| By Oman News

Positioning Omani Products for the Trillion-Dollar Halal Economy

Oman is accelerating efforts to strengthen its export competitiveness through the development of a comprehensive National Halal System, as the country positions itself to capture a larger share of the rapidly expanding global halal economy.

The National Halal System Task Force convened its third meeting this week to review progress on the integrated framework, a strategic initiative designed to ensure Omani products meet both domestic regulatory requirements and international halal standards. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Saleh bin Said Masan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry.

Officials highlighted the strong growth trajectory of the global halal economy, currently valued at more than US$7 trillion and projected to reach US$10 trillion by 2030. The market spans multiple sectors, including halal food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, halal tourism, Islamic finance, and modest fashion—creating significant opportunities for Omani exporters.

Regulatory Foundations for a Unified Halal System

The task force reviewed outcomes from the previous phase, including the finalization of draft regulations for the National Halal System and the identification of priority sectors under its scope. These include:

• Cosmetics, overseen by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion
• Food and water, regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources
• Pharmaceuticals, supervised by the Ministry of Health

Administrative, technical, and financial updates were also discussed, covering approval procedures and proposed fee structures. To centralize and streamline processes, the Oman Business Platform was formally designated as the official portal for halal certification applications and the registration of certifying bodies.

Fast-Track Access for Export-Oriented Producers

To support market entry and reduce procedural bottlenecks, the task force reviewed a Fast Track application mechanism scheduled for implementation at the beginning of 2025. The system is expected to accelerate certification timelines, strengthen consumer confidence, and support Omani companies seeking access to regional and international halal markets.

Participants also underscored the importance of Oman’s active participation in regional and global halal forums, alongside targeted training and capacity-building programmes for regulators, auditors, and technical personnel.

Sharia Governance and Institutional Coordination

Updates were presented on the “Appointment Regulations,” including stakeholder workshops involving public and private sector actors, the ongoing refinement of the draft framework, and key implementation challenges. The task force also reviewed proposals for a national halal logo, intended to enhance product visibility and brand recognition abroad.

Dr. Saleh emphasised that close coordination between government institutions and the private sector is essential to the success of the National Halal System. He highlighted the role of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and reaffirmed the Office of the Grand Mufti as the ultimate Sharia authority for halal interpretation, ensuring consistency with Oman’s religious principles.

He further stressed the need for clear procedures governing periodic Sharia compliance audits, supported by technical experts to strengthen supply-chain oversight and verify product integrity. These measures, he noted, are critical to maintaining credibility, regulatory coherence, and long-term confidence in Omani halal-certified products.

Source:

Oman News Agency. (2025). Oman advances national Halal System to boost export competitiveness. https://omannews.gov.om/topics/en/80/show/126087/ona