Passionate about revolutionizing the travel industry for Muslim travelers, Fazal Bahardeen is an entrepreneur and the driving force behind CrescentRating and HalalTrip. With over three decades of experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial sectors, he is dedicated to creating solutions that cater to the unique needs of Muslim travelers.
In 2008, Fazal founded CrescentRating in Singapore to address Muslim travelers’ challenges. Over 16 years, CrescentRating has become the world’s leading Halal travel authority, serving key markets across the Middle East, South Asia, Western Europe, North America, and Asia. Its rating system is the globally recognized standard for Halal/Muslim-friendly travel services, providing various services, including insights, research, consultancy, and destination marketing. The partnership with Mastercard led to the development of the groundbreaking Global Muslim Travel Index.
Fazal’s career began in the telecom industry, where he held senior positions in Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore. His entrepreneurial venture into Halal travel began in 2008 with CrescentRating and the HalalTrip platform, which was launched in 2014. Under his leadership, CrescentRating has grown into a trusted name, offering research, consultancy, training, and rating services. HalalTrip has become a trusted advisor for Muslim travelers worldwide.
Fazal’s work with CrescentRating has significantly impacted the travel industry, providing valuable insights through the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) and hosting the Halal In Travel Global Summit and Awards. These initiatives have established CrescentRating as a leader in the Halal tourism industry, driving innovation and positive change.
Widely quoted in the media and a keynote speaker at major industry conferences, Fazal’s insights have influenced the development of the Halal travel sector. He was listed in Singapore’s Straits Times “Life Power List 2016” among the top 20 individuals and the “Top 50 Leaders of the Islamic Economy” by Islamica 500.
Outside his professional endeavors, Fazal advocates continuous learning. He has completed programs at Stanford University, the National University of Singapore, and other prestigious institutions. He holds an International Master’s in Management, a Master’s Degree in Computer Applications, and a Bachelor’s in Telecommunications. Additionally, he has a Diploma in Islamic Banking and Finance.
Fazal enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, which fuels his passion for enhancing others’ travel experiences. His journey and experiences as a frequent traveler underpin his professional mission, making his work personal and impactful.
