The 12 Best Cities for Muslim Expats
The 12 Best Cities for Muslim Expats
There’s a whole new world for Muslim expatriates to live and flourish beyond the United States of America. Many non-US countries have close-knit Muslim communities, religious infrastructure, employment opportunities, and an overall tolerant attitude towards Muslims. Here are 12 cities that are a safe haven for Muslims across the globe:
1. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Jeddah and Riyadh are the biggest hubs for expats in Saudi Arabia. Still, the port city of Jeddah has the upper hand due to its moderate climate, an abundance of international schools, and availability of various foreign cuisines, predominantly South Asian. Settling in Jeddah is a dream for Muslims due to its proximity to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
2. Doha, Qatar
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While Doha is visibly an ultra-modern city, it is rooted deeply in Islamic cultural values and, thus, a great city to settle in for a Muslim family. The outer areas of Doha have lower living costs, and the suburbs have excellent infrastructure, including schools and parks. Qatari companies also provide great expat packages with benefits that lift much of the financial burden.Â
3. Abu Dhabi, UAE
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Abu Dhabi, the less flashy alternative to Dubai with the same great infrastructure and facilities, is a prime destination for Muslim families looking to settle down. It is a quieter, less hectic city and much more affordable than Dubai while also being one of the safest cities in the world.
4. Toronto, Canada
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Toronto is among the best places to live as a Muslim in Canada. Its diverse environment allows you to seamlessly blend in without seeming like an outsider. Several mosques, Islamic schools, community centers, and halal food markets exist. There is a high demand for medical and IT professionals in Toronto.
Learn more about moving to Canada
5. Brisbane, Australia
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Brisbane is a vibrant city with a thriving Muslim community supported by numerous mosques and Islamic centers holding religious educational sessions. From shopping destinations to the natural beauty of beaches and rainforests, Brisbane is one city you’ll never get bored of living in.
Learn more about moving to Australia
6. Auckland, New Zealand
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Although it has a high concentration of Sunni Muslims, Auckland also has a noticeable population of minority sects like Shia and Ahmadiyya. New Zealanders are warm and welcoming people, a true community, regardless of religious divides. The government and natives are strictly against any kind of intolerance or hate against minorities, making for a worry-free life for Muslim expats.
Learn more about moving to New Zealand
7. Muscat, Oman
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Oman is a quietly modern country in the Arabian Peninsula, with its capital, Muscat, being the model modern city. Muscat has excellent educational and medical facilities and ample job and business opportunities for foreigners. While contemporary in many aspects, Oman is still conservative in religion and preserving its cultural heritage.Â
Learn more about moving to Oman
8. Dublin, Ireland
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While Ireland is small, the natives are extremely friendly and hospitable. Dublin, being a big city, has a more significant Muslim population with readily available halal foods, halal butchers, mosques, and Islamic centers. Besides many mosques, Dublin boasts the Ahlul Bayt Islamic Centre, also known as the Hussain House, Ireland’s leading Shia Islamic center.
Learn more about moving to Ireland
9. Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Birmingham is one of the most diverse Muslim areas of the United Kingdom. With approximately 30% of its population being followers of Islam, Birmingham has over 200 mosques and many Islamic centers and community centers. Birmingham is also a melting pot of ethnic Muslim minorities, so Muslims get a chance to interact with different Muslim cultures and enjoy a variety of halal cuisines.
Learn more about moving to the United Kingdom
10. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Malaysia is a contradiction of a progressive Muslim country with equal opportunities for both genders while being conservatively Islamic in some aspects. The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is a good choice for practicing Muslim expats, with a large job market for highly qualified candidates.Â
11. Ankara, Turkey
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Often overshadowed by the tourist hotspots in Istanbul, Ankara is the perfect Turkish city for Muslim families to settle in. Ankara has all the facilities such as schools, healthcare, and historical and recreational spots while being quieter, cheaper, and more modern than the oriental Istanbul.
12. Cologne, Germany
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Cologne has a large Muslim population and has various amenities like halal restaurants, halal butchers, Islamic centers, and mosques. The multicultural atmosphere of the city promotes acceptance and tolerance. In 2021, Cologne became the first major German city to allow the broadcast of the azaan from its 35 mosques.
Learn more about moving to Germany
The 10 Worst Reasons to Move Abroad
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There are plenty of excellent reasons to move abroad, if you’re not happy with developments in the U.S. There are also terrible reasons to move. These fall mostly into two categories: trying to solve your problems without working on yourself, and taking advantage of locals. The first category just flatly doesn’t work, and the second is unethical. If you want to be unethical, stay home.
➤ The 10 Worst Reasons to Move Abroad
Thinking About Moving to a Safer Country? Here Are the Top 25 Options
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What are the safest countries in the world? The Legatum Prosperity Index (LPI), an annual ranking system that measures nations on a dozen measures of social progress, guides us to finding the answers. Where does the U.S. fall on the list?
➤ Thinking About Moving to a Safer Country? Here Are the Top 25 Options
5 Easy Ways to Find the Best Country to Live In
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How do you find the best country to live in?
With nearly 200 countries to choose from, picking your top countries gets tough quickly. Here are a few ways to find the lifestyle that suits your needs:
➤ 5 Easy Ways to Find the Best Country to Live In
Zobia Shazi is a freelance writer from Pakistan and travel enthusiast. With a Bachelor's degree in IT and four years of professional writing experience, she's passionate about crafting compelling content for people all over the globe. When she's not busy typing, you can find her reading books in a nice cafe or exploring new places.
Zobia Shazi is a freelance writer from Pakistan and travel enthusiast. With a Bachelor's degree in IT and four years of professional writing experience, she's passionate about crafting compelling content for people all over the globe. When she's not busy typing, you can find her reading books in a nice cafe or exploring new places.