Five Hong Kong Hotels That Truly Understand GCC Travellers
From its dynamic, exquisite cityscape to its tranquil, luxurious coastal hideaways, the city offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan energy, cultural discovery, and true Asian hospitality tailored to Gulf preferences.
For those in search of fresh, authentic experiences balanced with the comfort of familiar warmth, these five standout hotels reflect Hong Kong's commitment to delivering true Asian charm and halal-friendly hospitality to the highest standard.
The Mira Hong Kong – Tsim Sha Tsui
Located in the vibrant heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, The Mira Hong Kong is a contemporary lifestyle hotel and a member of Design Hotels. It proudly holds a 5-Crescent Rating from CrescentRating for its exceptional Muslim-friendly amenities. Guests can indulge in halal-certified dining at Yamm, the hotel's renowned buffet restaurant, and enjoy Arabic-themed evenings at Vibes, the chic outdoor lounge. The hotel also offers in-room halal dining options and is within walking distance to the Kowloon Mosque. Additional facilities include the award-winning MiraSpa, an indoor infinity pool, and direct access to the Mira Place shopping mall.
Kowloon Shangri-La – Tsim Sha Tsui East
As Hong Kong's first hotel to receive a 5-Crescent Rating, Kowloon Shangri-La sets the standard for Muslim-friendly hospitality. Situated along Victoria Harbour, the hotel offers panoramic views and is conveniently located near shopping and cultural sites. GCC guests are catered to with halal-certified kitchens and a dedicated prayer room. During Ramadan and Eid, special dining arrangements are available. The hotel's Café Kool is certified halal, ensuring a variety of international cuisines prepared to halal standards.
Regal Airport Hotel – Chek Lap Kok
Ideal for transit travellers, the Regal Airport Hotel is directly connected to Hong Kong International Airport via an enclosed, air-conditioned link bridge. Recognized as the 'Best Airport Hotel in the World and in Asia-Pacific,' it offers soundproof rooms, halal-certified dining options, and comprehensive wellness facilities including a spa, indoor heated pool, and outdoor pool. The hotel's Regala Café & Dessert Bar is halal-certified, ensuring Middle Eastern guests have convenient dining options during their stay.
Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel – Tuen Mun
Overlooking the serene Castle Peak Bay, the Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel is a five-star resort offering a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle. The hotel holds a 3-Crescent Rating and provides halal breakfast options. With family-friendly amenities, including themed children's rooms and a beachfront setting, it's an excellent choice for families seeking a halal-friendly vacation spot.
Regala Skycity Hotel – Lantau Island
Situated near Hong Kong International Airport and major attractions like Hong Kong Disneyland, Regala Skycity Hotel offers modern accommodations with a 3-Crescent Rating. The hotel features halal-certified dining at its Petra restaurant and a dedicated prayer room and facilities. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary shuttle service to Disneyland, making it a convenient choice for both leisure and business travellers.
These standout properties -and many others across the city- reflect Hong Kong's ongoing commitment to inclusive and accessible tourism. As a cosmopolitan city that embraces cultural diversity, Hong Kong continues to position itself as a welcoming destination where all travellers can explore, indulge, and relax with ease. The city's growing range of halal-friendly services and thoughtful hospitality make it an exceptional choice for GCC travellers whether for leisure, business, or a family getaway.
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The National
a day ago
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Gulf Connections: The hills are alive with the sound of Arabic
Set in the Austrian Alps, the resort town of Zell Am See could have been plucked from The Sound of Music. Against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, picturesque traditional buildings lead down to the clear blue waters of Lake Zell. In winter it attracts skiers from all over the world. In summer, bringing in the visitors needs a different approach. And that's when, more than 20 years ago, the Zell Am See tourist board hit upon a brilliant idea. Placing adverts in GCC countries, from Kuwait to Oman, the region soon began attracting Arab visitors in their tens of thousands, anxious to escape the punishing heat of an Arabian Gulf summer for the cool of the Alps. Rainy attraction The campaign succeeded beyond anyone's wildest dreams. Even cloudy weather and rain was an additional attraction. In 2006, the head of the local tourist board, Hans Wallner, speculated that 'for Arab tourists, I guess that water in various kinds – frozen as snow at the Kitzsteinhorn glacier and the high-quality water in Lake Zell are the main attractions'. By then, Arab visitors to the area represented about 10 per cent of the total − about 80,000 tourists. Two years later, it was 15 per cent and by 2013, over a third. They also spent, on average, €490 a day, compared with €160 a day by European tourists. Before the pandemic hit in 2020, it was estimated around 350,000 visitors from GCC countries were visiting Zell Am See during July and August. Post-covid anecdotal evidence suggests the area is as busy as ever. Arab Muslim visitors enjoy walking trails, boat trips and the chance to experience real snow by taking the mountain lifts, and local businesses have been quick to respond to their needs. Hotels cleared out the mini bar to offer alcohol-free rooms, while restaurants such as Ali Baba, Shiraz and Al Khalij offer Arab menus that are halal. Several shops also began offering products that appealed directly to Arab tastes. The Aydin Supermarket sells sweet treats like dates, halva and mamoul, along with spices, hummus and 'a wide selection of halal food'. More than a dozen stores and grocers in the town and in neighbouring Kaprun now cater for tourists from the Middle East. 'Tourism apartheid' Success also brings problems, though. Far-right political movements began to stir again in Austria, prompted in part by refugees from Iraq and Syria's civil wars. There were mutterings that Zell Am See was losing its Austrian character amid the huge number of Arab visitors. In 2014, the regional authorities, including the police and tourist board, issued a well-intentioned but heavy-handed booklet intended to help Middle East tourists better integrate with Austrian culture. Visitors were asked not eat meals on the floor, not haggle in shops and make sure their children wore car seatbelts. Most controversial it attempted to address women's clothing, saying: ' In our culture, we are accustomed to looking into the smiling face of the person opposite us in order to gain a first impression and build mutual trust. "It would be a great pleasure for us if you could join us in celebrating the uniquely joyful Austrian mentality and show your colourful scarves and dress and, in this way, show us your smile.' Described by one newspaper as 'tourism apartheid', it was withdrawn after only a few weeks, with officials admitting "unfortunately, certain passages led to misunderstandings'. More seriously, in 2017, the country passed a law banning full face coverings such as the burqa and niqab in public places. Aimed at conservative Muslim women, the law could not single them out specifically to avoid discrimination. Enforcement soon descended into chaos. Fines or warnings were issued to costumed mascots including a man dressed as shark promoting an electronics store, skiers and cyclists with scarves wrapped around their faces as protection against pollution. For Zell Am See and its Arab visitors the implications of the new law were potentially more serious. Fortunately for all, it appears the resort is quietly ignoring the rules; pragmatism outweighing politics. As Monika Oberschneider, who works in a sports shop renting snow boots to ill-prepared Gulf visitors, told an Austrian TV station last year: 'Every guest who comes pays our wages.'
