Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world, with Muslims constituting a sizeable demographic force.

The number of Muslims grew 21% between 2010 and 2020, from 1.7 billion to two billion. Muslims grew twice as fast as the rest of the world’s population. which swelled 10% during the last decade.

Muslims, meanwhile, grew from 24% to 26% as a share of the global population. But where do they reside?

Around 240 million Muslims are based in Indonesia, as of 2020. Along with those residing in Pakistan and India, they constitute a third of Muslims worldwide. 

The top 10 countries with the largest number of Muslims, namely Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Iran, Turkey, Sudan and Algeria, are home to 65% of the world’s total Muslim population, equalling a combined 1.3 billion individuals, according to Pew Research Center.  

From a share of percentage, Morocco’s population is entirely Muslim, with 100% of its residents following Islam as recent as the year 2021, according to the World Population Review, citing Pew Research.  

Host to rugged mountain ranges, Afghanistan hosts a staggering Muslim population, constituting 99.7% of its resident base.  

Here’s a list of top 10 countries and territories with the highest percentage of Muslims in 2021. 

Morocco (100% Muslims)

Morocco's population of 38.4 million comprises entirely of Muslims. The African country has a diverse economy with thriving tourism and manufacturing sectors.  

Afghanistan (99.7% Muslims)

Afghanistan's population is Muslim almost without exception. The Asian country known for its ancient Silk Road routes, has a population of 44 million, making it the 36th largest country worldwide.

Somalia (99.7% Muslims)

The African country of Somalia, also known for the Horn of Africa and longest coastline in mainland Africa, has a a population of 19.7 million, of which Muslims form an overwhelming majority. 

Iran (99.5% Muslims)

The 17th largest country in the world, Iran known for its Islamic architecture has a population of 92.4 million, comprising of 99.5% Muslims. 

Tunisia (99.5% Muslims)

Tunisia has a population of 12.3 million, making it the 80th largest country in the world.

Western Sahara (99.4% Muslims)

Western Sahara has a modest population of nearly 601 thousand, making it the 172nd largest country in the world.

Iraq (99.1% Muslims)

Iraq is a country in Asia with a population of over 47 million, making it the 34th largest country in the world. It has a staggering Muslim presence, making up 99.1% of its resident base. 

Yemen (99.1% Muslims)

Yemen has a population of 41.8 million, making it the 37th largest country in the world. 

Mauritania (99.1% Muslims)

The African country of Mauritania has a population of 5.3 million, with Muslims forming a formidable majority. 

Mayotte (99.1% Muslims)

Mayotte, which is made up of one main island, one smaller island, and islets, has a population of 270,372.  

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.

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.

For many Muslim women, planning a holiday goes far beyond booking flights and hotels. It often involves a meticulous checklist - scouring restaurant for halal or vegetarian options, locating mosques that offer prayer spaces for women, and conducting safety checks on the destination.

Whether wearing a hijab or a niqab, or hoping to swim in a burkini, the question isn't just where to go, but whether they’ll be welcomed when they do.

But the landscape is shifting, driven by a wave of grassroots initiatives that are actively reshaping the travel experience for Muslim women.

Life-changing expeditions

One of the most influential players in this space is The Wanderlust Women, a hiking and adventure group founded in 2020 by Amira Patel. What began as a response to the lack of representation of Muslim women in outdoor spaces has evolved into a global movement.

“That inspired me to create a safe, empowering space for Muslim women to reconnect - not just with nature, but with themselves and their Creator as a Muslim,” Patel tells Salaam Gateway.

Since its inception, the group has grown beyond local hiking trails in the UK to lead international expeditions. Its trips have taken women to the mountains of northern Pakistan and Morocco, the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard, horseback trails in Kyrgyzstan, and even safaris across Tanzania.

“Women are looking for more than just a holiday. These are not holidays; these are life-changing experiences, expeditions,” says Patel. “They want healing, connection, and community.”

Although social media has helped amplify their reach, she credits their rapid growth primarily to word of mouth. “The transformation women experience on these trips speaks for itself - they come back changed, and they share that.”

The Wanderlust Women intentionally selects destinations that are either Muslim-majority or culturally sensitive, offering halal meals, prayer breaks, and activities like trekking and scuba diving, all complemented by spiritual practices such as dhikr circles and Quran journaling. 

Places like Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Zanzibar, and parts of Central Asia have become favorites for their blend of natural beauty and cultural familiarity.

