MASHABLE: Malaysia is at the top of the list and is retaining its position since 2019.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia secured rank among the top three destinations in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2022.

The index, which is published annually by CrescentRating and MasterCard, assesses nations depending on how well they cater to Muslim travellers. Malaysia is at the top of the list, retaining its position since 2019. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Indonesia tied for the second position.

The kingdom scored highly for providing easy access to halal dining alternatives, adequate airport facilities, and availability of prayer locations.

The UAE is just a single step behind in third place. The Emirates also ranks first among the top 30 Muslim outbound markets in terms of air connectivity, land connection, visa requirements, and transportation infrastructure.

This year's ranking included over 138 nations, with points awarded for a number of factors that can make Muslim travelers' journeys less stressful. These include accessibility, communication, environment — including safety records and sustainability — and services available such as hotels, halal dining and unique experiences.

Following are the top destinations in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2022:

1. Malaysia

2. Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey

3. UAE

4. Qatar

5. Iran, Jordan

6. Bahrain, Singapore, Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan improved the most in this year's list, climbing seven places since 2019. Jordan also improved its position by moving up three places to join the fifth position with Iran.

Surprisingly, countries that are members of the 57-member-state Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, centred in Saudi Arabia (OIC), dominated the index.

Singapore, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and Thailand are the top four non-OIC destinations for Muslim tourists. Despite having relatively small Muslim populations, these destinations make a big effort to attract and welcome Muslim tourists.

According to the index, international Muslim tourist arrivals hit 160 million in 2019 and predicted to reach 140 million in 2023 as travel resumes before returning to pre-pandemic levels in 2024. By 2028, the market predicted to grow to 230 million Muslim visitors.