Summer has arrived! It’s time to start planning your next fun family vacation, if you haven’t already. With destinations around the world being more open to Muslims, and most now offering Muslim-friendly facilities and services like mosques and Halal restaurants, the world really is your oyster! Here’s our list of 10 fun places you could visit with the family without having to compromise on your religious beliefs.
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It’s a no-brainer that the United Arab Emirates, or UAE, is on this list. A perfect combination of east meets west, the UAE is a destination like no other. Home to world-renowned malls, hotels, and attractions, and also offering Muslim-friendly facilities, cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi make for the perfect vacation spot. While the kids are sure to love attractions like Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, or Ski Dubai, Atlantis, the Miracle Garden, and the Wild Wadi Water Park in Dubai, so will the adults! Prayer rooms and mosques, as well as Halal food, can be found at almost every attraction in these cities, making it incredibly easy to stay true to your beliefs while having a great time with the family. Make your holiday in Dubai even more special by booking a desert safari, to experience something different from what first meets the eye.
You’re probably wondering how a country like Australia, where the population is made up of only a small percentage of Muslims, can be included in this list. Numerous cities in the country have taken the initiative to actually become more Muslim-friendly by offering prayer rooms in popular attractions, as well as Halal food. One such example is the popular Sea World, on the Gold Coast, which has a prayer room for Muslims visiting the park. How great is that? If you ever decide to visit the attraction, you won’t have to worry about missing your prayers, or cutting your visit short in order to get back to offer your prayers!
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Vacationing in Malaysia is one of the best things for Muslims, as the country is so incredibly Muslim-friendly. No matter where you go in Malaysia, you’re sure to find mosques and prayer rooms, and Halal-certified restaurants. Attractions like the iconic Petronas Towers, and the famous Genting Highlands offer all the Muslim-friendly amenities one would need. Popular shopping malls have prayer rooms, and Halal street food can be easily found. There truly is no destination like Malaysia!
Singapore, neighboring Malaysia, may not be as Muslim-friendly as the latter, but boy will you be surprised by how accommodating it is towards Muslims! Since there is no way a visit to Sentosa Island will not be on your itinerary while there, you will be delighted to know that the island resort is home to prayer facilities and does have Halal eateries. Universal Studios Singapore is also a must-visit attraction that offers Muslim-friendly facilities. The city has plenty of mosques and is home to an array of fantastic Halal restaurants, you won’t really have to go that far to find them.
Egypt, a Muslim country, has long been a popular travel destination due to its unique attractions - the Pyramids. While the country may not be home to more attractions that are usually dubbed ‘kid-friendly’, we’re pretty sure its historical and cultural sites, such as the Giza Necropolis, will leave the entire family - kids and adults - awe-struck.
Lying in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is made up of hundreds of islands, many of which have recently been transformed into resorts. We can’t think of a better way to spend a fun yet relaxing vacation with the kids, than at a secluded resort surrounded by the most beautiful blue water you have ever seen! Just be sure to pick a family resort that offers activities for all, as well Muslim-friendly facilities like Halal food, and you’ll be golden. Get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and enjoy the spectacular scenery and countless family-friendly activities the Maldives has to offer!
While Spain is today a predominantly Roman Catholic country, it was one conquered by the Arabs, and still remains one of Europe’s most Muslim-friendly countries. Featuring incredible scenery, stunning beaches, and a variety of cultural and historical attractions, as well as a number of mosques and Halal restaurants, Spain in our books is ideal for a fun family vacation especially if you’re looking to go somewhere in Europe.
The Southern European island country of Malta is not a destination that comes to mind when thinking of a popular holiday spot, but because of its history and architecture - influenced by Arab occupancy, its natural beauty and array of attractions, and its proximity to Muslim countries, we think you should give it a shot. You will be pleasantly surprised by the number of Muslim tourists you will see while there, and by the Halal restaurants you come across. While prayer facilities will not be easy to find, there is a known mosque in Malta. The kids will love the spectacular beaches and learning all about the Knights, and the adults are sure to appreciate its laidback vibe and wonderful scenery.
