large opportunity is missed." But more than numbers, Shikoh spoke of a broader shift, one where the halal ethical economy contributes to a new, multipolar world order grounded in values like transparency, sustainability, animal welfare, and fair trade.

Laura LaCourse, representing one of the clients, highlighted the importance of the gathering: “We truly value the partnership with IFANCA. We need these programs. It is hard to bring everyone from industry, dignitaries from all around the world, and the real community together—bringing this group together is important.”

The conference's Banquet & Awards Night on April 13, 2025, served as both a celebration and a symbol of this growing momentum. Honorees included Kerry (Company of the Year), Abbott (Nutritional Ingredients), McCormick (Flavors), Darigold (Dairy), and McCain (Retail Products), all recognized for their leadership in halal-certified innovation. The event, held in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency, showcased not just the diversity of the halal food sector but the shared values that drive it.

Food, faith, and the fragile future
Shaykh Hamza's closing reflections circled back to food not just as fuel or commerce but as a symbol of what binds and breaks us as a species. He warned of the environmental costs of our current path: polluted soil, acidic oceans, and dying bees, creatures so vital to food systems that their collapse threatens global agriculture. "There's a chapter in the Qur'an called 'The Bees,'" he said. "That's not accidental. They are essential, and we are failing them."

He called for scientific focus to shift from warfare to food systems, for soil to be seen as sacred, and for the Earth to be treated not as a commodity, but as a trust from God. 

A movement rooted in meaning
As halal continues to mainstream global trade and public policy, IFANCA's role has never been more critical. With decades of experience and credibility across 70+ countries, the organization has become a linchpin for halal compliance in food and pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and institutional food systems. Whether it's guiding public school districts like Chicago's or advancing food justice through programs like the Faith by Plate Act in Illinois, where IFANCA supported the Muslim Civic Coalition in moving the legislation forward, IFANCA is setting the gold standard for faith-based inclusion. 

“We are deeply committed to advancing food security and equitable access for children, schools, and underserved communities,” says Asma Ahad, Director of Halal Market Development at IFANCA. “Proper nutrition is what enables our future generations to thrive.”

At a time when food insecurity, environmental degradation, and social fragmentation dominate the headlines, the halal framework offers a refreshing, holistic approach. It isn't just about what's on your plate; it's about who you share it with, how it got there, and how you treat the Earth that produced it.

In the end, it was Shaykh Hamza who put it best: "Whoever wakes up healthy, safe, and with enough food for the day, it is as if they own the whole world."
 

This article is produced and sponsored by IFANCA.