Fazal Bahardeen
Founder and CEO, CrescentRating
Fazal Bahardeen has been leading the transformation of the global travel landscape for Muslim travelers. As the founder and CEO of CrescentRating and HalalTrip, he has been at the forefront of shaping Halal tourism, creating solutions that cater to the unique needs of Muslim travelers worldwide.
With over 35 years of experience in corporate leadership and entrepreneurship, Fazal began his career in the telecommunications industry, where he held senior positions in Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In 2008, he pivoted toward his entrepreneurial passion, establishing CrescentRating, which was followed by the launch of HalalTrip in 2014.
Under his leadership, CrescentRating has established itself as the leading global authority on Halal travel, offering strategic insights, research, consultancy, and destination marketing services. Its Muslim-friendly rating system has set international standards for assessing Muslim-friendly establishments. Its influence extends across key markets in the Middle East, South Asia, Western Europe, North America, and Asia.
As a driving force behind industry innovation, Fazal has played a pivotal role in launching initiatives such as the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) and the Halal In Travel Global Summit & Awards. These efforts have solidified CrescentRating’s position as a thought leader, influencing policies and business strategies within the Halal tourism sector.
Recognized globally for his contributions, Fazal has been featured in major media outlets and frequently speaks at industry conferences. He was named among Singapore’s Straits Times "Life Power List 2016" and included in the "Top 50 Leaders of the Islamic Economy" by Islamica 500.
Beyond his professional achievements, Fazal is committed to lifelong learning. He has completed executive programs at Stanford University, the National University of Singapore, and other esteemed institutions. His academic credentials include an International Master’s in Management, a Master’s in Computer Applications, a Bachelor’s in Telecommunications, and a Diploma in Islamic Banking and Finance.
Through his work, Fazal continues to drive innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in the evolving landscape of Muslim-friendly travel, inspiring industry leaders and travelers alike.