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IRHAL / THE WORLD EDITION26 October 2026Independent perspectives. Practical discoveries.
Madrasahs of Registan Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
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Special Offers

Shangri-La Bangkok hotel stay offer with three nights for the price of two

Bangkok

Bangkok stay three nights and pay for two

Members of Shangri-La Circle can book a minimum three-night Bangkok stay that prices as three nights for two, saving up to 33%, with breakfast and minibar included; bookings are open until 26 December 2026 for stays through 30 June 2027.

From approximately USD 175 per night

Shangri-La BangkokBook by
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View across Msheireb in central Doha

Doha, Qatar

Banyan Tree Doha At La Cigale Mushaireb Meal Upgrade

For Muscat-origin travellers booking a Doha flight+hotel package, the offer includes up to 30% off selected rooms plus a complimentary meal-plan upgrade; it is for 2-night stays and must be booked/travelled by 31 Dec 2026.

From OMR 190 per person with up to 30% off selected rooms and a complimentary meal plan upgrade

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Jumeirah Emirates Towers GCC Breaks offer for GCC residents with breakfast, kids’ benefits, spa savings, and late check-out.

Dubai, UAE

GCC Breaks Offer at Jumeirah Emirates Towers

For GCC residents staying in Dubai, this offer gives up to 25% savings with daily breakfast, complimentary stays and dining for junior guests, spa and restaurant discounts, and early check-in/late check-out. It is valid until 31 December 2026.

Save up to 25%

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Almosafer booking and mokafaa points offer for Al Rajhi Bank customers

Saudi Arabia

Almosafer | Al Rajhi Bank: mokafaa points on bookings

For Al Rajhi mokafaa members in Saudi Arabia and the GCC: earn mokafaa points on Almosafer hotel and flight bookings. Must be enrolled in mokafaa, provide the registered mobile number, and pay immediately; valid through 2026-12-31.

Earn points per SAR spent

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Travel news

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Hotel News ·

Quiet Getaways: A Growing Travel Trend Prioritizing Rest and Tranquility

As the pace of life accelerates and digital connectivity permeates our daily routines, "quiet getaways" are emerging as a growing trend in the tourism sector, with travelers increasingly prioritizing rest and tranquility. Rather than packing their days with rigid plans and activities, these trips offer space for relaxation—a chance to step away from the pressures of daily life and explore destinations at a more measured, leisurely pace. Yet, "quiet" does not necessarily mean total silence or complete disconnection from the world. Travelers might find this sense of calm in the heart of a bustling city, by the seaside, through mindful movement, or simply by immersing themselves in the unhurried rhythm of historic neighborhoods. From Dubai and Muscat to Sharjah and Milan, various hotels now offer experiences that allow guests to escape the chaos, embrace the joy of simplicity, and carve out time away from the weight of endless obligations. Find serenity above the city skyline at One&Only One Za’abeel, Dubai

Events ·

"Bungee Jumping": A New Adventure for Thrill-Seekers on Yas Island

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, October 19, 2026: Yas Island is set to expand its growing collection of world-class attractions and leisure experiences with the official opening of a "Bungee Jumping" experience at Yas Bay Waterfront on November 1, 2026. This new attraction offers adventure and thrill-seekers the chance to put their courage to the test by l…

Hotel News ·

Tourism Malaysia Invites GCC Travellers

Tourism Malaysia is inviting travellers from across the GCC to experience Malaysia's vibrant blend of culture, adventure, family-friendly attractions, luxury hospitality, world-class sporting events, and unforgettable celebrations taking place throughout October 2026.

Travel News ·

Thailand Unveils Summer Holiday 2026 Shopping

This summer, Central Shopping Centers invites international visitors to experience the best of shopping, dining, and leisure with Summer Holiday 2026, running from 20 July – 30 September 2026. Created exclusively for international tourists, the campaign offers shopping privileges across Thailand’s five world-class shopping malls: centralwOrld, Central Park…

A LITTLE STRUCTURE. ROOM TO EXPLORE.

