Abu Dhabi turns spotlight on $2.1 trillion Halal industry

Opening tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the three-day
Halal World Expo, organised by IIR Middle East, aims to build on its inaugural success last year, having immediately established itself as the GCC's leading exhibition dedicated to the global Halal industry.

As well as showcasing Halal food, the event will also focus on Halal lifestyle products, including Islamic finance and Shari'ah compliant fashion, cosmetics and healthcare.

The Middle East is one of the premier markets for Halal products and the exhibition will provide a business platform catering to the needs of the global Halal producers, traders and business leaders looking to expand their business in the region.

Christine Weaver, Exhibition Director for Halal World Expo, said:

"The need for this event is clear when you consider that the Halal industry is a burgeoning business, with over 1.8 billion consumers worldwide and worth an estimated $2.1 trillion. Our inaugural event was a huge success and we look forward to building upon that."

"The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre really is the place to be if you want to play a part in, or find out more about, the Halal industry, given that we will have fascinating talks and delicious food on offer for interested parties to enjoy."

The event has attracted more than 50 organisations involved in the Halal industry from across the globe, including leading food companies such as Nestlé and Wrigley.

Among the countries participating for the first time, the Philippines will be showcasing an appetising array of its finest halal products, such as fresh mango, lechon manock (baked chicken) and coconut milk.

Running alongside the exhibition is the Halal World Expo Forum, bringing together experts from various industries to address key issues and provide specific practical solutions for sustainable growth and development across the many fields of this diverse industry.

The forum will also throw the spotlight on the multi-billion dollar Islamic finance sector, with three comprehensive seminars on Shari'ah compliant banking and financial services given by key Middle East banks, including a presentation and discussion group facilitated by Abrar Mir, Managing Partner at NBD Capital.

Weaver added: "Potential investors and customers for products and services in the Islamic finance sector will find these seminars extremely useful. The Shari'ah compliant financial services sector is worth between $200 and $500bn annually and is of growing interest for world financial markets."