The term 'Halal' refers to what is permitted; in food, this involves slaughtering and processing animals in a specific way. In addition, products should not contain pork or alcohol. You might think Halal food is just a set of rules about food, but the global Halal industry encompasses everything from food to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

According to Reuters' State of the Global Halal Economy report, by 2022 Muslim spending in the food and beverage sector will exceed US$1.9 trillion.

The expansion of this industry has led to the emergence of numerous Halal startups, from baby food and confectionery to ready-to-eat foods.

Standardization

Despite this expansion, the lack of international Halal food standards and unified certification rules is threatening the industry's growth.

A report published by the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre and Reuters shows that while Malaysia is currently the world leader in Halal food rankings, the UAE has made significant progress in becoming a reference point for global regulation.

The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology, an agency responsible for all standards related to health, safety and consumer protection, has certified about 200 UAE companies and more than 7,000 Halal products.

Director General His Excellency Abdulla Al-Maeeni said this program is based on international standards and is the first of its kind in the world.

Its purpose is to provide transparency and reliability, while aiming to enhance the industry's position in international markets, thereby benefiting producers worldwide.

'Once we have standards, then they (food producers) can produce commercial quantities of products, because they will have more people and markets accepting the same products,' Al-Maeeni explained.

FAQ

Why is the Halal industry called the largest and most diverse industry in the Muslim economy?
Because the global Halal industry encompasses everything from food to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, not just food rules. According to Reuters' State of the Global Halal Economy report, by 2022 Muslim spending in the food and beverage sector will exceed US$1.9 trillion, and the industry's expansion has spawned numerous Halal startups, from baby food and confectionery to ready-to-eat foods.
What has the UAE's ESMA done regarding global Halal regulatory standards?
The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) is responsible for all standards related to health, safety and consumer protection, and has certified about 200 UAE companies and more than 7,000 Halal products. According to the Director General, this program based on international standards is the first of its kind in the world, aimed at providing transparency and reliability and enhancing the industry's position in international markets. With standards, food producers can produce commercial quantities of products accepted by more markets.