Kuala Lumpur’s ‘Eye of Arabia’.

Like many purpose-built tourist attractions, this Arab-themed urban village in Malaysia’s capital is a bit hokey, and given the searing sun, few people mill around for long. But when it was built in 2005, the “Eye of Arabia” was a small gesture to Middle Eastern and Muslim travellers – that whatever other countries might think of Muslims, they were welcome in Kuala Lumpur.

Twelve years later, that message has paid off. Though it’s only 60% Muslim, Malaysia now ranks first on a global list of Muslim-friendly tourist destinations. 

Vincent Bevins theguardian.com

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