Saudi Arabia Strengthens Halal Leadership With 13 New Deals At Makkah Forum 

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia saw the signing of 13 agreements at a special event in Makkah, boosting its halal industry leadership by expanding investment, strengthening certification standards, and enhancing food production.

Announced during the second edition of the Makkah Halal Forum, held from Feb. 25 to 27, the deals included partnerships between the Halal Products Development Co., a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, and Al-Watania Poultry, Golden Chicken Farms Co., and Ajlan & Bros Holding Group.

The Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development also signed agreements with Brazil’s Fambras Halal, Thailand’s Halal Science Center, and Slovenia’s KulinWorld to enhance global certification and research in the industry.

Additionally, the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, or MODON, secured deals with First Milling Co. and Ghitha Alzad Food Industries to strengthen halal food production infrastructure. 

Held under the theme “Sustainable Development through Halal” and inaugurated by Saudi Commerce Minister Majid Al-Kassabi, the forum aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification and private sector expansion. 

As the birthplace of Islam, the Kingdom has long been a trusted source of halal products and is leveraging its influence to lead the $7 trillion global halal market, which is projected to reach $10 trillion by 2030. 

Muslim consumer spending on halal-certified products is estimated at $207 billion, according to the American Halal Foundation, underscoring the sector’s economic potential. 

With participation from over 150 companies across 15 countries, the forum has become a key platform for driving innovation, enhancing standards, and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a central hub in the international halal economy. 

The agreements signed during the forum support business development and economic growth across various sectors. They establish a framework for halal sciences, contribute to the advancement of scientific and educational materials, and reinforce the forum’s global standing. 

Serving as a global gathering for industry leaders, the forum facilitated collaboration on innovations and best practices in the halal sector, with a focus on sustainability and development. As a platform for business partnerships and investment, it reinforced Saudi Arabia’s position in the global halal economy.