Global explorers bound by faith

Another major player leading the charge is the Muslim Women Travel Group (MWTG). Founded in 2015, the initiative started as a modest Facebook group and is now a flourishing global network, connecting tens of thousands of like-minded women the world over.

Sadia Ramzan, founder and director of MWTG, says the idea was deeply personal.

“As a single mother with a deep love for travel, I often found it difficult to find someone to travel with who shared my values. I was fortunate to have my sister accompany me on many trips, but I quickly realized not everyone has that support system," Ramzan tells Salaam Gateway. 

“Our mission is to make the world feel more open, accessible, and safe for Muslim women, without requiring them to compromise their faith, modesty, or cultural identity. We’ve created a space where you can belong, explore, and travel confidently.”

The trend has gathered pace. The community includes over 50,000 members on its private Facebook group, nearly 30,000 Instagram followers, 11,000 TikTok followers, and 5,000 newsletter subscribers. Their trips, once limited to a few UK-based getaways, now span Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and even Antarctica.

“In 2023 and 2024 alone, we sold out trips to Mongolia, Japan and South Korea, Jordan, and Thailand - some in under 48 hours,” Ramzan says. “This growth has been fueled by word of mouth, authentic storytelling, and a growing recognition that Muslim women want and deserve culturally conscious, empowering travel experiences.”

What Muslim women travelers want

An estimated 82% of women are known to make majority of travel decisions globally, according to Skift Research. But the expectations of Muslim women travelers go far beyond the basics.

“Today’s Muslim women travelers are looking for more than just halal food and a prayer mat; they’re seeking representation, safety, authenticity, and the freedom to be themselves while exploring the world,” says Ramzan.

This translates into thoughtful itineraries that include female-only spas, dry hotels, and even skydiving with female instructors. Trips organized by MWTG are led by experienced women and often employ female staff across the entire supply chain.

“We work with women where possible throughout our supply chain, not only because it's our preference, but because we want to give back to local women in tourism, especially in regions where they are underpaid or overlooked,” Ramzan adds.

Shifting perceptions

Despite the momentum, Muslim-friendly adventure travel faces significant hurdles, from logistical gaps to entrenched stereotypes.

“Finding local guides, accommodation, and transport that align with our values isn’t always easy, especially in remote regions,” says Patel.

“Sometimes people don’t understand why a group of Muslim women want to climb a mountain or travel alone. But with time, patience, and community-building, we work to shift that perspective.”

Ramzan also points to the challenges posed by a travel industry that has yet to fully embrace the diversity within Muslim communities.

“There’s a lingering stereotype that Muslim women don’t travel or aren’t adventurous, which couldn’t be further from the truth,” she says.

“Our community includes women who have broken records climbing mountains, walked on the world’s seventh continent, camped on icebergs, and kayaked through deltas in deadly waters.”

Addressing access issues in less familiar destinations is also an ongoing challenge. “From negotiating with hotels to provide private spa or pool access, to ensuring halal meals in remote regions, it often requires extra planning and relationship-building on the ground,” says Ramzan.

MWTG works directly with local partners to educate them and build mutually respectful relationships, making each experience more seamless for future groups.

Affordability coupled with the Gen Z factor

Affordability is central to this movement. According to the Mastercard-CrescentRating Muslim Gen Z Travel Report 2023, 53% of Gen Z Muslim women aim to spend under $150 per day while traveling.

Companies like Sisters Getaway, which has hosted more than 600 women on over 40 retreats in Zanzibar, Morocco, and Spain, offer monthly installment plans to make travel more accessible. Similarly, MWTG’s flexible payment options have made bucket-list destinations like Japan and Antarctica within reach. 

Looking ahead, Ramzan hopes to create a social enterprise arm that offers subsidized trips or bursary-style support for women who may otherwise never have the opportunity to travel.

As Muslim women-focused travel companies continue to expand and redefine the industry, the message is clear: this is more than a trend - it’s a transformative movement that is aiming to make tourism more inclusive, adventurous, and unapologetically faith-driven.
 

Artificial intelligence has seized popular imagination like no technology in recent memory. From smart translators and virtual assistants to content generations tools and chatbots – AI in its varying forms and applications has taken centre stage. Countries and institutions are scrambling to secure the required infrastructure and the paraphernalia to capitalize on the technology and its apparent benefits. 

While AI and other frontier technologies are seeking to redefine the rules of value, this presents a real-world challenge: an asymmetry between the present education system and the tech labour market.  

