The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed on a Pan-Arab framework for the mutual recognition of Halal products and services certificates in order to enhance the competitiveness of halal food in international markets.
The announcement was made in the UAE on the sidelines of 4th Global Halal Industry Platform, which was organised by Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA).
ESMA director general Abdulla Al Maeeni said: “The Global Halal Industry Platform, being held in conjunction with Gulfood Dubai, is considered a meeting point for the most prominent global players in the halal industry.
“It also represents a major opportunity to exchange ideas and visions of growth, with over 1.6 billion Muslims around the world consuming halal food products.”
Through this initiative, UAE intends to globalise the halal food and beverages market, which according to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is expected to reach a value of $2.5tn this year.
Maeeni further explained that UAE has been leading efforts in this sector for years, and launched the ‘Dubai as the Capital of Islamic Economy’ initiative in 2013.
The UAE also established the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Center, as well as the International Halal Accreditation Forum, which includes 32-member states.
UAE is said to be the first country to establish and implement the world’s first Halal food system with standards and practices in the fields of accreditation, certification and evaluation.
It is reported that the Gulf Cooperation Council countries alone import $50bn worth of Halal products.
