In a move reflecting the rapid development witnessed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia across various economic sectors, the Makkah Halal Forum highlighted the pivotal and growing roles of women in the global halal industry. Women's role is no longer limited to traditional participation, but has transformed into an active and influential element within an integrated economic system where value chains intersect with digital transformation and economic empowerment, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Economic context and importance of the halal industry
These discussions come at a time when the halal economy is experiencing unprecedented global growth, with market estimates exceeding trillions of dollars. It is no longer limited to food alone, but has expanded to include finance, cosmetics, tourism, and pharmaceuticals. By hosting such forums, Saudi Arabia is working to solidify Makkah's position as a unified global center for halal standards, thus placing great importance on the participation of all segments of society, especially women, in shaping the future of this vital sector.
Empowering Muslim women professionally
During a panel discussion titled "Empowering Muslim Women Professionally in Global Halal Markets," the importance of integrating women's empowerment within the framework of the industry's economic impact and institutional maturity was emphasized. The session explored how to link women's professional roles to the economic standing of Mecca as a pivotal hub for the Islamic world's economy and an influential center for halal industry governance and standards.
This session came as part of the Women’s Empowerment Track, in partnership with the “Maida Nazer” Organization for Women’s Economic Empowerment, in an approach that seeks to move women’s empowerment from the level of symbolic participation to the level of effectiveness within the integrated system of the halal economy, through entrepreneurship, consulting services, and the use of modern technologies in the sector.
Bridging the gap between local and global markets
Nawal Al-Babtain, Director of Halal Product Consulting at Halal Product Development Company, explained that her work in providing consultations to companies seeking halal certification both within and outside the Kingdom has directly contributed to strengthening the halal industry and bridging the gap between the Saudi market and international markets. Al-Babtain emphasized that empowering women in this sector requires developing specialized programs in halal trade and investment, and setting achievable goals that will enhance the presence of Muslim women in the international market.
She pointed out that the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 has contributed to creating a supportive environment that has enabled women to play a leading role in the halal trade, stressing that the future is promising in light of the Kingdom’s wealth of female talents capable of leading the future of this industry and leaving an influential leadership mark.
Technology and artificial intelligence as tools for empowerment
For her part, Diana Sprin, co-founder and CEO of OneAgrix, emphasized the importance of leveraging artificial intelligence to support women's roles in the halal sector. She noted that technology accelerates learning, facilitates access to information, and promotes women's entry into the industry, in addition to supporting companies and enhancing their market presence. She affirmed that her platform aims to promote and expand the global reach of the halal concept, focusing on operating in neutral environments and countries open to diverse cultures.
Leadership and shared responsibility
In a related context, Natavan Mamadova, Secretary General of the “Maida Nazer” organization, affirmed that women possess important leadership qualities, most notably concern for the public interest, calling on relevant sectors to support and empower women, and pointing out that this empowerment is a shared responsibility that contributes to enhancing the sustainability of the sector.
Alya Jafar, Director of International Relations at the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, also noted the importance of consolidating the role of women in shaping the Islamic economic landscape, praising the role of the Makkah Halal Forum in providing reliable and transparent information on investment opportunities and enhancing communication between Islamic countries.
