Visit Maldives MD Uses Sandwich Analogy to Explain Halal Tourism

The Managing Director of Visit Maldives, Abdulla Yasir, has illustrated the true concept of halal tourism using the analogy of a sandwich.

In an interview at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai, Yasir emphasized that halal tourism should not be a mere label, but a concept that must be comprehensively understood and practically implemented in its truest sense. Illustrating this with a common example, Yasir suggested considering a scenario where a guest orders a chicken sandwich at a resort kitchen. He noted that the utensils used to prepare that sandwich might have been used to handle non-halal items, such as pork, just moments prior, and may have only been rinsed with water before being used for the chicken. While the sandwich might appear halal when served at the table, he argued that, in reality, it is not. Therefore, he stressed the necessity of adopting a broader and more profound perspective on such matters.

Is our Maldives not a Muslim nation? Therefore, shouldn't our tourism be strictly "halal"? However, I have a different perspective on this. The reality is quite different. For instance, if you visit a resort and order a chicken sandwich, that sandwich might be prepared using equipment that was just used to cook pork. Even if the surface was briefly rinsed with a bit of water before making your chicken sandwich, you might assume you are eating a halal meal when it is served. In reality, that is simply not the case.

MD Yasir

Furthermore, Yasir emphasized that dietary matters are of utmost importance and must be strictly verified as being authentically Halal.

He stated that upon the arrival of halal tourists, all beverages arranged in the rooms and items stocked in the minibar must also be halal-compliant.

As an example, Yasir noted that while butlers in non-Muslim countries would comply with a request to empty a room's minibar, there remains a possibility that items such as bottles not meeting Halal standards could inadvertently be left behind inside the cabinet in certain instances.

Therefore, as halal tourism is expanded and implemented in the Maldives, it is essential to consider all such factors comprehensively. Yasir stated that as these services are launched at a high standard, specialized certification programs will be conducted to identify and collaborate with specific local stakeholders interested in participating in this sector.

Yasir's remarks have drawn widespread criticism from the public across social media platforms.

In this regard, many have criticized these remarks, stating that they demonstrate a lack of adequate understanding regarding the preservation of the Maldives' tourism brand and the authentic vision for managing the industry.

Critics argue that the official primary responsible for promoting Maldivian tourism internationally must exercise greater accountability when granting interviews to foreign media. They contend that this approach is unsuitable for representing the world’s leading destination, emphasizing that when discussing a globally renowned brand, the focus should remain on national tourism policies and future vision rather than the mundane details of tourism services. Furthermore, voices on social media have raised concerns that speaking at such a level while holding a position of significant responsibility undermines the country's prestige.

Participating in the Middle East’s largest international tourism fair, the Maldives showcased its rich marine biodiversity and breathtaking natural beauty.

This fair serves as a vital platform, bringing together tourism industry experts and numerous travel service providers from across the globe.

The Maldives' stand at this year's Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is dedicated to a theme showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the underwater world.

To foster tourism business relationships at the fair, the Maldives stand features 49 co-exhibitor counters and 52 dedicated B2B meeting tables.