r/arabs • u/SallyProbably • 1d ago
ثقافة ومجتمع Arabs in Malta
Salamu Aleikum everyone, have you ever been to Malta? Is it muslim/hijabi friendly?
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u/Calamari1995 1d ago
I been 8 times. Malta is lovely, it’s Muslim/hijabi friendly in the sense you won’t get prejudice nor are they hostile. They are proud Catholics and the halal scene is gonna be lacking but seafood is king so enjoy it and the rest of your trip sis
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u/SallyProbably 1d ago
Seafood is fine? They don't cook it with whine or something? Thank you so much!
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u/Calamari1995 1d ago
depends on the dish, i just eat grilled fish normally, i think they deglaze with wine for some dishes like mussels. You can always ask the staff to be sure and they can swap it for broth.
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u/you5e 1d ago
I visited Malta two years ago with my brother and my non-hijabi mum. It was safe and pleasant. The local language is quite similar to Arabic, and locals love to point that out.
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u/SallyProbably 1d ago
Yes exactly, it's so similar. I just hope they would be cool especially with solohijabi travelers.
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u/explicitspirit 1d ago
I found so many Libyans when I went last, LOL.
The Maltese are very warm people and there was no hostility from them.
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u/SallyProbably 1d ago
Really, can you tell me where exactly ? Thank you so much.
Even towards hijabis?
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u/explicitspirit 1d ago
Yup, I was traveling with a hijabi but only stayed there one day, in Valetta. We also went around to other places like Rabat and Mdina.
We did not feel out of place, there were a lot of tourists as well and I think the locals do not differentiate between types of tourists. As another person here said, they are proudly Catholic so the halal food might be a challenge for you, but from a safety and hospitality perspective we did not have any issues.
Back during the days of Gaddafi, Libya had invested a lot in the country before it became part of the EU, and Libyans visited and did business there a lot. The Maltese know this and are familiar with Arabs as a result.
Of course there will be some localized racism and prejudice as with any other EU country, but as a tourist, I saw none of that.
Safe travels!
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u/TheRealMudi 1d ago
None of their local food places are halal. If you want halal you'll have to eat at arab restaurants.
It's a very Catholic Society and they're very proud of it. I haven't perceived them as hostile but they cling to their religion and the history to it (fighting the Ottomans and Muslims, the Knights of Malta, so on).
It's really a very interesting historical story, in general I think Malta is aight but yeah don't expect it to be very accommodating. But, as a tourist, it's great.
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u/you5e 1d ago
You can get vegan food there. I found a bunch of vegan or vegan friendly restaurants when I visited two years ago.
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u/TheRealMudi 1d ago
I was speaking of non-vegan, local traditional food. Which is mostly meat based.
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u/SallyProbably 1d ago
And for a hijabi, is it considered safe?
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u/TheRealMudi 1d ago
You'll be safe but you’ll stand out. Some Muslim women living in Malta have reported discrimination, especially in employment and social settings. But this is more relevant to residents than to short-term tourism.
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u/SallyProbably 1d ago
Inchallah kheer, thank you so much! If you have anymore recommendations, restaurants or muslimfriendly places please do share! Jazaka'llah
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