ISSUE 7 - WINTER 2019
RIHAALA
TRAVELLING OUT OF SEASON
THE BEST OF MALTA
SIX SENSES ZIGHY BAY
Nisbah gives us all the right reasons on why travelling out of season is a must, and one you won't regret!
Join Sharmeen and her family on their adventures to Malta and why it's the perfect destination to add to your list.
Discover what Chantal got up to at the Six Senses Zighy Bay, and why she's fallen in love with this beautiful place.
CONTACT US RIHAALA MAGAZINE @halaltravel
@rihaala.travel
EDITORIAL SUSSIE WILLETT Editor in Chief
WELCOME It's great to see you again!
Welcome to the Winter edition of Rihaala! Isn't it crazy to think we're almost done with another year? Seriously, where does the time go?! In this edition of Rihaala, we've made a few changes to blend in with the new season. Wondering what to wear on a cold wintry day? We've got you covered with our new Style Checklist! Looking to step back from the gadgets and enjoy the season like the good old days? Check out how we've made a twist to our normal Geek Gadget list, and what Winter activities we've got lined up to keep you and the family busy this Winter Season. Nisbah, Chantal, and Sharmeen are all back this edition with their latest adventures and trips across the world! From why travelling out of season is a must, to the best of Malta, and Six Senses Zighy Bay, we've got another fun packed, travel inspiring edition lined up for you! So while you sit back and bid farewell to the last few days of December, here's a quick 'Thank you!' for joining us on all our adventures!
See you in 2020! SUSSIEÂ Editor In Chief PAGE 3
ASMAA ALAOUI Deputy Editor
CONTRIBUTORS Chantal Black Nisbah Hussain Sharmeen Ziauddin Amber Sweetman Nabeel Shariff
GET IN TOUCH EMAIL rihaal@serendipity.travel CALL US +44 (0) 203 397 4397
R I H A A L A
M A G A Z I N E
DECEMBER / ISSUE 07
CONTENTS Cover Feature: Why You Should Travel Out of Season
06 Hangar One
1 3
Game Changer: The Battle of the A380's Economy Cabins
18 Checklist: Your Winter Fashion Guide 27 Moroccan Festivals & Events
1 4
Cover Feature: The Best of Malta
2 1
Hotel Feature: Six Senses Zighy Bay
4 1
City by Taste: Comfort Food Edition
8
31 Exploring Morocco 35 8 Winter Health Tips: Surviving the Winter Blues
HASSAN II MOSQUE Situated in Casablanca, Morroco, the Hassan II Mosque (also known as the Grand Mosque of Hassan II) is the largest mosque in Africa, and the 3rd largest in the world. While it was only completed in 1993, the stunning design and architecture has made it quite a popular tourist stop. Its minaret is the world's second tallest minerat standing at 210 metres, while the 9 hectares can accomodate twenty five thousand people.
PAGE 6
HANGAR ONE The Doha Metro: Exploring Doha at Ease Ready to roll? Doha's first metro is here! Recently launched this year, the Qatar Rail network consisting of the Red Line, Green Line, and Gold Line is the perfect way to get out and about while in the capital. With a total of 37 stations, the Doha Metro is expected to be completed by 2020. For now, the Red Line is currently functioning and covers some of the most important stations, stops, and places where heavy traffic is an issue such as Al Bidda, Souq Waqif, Doha Jadeeda and many more. At current, 18 station are in operation with each station offering a unique design inspired by Qatar’s cultural history.
Cebu Pacific launches new Halal-certified menu
Muslim-friendly travel in Western Australia
UAE travellers onboard Cebu Pacific flights will be able to try a new Halal-certified menu that evokes flavours close to home. The new Cebu Pacific food menu, which includes rice and noodle dishes, savoury sandwiches, as well as options for vegetarian passengers, adheres to the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) system for international food safety. Other rice dishes include Beef Salpicao, flavourful tender beef chunks seasoned in soy sauce and garlic served with garlic rice; the Hainanese Chicken Rice, a famous Singaporean offering of steamed chicken served with bok choy and seasoned rice; and the Fish Fillet in Black Bean Sauce, served with white rice and a side of bok choy.
Western Australia is a must-visit for travel enthusiasts, including families who are looking for a Muslim friendly destination that has plenty of halal options. Western Australia has a selection of activities ready for you to enjoy, sights to witness, and now, halal food options to devour. When planning your next holiday, don't forget to add Western Australia to your travel list!
PAGE 7
Does flying give you anxiety? JetBlue's New Onboard Entertainment Includes Meditation Sessions Looking to enjoy a relaxing flight? JetBlue has now come up with a new way to help those with flying anxiety enjoy a peaceful flight. Apart from the zen like interior, such as relaxing lighting, on baord amenities, and its Mint lay flat beds, JetBlue has now taken things to the next level with an exclusive wellness meditation experience passengers can take advantage of while in mid-air. In partnership with the wellness app Inscape, JetBlue will introduce inflight meditation options available at 35,000 feet. There, passengers can stream 20 curated meditation sessions right from the seatback entertainment screens. The streaming options also include breathing exercises and sleepscapes to help people drift off to sleep The relaxation doesn’t have to stop once you land. Those who enjoyed the sessions in the air can also download the Inscape app and get a discount for an annual membership providing you with nonstop relaxing nights where ever you are.
