News | DistributionNew OTA targets Muslim travelers looking for halal-friendly destinationsBy Mitra Sorrells | April 30, 2019 Rihaala is a new online travel agency offering content that abides by Islamic law in more than 40 destinations around the world.The platform was created by the team behind Serendipity Tailormade and Luxury Halal Travel, halal-focused travel platforms based in the United Kingdom.Rihaala provides information and booking of flights, excursions, transfers and more than 1,500 hotels that offer things such as halal dining options, privacy enhancements, alcohol-free environments, prayer facilities and family-friendly experiences.The site also shares user-generated content sourced from Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Get a dose of digital travel in your inbox each day Subscribe to our newsletter below Submit I accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. “Rihaala meets the demands and expectations of modern Muslim consumers who not only want to create their own travel packages online but to be inspired by like-minded travelers through rich visual content on social feeds that paints a true picture of a destinations,” says Nabeel Shariff, the founder of Rihaala, Serendipity Tailormade and Luxury Halal Travel.“In today’s digital age, consumers’ travel purchasing decisions are often strongly influenced by dynamic videos and photos on social channels in real-time, rather than glossy destination images of the past.”The site launched in English with an Arabic-language version, and a travel agent portal is in development.The company is currently in the midst of raising a Series A round of investment with Dubai-based crowdfunding platform Eureeca.Spotlight: The Middle East OpportunityHear from two industry pioneers in the region on key trends happening in an incredibly young, social and mobile market at Phocuswright Europe in Amsterdam May 15-16. Session details and registration! AirlineFood and DiningGround TransportationHotelOnline Travel AgencyPackagingTours and ActivitiesTravel PlanningDistributionMobileSocial NetworkingTravel BookingMiddle East Month