Fazal Bahardeen
Founder & CEO, CrescentRating
After 20 years in the corporate world as a telecom executive, Fazal took the plunge to become an entrepreneur in 2007. Having experienced the difficulty of finding basic faith based needs as a Muslim traveler, he setup CrescentRating in 2008 with a vision to help the industry understand the needs and better cater to the travelers. A year later, he launched the world’s first rating system to rate travel & tourism services for their Muslim friendliness. The growth of the sector and demand from the market led to the acquisition and re-launch of HalalTrip as an online platform with a vision to become the trusted trip advisor for Muslim travelers. In January 2015, HalalTrip launched the mobile application for iPad/iPhone and Android devices with many innovative features. In May 2015, he launched “Muslim Travel Warehouse”, the world’s first global B2B platform for Muslim Friendly tour packages, excursions and activities. Prior to this, he held senior management roles at Alcatel based in Europe & Asia and served as a board member of Alcatel-Fujitsu JV for 3G technology.
Articles by Fazal Bahardeen
Jul 2026
The Halal Visibility Gap: Muslim Discovery in the AI Age
Muslim consumer brand discovery has entered its fourth era. CrescentRating introduces the Halal Visibility Gap and the shift From Feed to Prompt
Jan 2026
Ramadan Readiness: A Strategic Playbook for Cities and Hospitality
Explore key strategies for cities and hospitality providers to prepare for Ramadan. Ensure inclusive services and enhance the experience for Muslim travelers.
Jan 2026
What is Halal Food? The Ultimate Guide & Permitted List (2026)
Confused about Halal food? Learn the exact definition, Islamic dietary rules, and see the complete list of permitted vs. forbidden ingredients for 2026.
Dec 2025
Clarity Over Claims: How CHDA’s 0–10 Grade Enables Industry Stakeholders in Halal Dining
CrescentRating Halal Dining Assurance’s 0–10 grading system brings clarity to Halal dining, helping industry stakeholders build trust through transparent Halal assurance.
Dec 2025
No Pork, No Lard, No Trust: The Halal Claim That’s Costing You Customers
Many brands lose Muslim customers by relying on “no pork, no lard” claims. Learn why trust, transparency, and proper Halal assurance matter.
Dec 2025
Halal Logos Alone Won’t Save You: Embracing The TRUST Framework for the New Muslim Consumer
Explore why Halal logos alone are no longer enough to capture the Muslim consumer's trust. Discover the TRUST framework, a crucial strategy for brands seeking to cater to the needs of the modern, discerning Muslim traveler.
Jul 2025
Official GMTI 2025 Rankings: The World's Top 20 Muslim-Friendly Destinations Revealed
Get an in-depth analysis of the GMTI 2025 report. Discover the top OIC & non-OIC destinations for Muslim travelers and the key Halal tourism trends shaping the industry.
Jul 2025
Charting a More Inclusive Future: Embracing Accessible Travel for Neurodivergent Travelers and Active Seniors
A revolution in hospitality is here. Discover why inclusive design for neurodivergent and senior travelers is redefining the future of the Muslim travel market.
Jun 2025
The Resurgence and Future Horizon of the Global Muslim Travel Market: Insights from GMTI 2025
Explore key insights from the GMTI 2025 report on the booming Muslim travel market. Discover record-breaking growth, future forecasts to 2030, and the evolving trends shaping Halal tourism.