Singapore Airlines Makes Farm-to-Table Feel Fresh Again Singapore Airlines recently partnered with Aerofarms, a vertical farm in Newark, New Jersey that grows produce using sustainable aeroponics technology. Instead of growing leafy greens in soil, Aerofarms relies on a patented growing cloth made from recycled plastic bottles to hold the seeds. There’s no need for huge acres of land, copious amounts of water, pesticides, or even sunlight. Aerofarms meticulously controls the humidity, temperature, and custom-made LED lighting to create the most optimal environmental conditions for its various crops year-round. Singapore Airlines has now added a few special ingredients from Aerofarms produce to their dishes.
y h W YOU SHOULD TRAVEL TO PLACES OUT OF SEASON WORDS BY NISBAH HUSSAIN
PAGE 8
Travel invigorates your soul and the experiences you have, sights you see and culture turns your little adventurers into storytellers. Travelling, when you are one in thousands of tourists can really take away from the experience of travel.
I am always really surprised when followers on our website ask me, “When is
the weather best or when is it the best time to travel to a destination”. Whilst good weather or an ideal time could be seen to make travel in the country better, it is also conducive to huge crowds and not really enjoying the ambience, culture and sampling the true delights of the country you are visiting. So I always advise families to try and travel out of season where possible. So why should you travel out of season?
IT IS CHEAPER This for me as a family traveller is the biggest pull. Travelling
out
of
much cheaper. hotel
rooms
season
makes
family
travel
so
When you have multiple flights and
to
book
and
you
don’t
want
to
compromise on the standard of travel you do, out of season travel is your answer. Flights are cheaper, hotels
are
cheaper,
and
you
can
get
some
truly
amazing bargains. Out of season, especially on the shoulder
months,
means
you
often
get
good
weather but just less crowds.
We
visited
Dubai
in
summer
and
stayed
at
the
Emirates Towers, the rooms were a fraction of the price
they
would
be
in
the
October
/
December
school holidays and you are able to use the money you
saved
to
ensure
the
rest
of
your
holiday
is
action packed. Travelling out of season also means your travels will also be so much cheaper whilst you are there. Visiting off-season, there are usually very little tourists in places where locals really depend on
the
willing
industry to
offer
for
income.
discounts,
So
restaurants
excursion
providers
are will
be willing to provide you bespoke packages much cheaper and as our little adventurers did, you can have an hour long massage in Krabi for remains one of their travelling highlights.
£1.50.
This
IT IS QUIETER AND YOU HAVE TIME Traveling off out of season means that the destination is much, much quieter than it will be
in
peak
season.
To
really
experience
a
country, you need to speak to locals, enjoy all the sensory delights. Visiting off season means you see the other side to the country and not one just geared up for tourism, but you really get to see the “real” country.
With
it
being
quieter,
you
also
have
much
more time to enjoy and take everything in. You aren’t
rushing
from
pillar
to
post,
trying
to
pack in the things you want to do too before the crowds arrive, but you can take it at your own
pace
We
and
travelled
the to
memories Athens
are
in
priceless.
February
and
compared to travelling in summer, we had no crowds so could truly take in all the history and culture. We read Greek myths at the feet of the structures and buildings which inspired them
with
no
crowds,
and
our
little
adventurers were awe inspired.
YOU GET TO RECONNECT AS A FAMILY This
may
not
be
the
most
obvious
thing
about travelling out of season, but it does result in you being able to reconnect as a family. You can find yourself all alone on a beach
in
Thailand,
you
have
the
whole
ocean and amazing sea life to yourselves in
the
Maldives
or
you
on
your
private
family safari in Sri Lanka. As a result, you will spend much more time together as a family, you get to really reconnect and as you
are
often
on
your
own
you
get
the
experience you really want.
The
recently
home
to
contains
opened
stunning a
Lourve
art
specific
museum
pieces
but
children’s
is
also
museum
which aims to inspire young artists and has several
interactive
exhibits
which
ideal
way
world
school
adventurers.
to
are
an
little
THE EXPERIENCE When travelling off season, the experience of your trip will be vastly different than travelling in
peak
season.
mid-January
We
and
went
out
of
on
a
the
skiing
peak
trip
in
Christmas
and holiday season and as a result there were much fewer families in the resort. Going skiing for the first time this was ideal as we had the mountain signed
and
up
runs
for
adventurers
to
ski
ourselves,
lessons
practically
and
had
we
were
our
little
one
on
one
sessions with their ski instructor even though we had paid for group lessons. The result was that
they
mountain
could after
a
confidently few
hours
ski
down
and
their
the
skiing
skills were incredible in a few short days. But the experience is so much more than that, it is the
experience
resort.
of
being
in
a
much
quieter
We went sledging, had snowball fights,
took long walks in the evening and these were the highlights of our trip
A TOTALLY DIFFERENT COUNTRY Travelling off season means you will see a country in a completely different light than the images that
are
insights
synonymous
to
the
with
country
are
that
country.
amazing
These
and
make
your travels much more unique than others who have
visited.
autumn, season
For
seeing is
truly
the
example, colours
New and
breath-taking
Zealand
change
whilst
in
seeing
in the Sri
Lankan mountains under the clouds will mesmerise your
children.
