JAKARTA – Hong Kong is preparing to roll out its inaugural halal-certified dining establishments through the Q-Mark Halal Scheme before 2025 concludes. This pioneering program represents a significant step toward making the city more accessible to Muslim visitors and residents while tapping into the rapidly expanding global halal market.

A Strategic Move in a Growing Market

With approximately 2 billion Muslims comprising roughly one-quarter of the world’s population, the halal industry is experiencing remarkable growth across multiple sectors including food services, finance, and travel. Industry projections indicate the market could reach several trillion dollars by the end of this decade. Hong Kong’s geographic position as a bridge between mainland China and international markets makes it uniquely suited to capitalize on these opportunities, particularly as it strengthens connections with Muslim-majority nations throughout Asia and the Middle East.

What is the Q-Mark Halal Scheme?

The Federation of Hong Kong Industries introduced the Hong Kong Q-Mark Halal Scheme in mid-August 2025, working alongside the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong, the city’s exclusive halal certification authority. This program extends the established Q-Mark quality certification framework, which has been recognizing excellence since the late 1970s.

The scheme aims to identify restaurants certified by the BOT that maintain superior service standards, helping Muslim diners easily locate reliable halal dining options. According to FHKI Chairman Anthony Lam, delivering quality service strengthens brand reputation while positioning businesses to benefit from the growing Muslim consumer market.

BOT Chairman Saeed Uddin explained that halal certification encompasses more than dietary restrictions. The concept embodies ethical procurement practices, sanitation standards, compassionate animal treatment, and spiritual consciousness. The BOT, which has served Hong Kong’s Muslim community for over 170 years, currently certifies approximately 300 establishments, including well-known venues such as Cathay Pacific Catering, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, and KFC.

Application Process and Requirements

Restaurants seeking Q-Halal Mark certification must first obtain BOT halal approval and be listed on the official registry of halal-certified restaurants in Hong Kong and Macau. Establishments can also submit combined applications for both BOT certification and the Q-Mark.

The Hong Kong Q-Mark Council evaluates applicants based on several factors: facility conditions, employee performance, service delivery methods, and customer care quality. Regular surprise inspections maintain compliance standards. Approved restaurants receive a Q-Halal Mark license for an initial fee of HK$880 per location, with identical annual renewal costs.

The application window opened in mid-August 2025, with initial certification results expected by late November 2025. The Kowloon Shangri-La became the first hotel to submit an application, demonstrating strong commercial interest in the program.

Government Support and Financial Incentives

Hong Kong’s government strongly supports this initiative as part of its broader strategy to enhance economic relationships with Muslim-majority countries. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po noted that the 57 Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member states currently contribute about 8 percent of global GDP, with projections suggesting this could exceed 20 percent by 2030.

Tourism figures reflect increasing interest from Muslim travelers. During the first eight months of 2025, Hong Kong received close to 500,000 visitors from Indonesia and Malaysia, representing a 10 percent increase from the previous year. Middle Eastern arrivals reached 54,000, marking a nearly 40 percent year-over-year surge.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board launched a complementary funding program in September 2025, offering restaurants a 50 percent subsidy on halal certification application fees, with a maximum reimbursement of HK$5,000 per establishment. This financial assistance applies to certifications obtained between September 2025 and the end of 2026, with applications accepted until January 2027.

This funding initiative has already contributed to growth in halal-certified restaurants, which increased from roughly 100 in early 2024 to 195 currently.

Benefits for Businesses and Visitors

For restaurant operators, Q-Halal Mark certification provides access to underserved markets. As ethical consumption trends gain momentum, halal products attract consumers beyond the Muslim community due to their emphasis on food safety and cleanliness standards. Businesses can expand into digital commerce and international markets, taking advantage of Hong Kong’s trade exhibitions that increasingly feature halal products.

Muslim travelers benefit from easier identification of authentic halal dining options, from traditional dim sum to Cantonese cuisine. The certification eliminates uncertainty about food preparation standards, creating a more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience that may encourage extended stays and return visits.

Cultural Considerations and Best Practices

Industry experts emphasize the importance of recognizing diverse Islamic traditions across different regions. Muslim practices vary considerably between conservative Middle Eastern countries and more flexible Southeast Asian nations. Successful businesses should invest in cultural awareness training for staff and consider amenities such as prayer facilities and alcohol-free dining environments.

Restaurants interested in halal certification should begin with the BOT approval process, which includes thorough audits of ingredient sourcing, food preparation methods, and storage procedures to prevent cross-contamination. Staff education and strategic marketing highlighting the Q-Halal Mark designation are essential for success.

Looking Forward

Hong Kong plans to increase international promotion of its Muslim-friendly facilities and services at global events, building on its recent recognition as the “Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination” by the Global Muslim Travel Index. The city has also strengthened its position in Islamic finance through sukuk issuances exceeding US$3 billion and Islamic exchange-traded funds.

Cultural exchange programs, including festivals and arts initiatives, will continue deepening connections with Muslim-majority nations. The Hong Kong government is establishing new Economic and Trade Offices in Kuala Lumpur and Riyadh to facilitate these relationships.

The launch of Q-Mark halal-certified restaurants represents a transformative moment for Hong Kong’s hospitality industry. By combining established quality standards with halal certification, the city is creating a more inclusive dining environment while opening new economic opportunities. This initiative demonstrates how cultural awareness and business innovation can work together to benefit residents, visitors, and the broader economy.

Original Article:

Halal Times. (2025, October 16). Hong Kong to Launch First Halal Certified Restaurants Under Q Mark Scheme. Retrieved from https://www.halaltimes.com/hong-kong-to-launch-first-halal-certified-restaurants-under-q-mark-scheme/