Halal lifestyle festival to bring food, fashion, heritage and tourism under one roof

KUALA LUMPUR, September 24 — Malaysia's inaugural Halal Lifestyle Festival (MHLife) 2026 is set to draw 300,000 visitors and feature 250 exhibitors over a three-day period at Dataran Karnival, Shah Alam Stadium, between October 23 and 25. The festival's director-general, Mohammad Faisal Abu Suaib Khan of the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), reported that around 30% of the planned exhibitors have confirmed their attendance.

The ITC will work with the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) to secure participation from each Malaysian state. MHLife 2026 aims to be a premier Muslim-friendly festival that brings together Malaysia's diverse food, modest fashion, arts, culture, heritage, tourism, shopping, and entertainment offerings in a single location.

Unlike traditional bazaars, the festival promises an interactive experience that goes beyond the ordinary. The event, free to attend from 10 am to 10 pm, will boast 16 pavilions representing 13 states and three federal territories. One of the festival's main attractions will be traditional Mak Yong arts performance, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Representing the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Mohammad Faisal signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the honorary secretary Datuk Megat Shahrul Azman Abas. The MoU aims to boost the recognition and market value of Muslim-friendly tourism, enhance industry capabilities through training, and jointly implement promotional and industry engagement initiatives.