Visiting
Lapland
without
the
Christmas theme but the focus on the beautiful scenery,
incredible
snow
and
truly
amazing
activities.
We have been lucky to travel to many countries off season, Thailand, Lapland, Skiing in Norway, Athens, Sri Lanka and Maldives and each one has been
truly
amazing.
So
next
time
you
are
planning an adventure, why don’t you see what is available outside of the peak season, you may have an adventure to remember.
Follow Nisbah's adventures on Social Media!
@Fiveadventurers
@Fiveadventurers
@5adventurers
THE BATTLE OF THE A380'S ECONOMY CABINS
QATAR AIRWAYS
VS
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT Our Oryx One on-demand in-flight entertainment system allows you to choose from up to 4,000 movies, TV boxsets, music, games and more.
SEATS Space, comfort and clever design come together to deliver the A380 Economy Class experience. The slim, elegant design of the seats offers more legroom, a greater angle of recline, and contoured headrests.
DINING In Economy Class, a great selection of meals are being offered, catering for a variety of tastes and preferences. Satisfy your palate and excite your senses with our variety of delectable dishes.
LUGGAGE Up to 30 kilos of checked luggage for economy and seven kilos of carry-on.
Over 1,000 entertainment options – movies, television programmes, music, games and apps – on a 10.6-inch wide LCD screen.
SEATS Economy Class seats are designed to give you more personal space. Even if the seat in front of you is reclined. If you want more legroom, you can choose our Extra Legroom Seats with wider seat pitch and located near the exits.
DINING To create your meal, the chefs consider every element. Including cabin pressure. When you have a confirmed booking in Economy Class, you may pre-select your main course for all meal services.
LUGGAGE Economy-class passengers are allowed up to a total of 30 kilo of luggage.
THE BEST OF MALTA WRITTEN BY SHARMEEN ZIAUDDIN
When it comes to surprises, my family and I aren’t very good at them. First time ever, I surprised my husband with a holiday to Malta. He didn’t know where we were going until we checked in at the airport; the Air Malta desk kind of gave it away! Personally I would not be able to cope with being kept in the dark, but he did pretty well! When he found out we were going to Malta, he wasn’t over the moon (which I though was a little ungrateful but that’s a different story!). He had a preconceived impression of Malta being a bit rubbish. Thankfully for us Malta turned out to be pretty awesome! britpakgirl.com
THE HISTORY
Malta is an amalgamation of cultures and civilizations that have existed throughout history. From the Romans to Arabs to Normans to the British, Malta has changed hands many times finally becoming independent in 1964. And this mix of legacies contributes to Malta’s unique culture. The Arabs ruled for over two hundred years, so seeing Arabic named towns like Qawra and Rabat, isn’t surprising, in fact the language of Maltese is largely a mixture of Italian and Arabic, Not only that, cotton and many of the prominent foods in Maltese diets were brought over from North Africa. For example, figs, citrus fruits, almonds and spices are now a part of Maltese cuisine. Situated south of Sicily and North of Libya, you can get some incredibly hot weather making Malta a very attractive holiday option — but beware the temperature gets very high in the summer months. Although you may think of Malta as a sun, sea and sand destination (of which it has lots of by the way) it has a lot more going for it. It is made up of three islands; Malta, Comino and Gozo. We spent five days in Malta, one of those spent visiting the islands of Gozo and Comino.
PAGE 15
THINGS TO DO LUNCH IN VALLETTA
The capital Valletta, is the smallest capital city in Europe and is perched at a height between two harbors. There is a city gate where you enter, and as soon as you do you are hit with beautiful Baroque architecture. Filled with shops, cafes, churches and restaurant it’s a really great way to spend an afternoon. Choose from many of the restaurants situated on the harbor and enjoy the views. You could spend more time in Valletta exploring the numerous narrow streets as well as visit some of the museums and churches. Staying in Valletta is a great option as you all public transport is accessible from here. The handful of mosques in Malta are also situated around Valletta. When it comes to food, there is an abundance of vegetarian and seafood options. As well as this many Indian, Turkish & Lebanese restaurants serve halal meat but the halal sign is not always visible. It’s always worth asking as there are many Muslims who live and work in Malta.
