Launch of the Makkah Halal Forum 2026: Towards a Global Professional Industry
the Makkah Halal Forum 2026 kicked off this morning, Saturday, at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce Exhibition and Events Center. The event, held under the patronage of the Minister of Commerce, Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, will run for three days, from February 14th to 16th, under the theme "Halal: A Professional Industry."
The importance of the forum in the context of Islamic economics
This forum is being held at a crucial time, as the Islamic economy is experiencing rapid growth globally. This edition is particularly significant as it aims to transform the concept of "halal" from a mere traditional religious obligation into a comprehensive economic and industrial system. Through its Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is working to strengthen its position as a global logistics and trade hub for halal products, leveraging its unique religious and geographical significance.
In his opening remarks, the Secretary General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, Yousef Hassan Khallawi, affirmed that the forum is one of the most prominent outcomes of the global "Manafea" initiative. He pointed out that the strategic objective is to solidify the position of Makkah and Madinah as unifying centers for Muslims in the fields of business and investment, and not merely as destinations for religious rites.
From religious observance to industrial professionalism
The forum highlighted this year's theme, "Halal: A Professional Industry," which reflects a strategic direction for developing the sector. Khalawi explained that the future of the halal industry depends on:
- Applying the highest standards of governance and transparency.
- Building global institutional trust in halal brands.
- Professionalism in supply chains, finance, and marketing.
Economic experts point out that the global halal market is no longer limited to food, but has expanded to include Islamic finance, tourism, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, making it a key contributor to the non-oil global economy.
Discussion sessions that shape the future of the sector
The first day witnessed a high-level conference that included five main sessions, discussing specific topics of interest to investors and decision-makers, most notably:
- Positioning the halal mark in global markets.
- Islamic investment and financing mechanisms to support halal projects.
- Building sustainable economic assets for the sector.
- Challenges and opportunities in the areas of export, import and franchise.
The agenda also included specialized workshops and a closed roundtable that brought together a select group of leaders to exchange views on unifying regulatory standards.
Mecca: The Launchpad to Global Success
The Makkah Halal Forum 2026 represents a strategic platform that combines economic thought and technological innovation. The growing attendance of visitors from around the world underscores the Kingdom's pivotal role in leading this sector. Leveraging the sacred status of Makkah enhances the credibility of products and services originating from it, contributing to the growth of this vital sector and the development of its professional frameworks regionally and internationally.
