May 14, 2017, Dubai / WAM news agency

The board of the International Halal Accreditation Forum (IHAF) held its first meeting in Dubai on Sunday, with members discussing internal regulations, future strategic direction, plans, and upcoming work plans that will help promote regional and international outreach.

Its goal is to expand the trade of Halal food through a multilateral recognition mechanism. The board reviewed the achievements made by the secretariat and its steering committee since the forum's establishment last year - it is the world's first international network to adopt Halal products.

Minister of State Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahd, chairman of the Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology (ESMA) and of IHAF, said the forum was established in response to ESMA. ESMA is an internationally recognized system that provides credible Halal products, services and systems and brings the Halal mark to the world.

He noted that the forum's existence helps increase the trade of Halal products, raise the credibility level of Halal certificates, and boost global Halal trade and industry. He pointed out the importance of holding a global forum in the UAE.

'The UAE's participation in the forum helps realize the nation's vision of promoting the global Islamic economy,' he said.

The successful holding of the forum established a strong quality foundation and a legislative system in the area of appropriate standards, enabling the country to actively join international and regional standardization bodies, which together give the UAE an important role.

Twenty major official accreditation bodies representing 23 countries worldwide attended the forum.

FAQ

What did the first IHAF board meeting discuss?
In May 2017, the board of the International Halal Accreditation Forum (IHAF) held its first meeting in Dubai, with members discussing internal regulations, future strategic direction, plans and work plans to promote regional and international outreach, with the goal of expanding Halal food trade through a multilateral recognition mechanism. The board also reviewed the achievements of the secretariat since the forum's establishment - it is the world's first international network to adopt Halal products.
What is the significance of the UAE's participation in the IHAF forum?
According to the UAE Minister of State and chairman of ESMA and IHAF, the forum was established in response to ESMA (an internationally recognized system providing credible Halal products, services and systems and bringing the Halal mark to the world). The forum helps increase Halal product trade, raise the credibility of Halal certificates, and boost global Halal trade and industry; the UAE's participation helps realize the nation's vision of promoting the global Islamic economy. Twenty major official accreditation bodies representing 23 countries attended.