SPEND AN AFTERNOON IN MDINA
Mdina, derived from the Arabic word ‘medina’, is a very small walled city that really stands out and makes Malta so unique. It was originally built on a (prehistoric) plateau and used to be the capital in Medieval times. Three hundred people still live there in houses with pretty coloured (intagrammable!) doors. You can even take a horse and cart to explore it, but it’s equally easy on foot. It’s largely pedestrianized with only residents being allowed cars. It’s not a huge area but stopping at a cafe for a tea or coffee here is essential, preferably on the hilltop with views facing outwards. In Mdina you will find hand shaped, blown glass ornaments and little tourist shops selling other Maltese goods. It’s also essential for Game of Throne fans as some filming took place at the entrance of Mdina as well as in other parts of Malta. PAGE 16
VISIT CATACOMBS IN RABAT
After visiting the Mdina, it makes sense to explore the town of Rabat which is next door. Now the most interesting sites in Rabat are the St Paul and St Agatha’s catacombs which date back to late Roman and Byzantine times. These underground Roman burial sites can be a bit eery but they really are fascinating. If you’re travelling with children, climbing up and down the steps leading to the caves which hold the tombs is a pretty exciting venture! GET A FERRY TO COMINO & GOZO
For the most jaw-dropping scenery, a boat trip to Comino is essential. You’ll see the Blue Lagoon here and get an opportunity to get off and swim if you want to. This can be combined with a trip to Gozo too and if you’re short on time then combing the two islands on one boat trip is a good idea. Gozo’s central square has some lovely cafes and a beautiful castle to visit. DIVING IN GOZO
Malta is known worldwide for its amazing scuba diving opportunities, but Gozo is the all year round place to dive. With so many caves, reefs and lagoons it’s definitely one of the more versatile places in the world to dive. There are lots of tour operators selling diving trips so its not hard to organise. The blue hole in Derwja is especially beautiful as you can see the Azure window as well as amazing marine life. Even if you’re not into diving, snorkelling is equally as accessible at some of the stunning beaches in Gozo.
PAGE 17
Follow Sharmeen's adventures on Social Media!
@britpakgirl
britpakgirl.com
@britpakgirl
STYLE CHECKLIST: YOUR WINTER FASHION GUIDE BY AMBER SWEETMAN
A slight twist on our normal checklist as we are focus on Winter fashion, our top picks, and what we see as essentials for your wardrobe this season, all the while keeping modest.
MAXI DRESS
HIJAB
The Maxi Dress is an essential for winter. Its length is ideal for keeping your style both modest and warm as the eves grow colder during the season of Winter. This outfit can be styled up with a pair of heels or sandals, but alternatively also dressed down with trainers or boots. A favourite of ours is the many featured on modest fashion websites, however, we've also found that your local high street stores will sell appropriate variations such as the range in Newlook, who also cater to the Winter style.
The most obvious, yet underestimated, the Hijab is available in a series of colours and patterns to match your style. We suggest going for block colours that blend in with your outfit of the day, or patterned designs that are easy on the eye. If you're wearing something that's rather plain, a patterned Hijab can be the perfect finishing touch. There are plenty of Hijabs available both in local stores and online, ranging from budget friendly to high quality brands.
Newlook's Maxi Dress starts at ÂŁ35.00.
Shop for Hijab's from ÂŁ4.99
BOOTS
An essential for when it begins to turn cold and when the snow starts to build up during this wonderful season. Boots are not just practical, but fashionable too! They can be dressed up with a maxi dress or skirt, or worn casually with jeans or trousers. One of our favourite picks is the Doc Martens. Not only robust and weatherproof, Doc Martens are high fashion and a known label offering plenty of ideas to boost your overall look. For those that are looking for something more budget friendly, there are plenty of affordable boots both in store and online during this time of the year.
LONGLINE COATS/ JACKETS
As the nights grow colder we suggest a good quality winter coat or jacket. Long line jackets are a brilliant style pick, keeping you both warm and modest at the same time. During this time of the year, you'll find these items widely available from a range of high street stores and online shops. Your outer layer is a key feature, not just fashion wise, but for being practical too! Make sure you select a colour or design that can be paired with multiple outfits, while also considering the quality and whether it'll keep you warm.
Discover Longline jackets from as low as ÂŁ35.99, here. PAGE 20
HOTEL FEATURE
THE BLUEPRINT FOR SUSTAINABLE LUXURY:Â SIX SENSES ZIGHY BAY
SIX SENSES ZIGHY BAY Words by Chantal Blake
Luxury is defined as ‘a condition of abundance or sumptuous living beyond the necessities.’ Its pursuit in the context of tourism often results in wastefulness, exploited resources, and irresponsible management. However, an innovative hospitality brand is expanding across the globe and proving that luxury can only be achieved if it can truly be sustained. Six Senses began with a vision of helping guests unplug from the world while reconnecting authentically with themselves and their environment. A deeply rooted wellness ethic permeates the way Six Senses balances accessibility to remote and delicate habitats without imposing a disruptive and damaging presence. Though conceived in Bangkok, the Six Senses vision has spread to more than a dozen destinations around the globe, though no two properties resemble each other. Each resort must create its own bespoke experience, while upholding the principles of social responsibility, environmental preservation, and holistic well-being. My first encounter with Six Senses began at the conclusion of a five-hour road trip from Muscat. The coastal journey weaved us in and out of neighboring United Arab Emirates to access the Omani exclave east of Ras Al-Khaimah. Our sedan vehicle adequately brought us to the threshold, but penetrating Zighy Bay required an uphill trek over the jagged terrain that once made the fishing town only accessible by boat. Six Senses Zighy Bay’s presence has brought paved roads and accessibility to the locality, alongside employment and enrichment opportunities for the neighboring community. Our early check-in didn’t preclude us from being received with generous hospitality upon arrival. Spiced milk, fresh juice, and dried fruits were served in the reception hall, followed by fresh fruits, herbal teas, and snacks in the waiting lounge adjacent to the library. Time passed quickly before we were ushered into our private villa. Meandering through the community felt like a reimagined village made of stonewalled structures and palm reed gates. The earthen construction made our space naturally cool and comfortable in spite of the desert heat. Behind the villa, our rear yard held a private pool and thatched summer house to find outdoor respite from the sun’s intensity. PAGE 22
Layers, colors, aromas, flavors, and textures incite all six senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, and intuition- in every space of the property. Each body product on offer is made from natural botanicals supplied in refillable dispensers, including mosquito repellant and aloe vera gel for sunburn relief. Bicycles for both adults and children are parked at each villa to transport guests between the beach, spa, dining halls, and points in between. Time feels intentionally slower allowing us to appreciate all of the sensory stimuli on offer. The on-site organic garden supplies not only the produce for our meals but also the essential oils for in-house spa treatments and fresh honey for the breakfast buffet. Whatever produce is needed beyond what can be supplied from the garden is sourced from an offsite organic farm and local farmers. With fresh ingredients comes exquisite meals that are made with culinary excellence and a true love for real food. The Eat with Six Senses initiative assures that every resort serves whole food free of preservatives. Other than farm-to-fork dining, food waste is minimized by replenishing dishes in small yet unlimited portions, offering whole fruits, and jarring single servings of overnight oats and fresh berries. Made-to-order, hot entrees are promptly prepared without delay. The use of plastic bottles at all Six Senses locations is banned in favor of glass-bottled water, both still and sparkling, that is treated, filtered, and carbonated on the premises. The investment of such an effort is grand but critical for reaching their goal of being totally plastic-free by 2022.
