Halal hotels for Muslims certified to Sharia norms to open in Russia

A number of halal hotels for Muslim believers, which will be opened in Russia, will be certified according to Sharia norms, the Russian Muftis’ Council said on its website on Monday. Chairman of the Russian Muftis’ Council Ravil Gainutdin has endorsed the hotel standard developed by International Center for halal standardization and certification, which is the first ever standard which regulates such hotel services in the Russian hotel and tourist sector, said the Council's press service. "The new standard will promote development of tourism to Russia," said Director of the International Center for Halal Standardization and Certification Aidar Gazizov. "Given growing tourism to Russia from Southeast Asia, China and Moslem countries the class of a hotel will be indicated by half moons, rather than conventional stars symbols," he said. All the halal hotels should observe Muslim catering traditions, especially during the Ramadan; hotel rooms will be provided with special facilities for Muslim worship, he added. There might be a mosque in a hotel and separate leisure and fitness rooms for men and women.