Travel itineraries

THE DINING EDIT

Halal restaurants

Frank's (American)
Vienna

Frank's (American)

Modern and fashionable restaurant/bar with a mixture of surf 'n' turf dishes, pasta, pizzas and sandwiches. High standard cooking with mouth-watering desserts which include…

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Nostress
Prague

Nostress

This restaurant mixes French and Asian cuisine with noodle dishes and meals with fish, duck and other meats; the dessert menu has a variety of French and Belgian treats. However…

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Fook Lam Moon
Shanghai

Fook Lam Moon

The décor and the furnishings are chic and sophisticated. The place is luxuriant and quality food is to be expected. The sea food dishes are exceptionally good. The shark and…

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Ganga Indian Restaurant
Larnaca

Ganga Indian Restaurant

Cuisine- Indian Known to be the best Indian restaurant in Cyprus, Ganga is always packed with loyal customers and tourists, and it is usually necessary to make a reservation,…

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Cafe Zeynah Oxford Street
London

Cafe Zeynah Oxford Street

In the middle of London’s busiest shopping street, across from Debenhams on Oxford Street, is a small kiosk which sells halal food. Cafe Zeynah has no seating arrangements. It is…

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Hartmann’s Restaurant
Berlin

Hartmann’s Restaurant

this is a charming restaurant that is owned by Stefan Hartmann, specializing in homemade German delicacies. The setting is romantic with excellent décor, tasteful art and a…

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Abla’s Restaurant
Melbourne

Abla’s Restaurant

The restaurant is named after Abla Amad who settled in Australia in 1954 and launched her own restaurant in 1979. Since its inception the restaurant has always been an institution…

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K West
Phnom Penh

K West

Set in the lobby of Ajmayna Hotel, this French owned restaurant serves the finest food in town.  The ambiance is chic and elegant, perfect for a romantic date or a business…

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Alambra
Paris

Alambra

Alambra is highly celebrated among the Muslim community in Paris as the ultimate destination to experience authentic, traditional French raclette cheese melted over tender,…

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A MOMENT IN YOUR DAY

Prayer times

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THE CULTURE CALENDAR

Festivals & family experiences

New Year concertsVienna
Vienna

New Year concerts

Conducted by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, this is a concert of classical and lively yet nostalgic, orchestral music that is held every year on the morning of the first of…

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New YearPhnom Penh
Phnom Penh

New Year

New Year isn’t an official festival in Phnom Penh, but in the past few years the celebrations for the New Year has been taken to a new level with lots of enthusiasm, fireworks,…

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O-ShogatsuTokyo
Tokyo

O-Shogatsu

This event refers to the Japanese New Year. This festival is held annually at the various temples in and around Tokyo. This is supposed to be a very significant day and…

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Travel in the Islamic world

By the Fig and the Olive

Except those who believe (Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous deeds. Then they shall have a reward without end.

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01 / 04
By the Fig and the Olive
THE IRHAL JOURNAL

Travel stories

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Madrasahs of Registan Square, Samarkand, UzbekistanTravel Stories

Madrasahs of Registan Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Samarkand, a city that lies at the heart of the ancient Silk Route is steeped in Islamic architecture. The three turquoise domed monuments to a gloried past in Registan Square are…

Travel Stories

FIFA World Cup Cities: Boston

The arrival of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is a perfect opportunity for Boston's sports fans to show how their city revels in a championship contest.

Irhal

Featured sights to see

Registan
Samarkand

Registan

Samarkand’s great public square, framed by three Timurid madrasas and at its most memorable when given time to explore.

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Burj Khalifa
Dubai

Burj Khalifa

Dubai’s signature skyline landmark and the city’s strongest first stop for a high-level orientation. It pairs naturally with Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall and Downtown Dubai for a…

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National Monument / Monas
Jakarta

National Monument / Monas

National Monument / Monas is Jakarta’s national-symbol stop, best linked with Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta Cathedral, Gambir Station, and the National Museum.

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Statue of Liberty
New York

Statue of Liberty

Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi's copper monument on Liberty Island combines French-American political symbolism, ambitious nineteenth-century engineering and commanding harbor views.

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Frankfurt Zoo
Frankfurt

Frankfurt Zoo

The biggest attraction for families with children and toddlers is the Frankfurt Zoo. Located in the Ostend, it attracts quite a crowd on Sundays and public holidays. With 4,500…

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