Because every staff member is continually educated and updated about the resort’s environmental impact and performance milestones, innovation is welcomed on all tiers of operation to become greener and more connected to their ethos in any way possible. Crushed glass is upcycled into art, metal scraps are recycled, souvenirs made by local crafters are sold at the resort, and kitchen waste is composted to return vital nutrients to the soil it grew from. Becoming a zero-waste facility is the mission of the current Sustainability Manager and the team’s progressive strides are steadily bringing them closer to this aim.
PAGE 23
Replicating an intentional, eco-friendly, natural environment is a true gift to every guest, but the knowledge that each stay funnels funding into the local community is the most rewarding aspect of the Six Senses experience. Environmental protection is valued as well as life enrichment for their neighbors. The English instructor on staff teaches residents the language skills needed to access jobs in the nation’s hospitality industry including at the resort. Literacy, health, and a variety of social services enable Zighy Bay villagers to thrive right alongside the luxury resort and take advantage of vital assets introduced to the region by their presence As a familyfriendly resort, daily children’s activities translate the lofty principles of Six Senses into youth engagement. Other than movies and playtime, there are also opportunities for kids to cook, feed goats, make crafts, and have their own mini-experience of connectedness and well-being.. The one place my daughter asks to return, without fail, is Zighy Bay and it is no wonder. For our children to have a bright future on our planet, the vision of Six Senses needs to continue to shine and lead the way for hospitality brands both large and small.
Follow Chantal's adventures on Social Media! @wayfaringgreensoul
@wayfaringchantal
Chantal Blake is a travel writer and plant-based consultant from New York City. She currently lives with her unschooling, vegan family in Muscat, Oman. Her published work can be found at www.WayfaringGreenSoul.com.
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THE BUCKET LIST
MOROCCAN FESTIVALS WORDS BY: SUSSIE WILLETT
KELAA-DES-MGOUNA ROSE FESTIVAL Are you a lover of roses? Hidden within the Oases of the Dadès Valley is a Moroccan jewel known as the heavenly pink town of El-Kelaa M’Gouna. This special place is also popularly known as the Valley of the Roses, a town famous for its sea of pink Persian rose landscapes that are breathtaking to the eye. During the month of May, an annual three-day Rose Festival takes place in the Valley of the Roses, bringing in hundreds of locals and tourists to enjoy the colourful event. During this time, travelers come from all over come to attend the festivities where a Rose Queen is elected to reign over the year's scented crop.
As with all festivals in Morocco, the annual Rose Festival boasts delicious halal food alongside traditional Berber local tribes singing, dancing, displaying sword maneuvers and playing traditional musical instruments; plus a parade of floats with the nominees for Ms. Roses who sit upon them. If you happen to be in Morocco at this time of the year, we highly recommend dropping by and witnessing this colourful event!
PAGE 29
Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr One of the most well known events to the Muslim community, Ramadan doesn't need much of an explanation. However, if you're looking for one of the best places to celebrate the end of Ramadan, Morocco's festival of Eid al-Fitr, which lasts for several days, is one you won't want to miss out on. The celebration is prayer and family-oriented and involves plenty of feasting.
Fez Festival of World Sacred Music Are you a music lover? If you're looking for a music festival that lasts nine days and comprises a program of stunning open-air concerts, the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music is for you! From Iranian whirling dervishes to mystics, Sufi chanters and dancers from all over the world, this festival is perfect for the eyes and ears.
New Year's Eve & Yennayer Most Moroccans celebrate the Islamic New Year, which changes date in accordance with the lunar Islamic calendar. If you're in Morocco at the time, you'll deifnetly be in for a treat, especially if you're staying in or dining at tourist restuarants and hotels. Another popular way to celebrate is by spending the night in the desert!
