(Photo: Arab News)

In a significant move to enhance its leadership in the halal industry, Saudi Arabia announced the signing of 13 strategic agreements during the second edition of the Makkah Halal Forum. This event marks a pivotal moment for the Kingdom as it seeks to expand investments, elevate certification standards, and boost food production within the halal sector.

The Makkah Halal Forum, inaugurated by Saudi Commerce Minister Majid Al-Kassabi, was held under the theme “Sustainable Development through Halal.” The forum aligns seamlessly with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and promote private sector growth.

Among the notable agreements was a collaboration between the Halal Products Development Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, and several key players in the industry, including Al-Watania Poultry, Golden Chicken Farms Co., and Ajlan & Bros Holding Group. These partnerships are set to enhance the production and distribution of halal products, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of quality and compliance.

In addition, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development forged agreements with international entities such as Brazil’s Fambras Halal, Thailand’s Halal Science Center, and Slovenia’s KulinWorld. These collaborations aim to bolster global certification processes and advance research within the halal industry, further establishing a robust framework for halal standards worldwide.

The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) also played a crucial role by securing agreements with First Milling Co. and Ghitha Alzad Food Industries. These partnerships are designed to strengthen the infrastructure for halal food production, ensuring that the Kingdom remains at the forefront of the halal market.

As the birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia has long been recognized as a trusted source of halal products. The Kingdom is strategically positioning itself to lead the burgeoning $7 trillion global halal market, which is projected to reach an astonishing $10 trillion by 2030. With Muslim consumer spending on halal-certified products estimated at $207 billion, the economic potential of this sector is immense, as highlighted by the American Halal Foundation.

The Makkah Halal Forum attracted participation from over 150 companies across 15 countries, establishing itself as a vital platform for innovation, standard enhancement, and collaboration within the halal economy. The agreements signed during the forum not only support business development and economic growth across various sectors but also contribute to the advancement of scientific and educational resources related to halal sciences.

As a global gathering for industry leaders, the forum facilitated discussions on innovations and best practices in the halal sector, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and development. By fostering business partnerships and investment opportunities, the Makkah Halal Forum reinforced Saudi Arabia’s position as a central hub in the international halal economy, paving the way for a prosperous future in halal trade and industry.

Original Article:

Arab News. (2025, April 8). Saudi Arabia strengthens halal leadership with 13 new deals at Makkah forum. Arab News.  https://www.arabnews.com/node/2591820/amp