AI will affect almost 40 percent of jobs around the world, according to the International Monetary Fund. This calls for a revisit of the current academic structure, in a manner consistent with the scale of transformation expected in the years ahead. Countries across the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) bloc seem to be doing just that. 

The UAE has mandated AI education to be integrated into the public-school curriculum, for children as young as kindergarten pupils up to teenagers in Grade 12. The AI curriculum will cover foundational concepts, data and algorithms, ethical awareness, real-world applications, innovation and project design, among others. 

“Mandating AI learning in schools can play a significant role in preparing students for a future where AI-related skills are expected to be in high demand,” Hameed Noor Mohamed, managing director, Alpen Capital tells Salaam Gateway.

“Beyond providing foundational knowledge of a critical technology, it also helps develop essential competencies such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy.” 

Neighbouring Saudi Arabia has also launched an AI high school course, targeting over 50,000 12th-grade students in its initial phase. One-fifth of internet users in the kingdom actively use various AI apps, with youth between the ages of 20 and 29 most engaged with these tools, the Saudi Internet 2024 report revealed. 

Qatar is prioritizing AI integration in the education sector with the curricula being updated with AI foundations. Bahrain, too, has plans to expand the scope of AI teaching, as detailed in the ministry’s education strategy for 2023–2026. 

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution is reaching the Gulf’s shores,” Alex Rattray, managing director – Middle East at North Highland, writes in a LinkedIn post. 

“All these forces – youth demographics, women’s empowerment, diversification, digitisation, and decarbonisation – converge into one reality: the jobs of the future GCC will require vastly different skills. A knowledge economy cannot thrive on yesterday’s skillsets.”

AI is expected to contribute $320 billion to the Middle East by 2030, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE billed as the biggest beneficiaries, according to PwC. AI is expected to contribute over $135.2 billion to the Saudi economy in 2030 - equivalent to 12.4% of its GDP. In relative terms, the UAE is expected to see the largest impact of close to 14% of 2030 GDP.  

“As GCC countries invest in AI technology, there is a need for a generation of skilled technicians to drive the industry in the region. School is the time for learning about technology, its uses and applications, its risks and challenges, but it is also a time to learn how to interact with the AI tools available to students in a way that benefits their learning and their future readiness,” Roland Hancock, Education and Skills Lead, Partner at PwC Middle East tells Salaam Gateway. 

“AI skills development needs to go further if the GCC is to make the most of its investment. Modular, practical and constantly evolving training is required to give future AI engineers the skills to be able to drive the sector. This will come at university and college level, as well as in lifelong learning.”

Overcoming challenges
Akin to all new developments and technologies, AI, especially in the world of academia, comes with its own set of obstacles. The biggest challenge facing schools, cautions Hancock, is keeping pace.

“AI is advancing so rapidly that developing and maintaining relevant educational content and training can be a moving target for schools and educators. Across the world, institutions are grappling with how to design AI programmes that stay current and accessible. The GCC is no exception.”

Sustained investment in teacher training, curriculum innovation, and public-private partnerships (PPPs), Hancock states, will be critical to ensuring educators are equipped to deliver AI education that is timely, relevant, and impactful.

According to Alpen Capital’s Mohamed, one of the primary challenges in imparting AI education is the investment required to build the necessary infrastructure and digital ecosystem. 

“The availability of reliable technology providers to upgrade existing systems and deliver effective staff training adds another layer of complexity to the cost of implementation.” 

“The GCC education sector already faces a shortage of skilled teachers. Finding tech-savvy educators who are comfortable with AI-driven tools and capable of integrating them meaningfully into the curriculum, presents an additional hurdle.” 

As I stood on the rooftop pool deck of Bera Alanya Hotel, overlooking the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far the halal travel industry has come.

The scene around me - Muslim women relaxing in a private, serene setting, families enjoying the beach in a faith-conscious environment - was something I had analyzed in reports for over a decade.

But experiencing it firsthand was different. Turkiye’s halal-friendly beach resorts are not just an industry success story; they are a testament to how faith and leisure can seamlessly coexist.

Since 2013, I’ve closely followed the evolution of halal beach resorts as part of my work with DinarStandard. We’ve studied their growth, measured their market potential, and advised industry leaders on how to tap into the growing demand of Muslim travelers.

Yet, nothing compares to actually experiencing the thoughtful hospitality, meticulous attention to Islamic values, and commercial success of these resorts. 