MARATHON DES SABLES Up for the ultimate challenge? Often referred to as the Toughest Foot Race on Earth, the legendary Marathon Des Sables is a six day multi-stage race through the harsh environments of the Sahara Desert. A race that is combined of approximately 1,300 competitors, from over 30 countries around the world, take part every year in this extremely hard race. For those that are able to complete the race, finishers would have accomplished a total distance of 250 kilometers/156 miles in the harsh heat the Sahara Desert brings! Apart from being in an actual race, competitors need to carry their own food and equipment and be happy to sleep in communal tents set up along the way.
EXPLORINGÂ
Morocco A destination overflowing with adventure, Morocco is the perfect getaway for Muslim travellers looking to enjoy a place where they can feel at home. Whether you're planning on exploring the stunning Sahara Desert where you'll watch the sunset turn into a starry night sky, or opt to explore the ancient ruins and history Morocco has to offer, we're sure your stay will be a vibrant and enjoyable one.
PEOPLE OF MOROCCO Muslim travellers embarking on an adventure to Morocco will find that
Morocco offers a selection of thrilling activities for those looking to enjoy a fun packed holiday. From hiking the Atlas Mountains, getting lost in the medinas, exploring Volubilis and AĂŻt Benhaddou, to devouring the delicious seafood of Essaouira, Morocco is a country you won't want to miss out on. This Muslim friendly destination is home to ancient ruins, mosques, and a history and culture that is worth exploring, especially if you're
the Moroccan people are very kind, friendly, and hospitable, making your stay a warm and welcoming one. When it comes to communicating, while there is a selection of different languages being spoken in Morocco, most understand and can speak basic English.
looking for a holiday that will keep you on your feet!
WHEN TO VISIT MOROCCO One of the best things about travelling to Morocco is there's no wrong time to visit! Morocco is generally a hot country offering lots of sun all year round. However, depending on how much heat you can bare, you may want to plan your holiday carefully. In general, the best time to visit is during the months of April and May or September and November. It's during these months that the climate is neither too hot, nor too cold, making it ideal travel weather for tourists looking to explore and enjoy Morocco minus the extreme heat. It's also best to consider whereabouts in Morocco your travels will take you to, and the type of agenda you have planned. Your daily activities may depend on certain weather, so don't forget to do some Googling before you book!
DID YOU KNOW? Morocco’s national animal is the Barbary lion, also know as the Atlas Lion. These beautiful creatures were once native to North Africa, including the Atlas Mountains but are now extinct in the wild. Sadly, the only Barbary lions left in the world are now found in zoos and are part of a global and collaborative breeding programme to ensure their future survival. The Barbary lion is one of the largest subspecies of lion and individuals with lengths ranging between 9.8 feet and 10.8 feet, with weights of over 200 kg.
MOROCCO When you think of Morocco, you can’t help but picture the colourful souks, spice markets and friendly people. The North African country is steeped in Islamic history and is the birthplace of the famous explorer Ibn Battuta, so get ready to discover Morocco with Rihaala. Muslim travellers can find Morocco very welcoming and the highlights include the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, the quiet coastline of Essaouira and of course Fes, home to the oldest university in the world. Being a Muslim country, Morocco is very accessible for Muslims travellers. Restaurants and cafes all serve halal food, and you’ll find most restaurants away from the tourist areas don’t serve alcohol either. With mosques at what seems like almost every mile, you’ll find plenty of places to pray during your stay. If you’re travelling during Ramadan, Morocco can be a unique experience with the whole country observing the month. WWW.RIHAALA.COM
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HEALTH TIPS
8 WINTER HEALTH TIPS -Surviving the Winter Blues 1
MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN
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It's time to give your skin some TLC. As important as it is to protect your skin from the sun in the summer, it's just as important to protect it from harsh temperatures. The cold bitter winds can make your skin dry which can cause irritation and unhealthy patches.
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KEEP A SCHEDULE
We know the cold bitter days tend to make you feel lazy, but that's not a good enough to reason to lounge around all day! It's important to get in some movement throughout the day, even if it's simply raking leaves or shoveling snow! It all counts! 4
The cold months can seem like forever, and despite the shorter days, they tend to drag on and on, driving us into isolation. Try your best to stay on track by setting up a schedule and sticking to it! Even if it's for simple things such as normal daily activites.
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TEST AND REPLACE BATTERIES
PROTECT YOUR EYES Your eyes may also suffer from the cold weather, especially for those that use contact lenses. Eyes are equally as vulnerable to these adverse weather conditions, and can easily dry out as a result. Dry and irritated eyes can be extremely uncomfortable, so don't forget your eye drops!
EAT GOOD, FEEL GOOD No matter how tempting it is to devour yourself in comfort food during the cold months, remember to continue eating healthy! The Winter brings plenty of celebrations (and even more unhealthy food!), but eating moderately is a must.
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PREVENT THE FLU It's that time of the year when the flu spreads like crazy. No matter how healthy you are, the cold weather can effect each person differently, and you may find yourself under the weather. Stock up on vitamins and take the necessary steps to prevent it!
There's nothing ever wrong with being over prepared. In the event of severe weather conditions, and the lose of electricity, you'll want flashlights that work! Make sure you test your batteries and stock up! It's also a good time ro replace smoke alarm alkaline batteries. 7
STAY ACTIVE
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MAKE PLANS As tempting as it is to go into hibernation, that's a big no-no! As previously mentioned, staying active is a must, and socialising is just as important. Make time to meet up with friends or go out with the family. This time of the year is always a magical time to bond!
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HEALTH TIPS
FUN WITH THE FAMILY -Staying active this Winter Looking for the perfect way to keep the family active this Winter? Check out our 5 top activities ideal for the Winter season! We're sure the little one's will enjoy getting out of bed and ready for a fun packed day out despite the cold weather!
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SHOVELING SNOW We know, it sounds like a chore, but depending on the amount of enthusiasm you have, you can easily make this into an activity full or laughter and games. Let the kids shovel the snow in shapes, their names, or a massive big pile they can jump in! Depending on how much time you have on your hands, you can enjoy a whole afternoon shoveling and making snow angels.
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WALKS AND BIKE RIDES This may sound like an obvious one, but many people tend to forget how beautiful the Winter season can be. Enjoy an afternoon walk or bike ride, and discover the beauty nature has to offer this time of the year. Many woodlands, farms, and simple pathways look breathtaking with the different Winter colours in sync.
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HAVE A SNOWBALL FIGHT Probably one of the most fun activities to do in the Winter is to have a snowball fight. Gather the whole family and prepare your outdoor base, because this activity will have you enjoying hours of fun in the snow where you'll also get plenty of exercise!
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BUILD A SNOW FORT If you enjoy building sand castles at the beach during the summer, then you'll have even more fun building your very own snow fort which can be life size! If you're lucky enough to be surrounded by heaps of snow, grab the opportunity to enjoy this fun packed challenge that will keep the kids occupied for hours on end!
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COLLECT PINE CONES Pine cones are everywhere during the winter season, making it the perfect time to go pine cone hunting and see who can collect the most. Not only are pine cones a beautiful part of nature, it's a great decoration to add to your home, and an ideal way to get the family out and about and away from the house.
#HASHTAGS TO FOLLOW THIS WINTER
We know a change of season makes a big difference to your Instagrams, and we want you to keep on top of the best content. The Winter brings the changing of nature’s colours, and we think cosy nights in and warming food and drink! To help you with your posts, we have curated a list of Winter hashtags you must follow with the changes of season.
#WINTER Giving all images that are winter, snowflakes, hot chocolate and bobble hats, a hashtag to bring a winter wonderland to your Instagram feed.
#WINTERVIBES Bringing to your feed everything from cosy clothing to wonderful winter scenes, a general hashtag to get you into the winter season mood!
#WINTERSTYLE This is a huge part of Instagram itself and important to us as referenced in our winter style checklist in the last issue. Instagram is a brilliant place to idea hunt and gains inspiration for your outfits and get visuals of what goes with what and where to buy from now man major and small-time companies owning an Instagram account. Seasonal wear is big in the fashion industry and as we mentioned, modest clothing is more accessible with more and more brands providing for day to day wear. Finding modest winter style is ever easier once you follow this hashtag and our recommendations with the range of colours featured and recognised with this season.Â
#WINTERTONES Instagram is all about colour themes and what catches your eye for you to stop, like and comment on a post. Winter colours include blues, greens and white. Winter colours are an enticing aesthetic hence why this hashtag is regularly used and will attract the higher number of engagement, a tip for when you may be posting!
#HASHTAGS TO FOLLOW THIS WINTER
#WHENWINTER The most obvious and general but we simply couldn’t miss this out to get the broadest range. Simply search when winter which covers everything from what to wear, eat, watch, picture and appreciate. Most specifically this a great way to inspire and get inspired on winter-themed activities, from ice skating to snowball fights and cooking classes for warming meals! This hashtag will help you filter through the mindless scrolling, and use Instagram to find thought-provoking engaging content to send on, react to and act upon.
#WINTERLANDSCAPES Last but not least, landscapes in Winter may be rare but by far the most beautiful. The most underappreciated part of the day today! Nature doesn’t just include wildlife but also a key part of this season, the landscape! Snow covered hilltops, icicles hanging beneath cars and door frames, icecovered lakes and many more winter-specific landscapes to use this hashtag for and find using this hashtag!
Now we’ve covered all of that, would you care to check out Rihaala on Instagram? Our custom hashtag groups together all posts dating back years, what our content and following is, that have grown along with our business, and become a part of our many followers on Instagram @halaltravel to receive notifications on our posts and stories. A page proving innovation and inspiration in the world of Muslim travel selling a range of holidays for all Muslim travellers. Check our @halaltravels today, or mention us in your travel content for the chance to be mentioned or followed! We are always looking for contributors for our blog posts too, so give us a shout!
UN-GADGET GEEK BACK TO BASICS
This edition is all about the changing of the season, so we are switching up your regular Gadget geek vibe, taking you back to basics when travelling and not being consumed by your gadgets, and replacing them with simple possessions to aid your relation and absorption into the holiday fun! BOOKS The book is the classic way to relax whether you want an escape or to learn more about the world, they are the most simple yet the greatest “un-gadget” we can suggest! We now have seven published issues of our online magazine Rihaala so why not continue reading for everything from health to modest style and fashion. Read a phrasebook or language for beginners from the destination of your visiting and get the chance to practice all the while too. You can also leave old books with your hotel to share with other visitors.