Turkish halal-friendly beach resorts have not only proven the economic viability of catering primarily to the Muslim market but have also set a precedent that OIC countries and investors should take note of.

While many Muslim-majority destinations continue to debate on how to accommodate Muslim travelers without alienating mainstream tourists, Turkiye has quietly built an entire ecosystem of halal-friendly resorts that seamlessly integrate religious values with leisure - without compromise.

Strong business case for halal resorts
The halal resort sector in Turkiye has emerged as a lucrative industry, with HalalBooking.com playing a pivotal role in its global expansion.

Initially, these resorts catered primarily to domestic travelers, but today, they attract a growing number of Muslim tourists from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

A testament to this success, HalalBooking recently secured $8 million in a Series B angel funding round, valuing the company at $125 million, and is currently in talks for a larger Series C round in 2025.

Their ability to attract significant investment underscores the commercial viability of halal tourism and highlights the growing demand for Muslim-friendly travel options.

Firsthand experience
Our first stop was Bera Alanya Hotel, where I was joined by a small group of women from the UK.

The hotel features a rooftop women-only pool, a fully private space where guests can wear regular swimsuits without worry. The women-only spa and hamam facilities enhance the experience, providing a relaxing, faith-conscious environment. Even the beach follows a modesty policy, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere while allowing guests to enjoy the stunning Mediterranean coastline. Evening entertainment is also family-friendly, catering to all age groups.

The following day, after a morning visit to Alanya Castle and the city’s famous Red Tower, we headed to the Adin Beach Hotel.

A more boutique-style resort, Adin provides an upscale halal-friendly experience with separate pools for men and women, a strong focus on wellness, and a commitment to preserving an authentic Islamic hospitality.

Adin Beach Hotel also features a fully secluded women-only beach, which include water slides, cleverly enclosed with strategically placed giant retractable sails for privacy. As an all-inclusive resort, Adin offers lavish buffets, poolside snack bars, and even a pastry shop within the hotel.

Guests can enjoy virgin mojitos, Turkish coffee, and a variety of non-alcoholic drinks on a spacious beachfront terrace, which becomes a popular gathering spot for families in the evenings.

Islamic hospitality redefined
What sets Turkiye’s halal resorts apart isn’t just their facilities, but the deep-rooted philosophy behind them. Many of these resorts are family-owned, ensuring a commitment to Muslim-friendly values and exceptional service.

The general manager of Bera Alanya Hotel, Ruhat Ülgen Cengiz, is one of the few female managers in the industry. She shared her perspective on what makes halal resorts unique, emphasizing that these resorts are not just about business but also about providing Muslim families with a space where they can relax, have fun, and stay true to their faith.

When asked about their marketing approach, she noted that guest satisfaction is their biggest marketing tool, with word-of-mouth being the primary driver of new business. About 40% of their guests are repeat customers. 

While domestic bookings have increased due to economic shifts, international travelers -particularly from Germany and the UK - continue to be a major source market.

Sustainability, ethical considerations
Sustainability and ethical considerations are key priorities for Bera Alanya Hotel. A major focus is reducing food waste. Excess food is donated to animal shelters, and the hotel is developing a project to convert food waste into animal feed, ensuring a responsible approach to waste management.

In solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, Bera ensured no boycotted products were used on its premises. This decision, driven by guest expectations and a strong ethical stance, aligns with the broader trend of Muslim travelers seeking businesses that align with their values.

Following the 2023 Türkiye earthquake, the hotel chose not to host concerts, redirecting the entertainment budget to relief efforts and direct financial contributions to victims. This reflects a commitment to corporate social responsibility, recognizing that hospitality businesses play a role beyond just providing travel experiences.

Key industry takeaways

Turkiye’s success with halal beach resorts is not just a tourism success story - it serves as a blueprint for OIC countries looking to tap into the global Muslim travel market.

•    Muslim-friendly travel is not a niche - it’s a mainstream opportunity. Turkiye’s resorts prove that faith-based travel can be both profitable and sustainable.
•    Women’s leadership strengthens the sector, and is an intangible draw for female travelers.
•    Investment in halal tourism yields strong returns. HalalBooking’s expansion, including its $125 million valuation, is a clear indication of the sector’s strong financial potential.
•    Sustainability and ethics matter. Bera’s approach to ethical procurement and disaster relief shows that halal hospitality can integrate social responsibility while remaining commercially viable.

Reem El Shafaki is a partner at DinarStandard