BOARD GAMES A brilliant way to entertain the kids on a train or plane, or family evening activities to bring all ages together, but also brilliant for you and the passenger sat next to you to get chatting and then to kill time on a long haul journey. With a plethora of travel board games, nothing is stopping you taking your favourite games away with you. A brilliant way to challenge yourself while relaxing on holiday whether scrabble is your game or you prefer, keep sharp on your trip away.
BY: AMBER SWEETMAN
DISPOSABLE CAMERA
Who said the perfect Instagram picture had to be taken on your phone? Retro is back in and the disposable camera is so 90s-2000s, so why not impress your followers with destination shots from your disposable camera. Basic and untampered with, no editing, and you'll have to wait until you can get them developed which means no encouraging you to edit and mess around, getting the "perfect picture". Simply catching what you can and staying present in the moment rather than behind a screen.
NOTEPAD+PENS/PENCILS Simplistic yet brilliant. For the creative type; rediscover the joy of noting down a daily journal or sketching you’re surrounding on your trip or make seemingly hundreds of paper aeroplanes to entrain the toddler on the seat in front of you, the possibilities are endless. We suggest eco-friendly pads and stationary; so not to disturb the planet while you gadget detox. But you cannot go wrong with a simple pen and paper, take the time away from your screened devices to engage more with your surroundings and create!
SCRAPBOOK
Last but not least, an authentic way to create and keep your memories from your trip, collect ticket stubs from flights and experiences included on your trip to receipts from the enchanting cuisine you tasted. To create a scrapbook which you can add your disposable images to later on, this will allow you to consider what stood out from your trip. Was it the rich culture you experienced or the enchanting cuisine, or simply spending time with the ones you love? The scrapbook is the perfect way to capture your trip without the aid of technology.
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COMFORT FOOD EDITION Shawarma Lebanon
Fancy Shawarma? This delicious dish isn't one to be missed when visiting Lebanon. A Levantine meat preparation, where lamb, chicken, turkey, beef, or mixed meats are placed on a vertical spit, and may be grilled for as long as a day, is the perfect comfort food once mixed with tomato, and cucumber tahini, hummus, pickled turnips, and amba in a wrap.
Nasi Lemak Malaysia
A delicious dish top try when visiting Malaysia is Nasi Lemak, a Malay fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan lead. Considered the national Malaysian dish, you know you'll be in for a treat once you get the chance to devour it! Enjoy its various sides too!
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COMFORT FOOD EDITION Tagine Morocco
A tagine is a cone-shaped cooking vessel traditionally used in Morocco; it is made of either ceramic or unglazed clay. Most tagine recipes (which are referred to as tagines) layer aromatics, meat, and vegetables, along with spices, oil, and water to create a mouth watering dish! Once of the most populat dishes is Tagine Chicken!
Fish and Chips United Kingdom
A must have when visiting the UK, Fish and chips is a hot dish consisting of fried fish in batter served with chips. Cod and Haddok are the commonly used fish for fish and chips, but vendors also sell many other kinds of fish, especially other white fish, such as pollock, hake or coley, plaice, skate, and ray. Other deep fried goodies can be found at a 'Fish and Chip' shop, all which won't disappoint.
THE MAN IN SEAT 1A A DIFFERENT TAKE ON THE WORLD NABEEL SHARIFF In a swift change of seat, this edition's travel monologue is actually being curated from seat 6J en-route to sunny Singapore. It's been a challenging few hours of constant harassment of ticketing desk staff, hanging to threads of hope that someone else will be delayed arriving into Doha airport. And that's what premium air travel has reduced us to; hoping for someone else's delayed departure from Manchester, Zurich or wherever else they departed from, just so I could nab their seat. That seat however, is a six foot long Qsuite onboard Qatar Airways, so I can rationalise that easily by the several thanks my spine will say after 14 hours into my journey. Also, it's not like there isn't another flight just a few hours later for the non-arrivals. Hang on, don't you always fly premium cabins, I hear you ask. Well, no. Apart from the vast gulf in cost and disparity in cabin quality from airline to airline, you may be surprised to know we have to pay for our premium flights; whether in hard cash or hard earned miles. Long gone are the days of upgrades from economy to premium, mainly because the way airlines earn money has changed drastically in the last 20 years.
In a swift change of seat, this edition's travel monologue is actually being curated from seat 6J en-route to sunny Singapore. It's been a challenging few hours of constant harassment of ticketing desk staff, hanging to threads of hope that someone else will be delayed arriving into Doha airport. And that's what premium air travel has reduced us to; hoping for someone else's delayed departure from Manchester, Zurich or wherever else they departed from, just so I could nab their seat. That seat however, is a six foot long Qsuite onboard Qatar Airways, so I can rationalise that easily by the several thanks my spine will say after 14 hours into my journey. Also, it's not like there isn't another flight just a few hours later for the nonarrivals. Hang on, don't you always fly premium cabins, I hear you ask. Well, no. Apart from the vast gulf in cost and disparity in cabin quality from airline to airline, you may be surprised to know we have to pay for our premium flights; whether in hard cash or hard earned miles. Long gone are the days of upgrades from economy to premium, mainly because the way airlines earn money has changed drastically in the last 20 years.