Makkah Halal Forum 2026: Launch of the third edition under the patronage of the Minister of Commerce
Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Commerce, Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, the Holy City of Mecca is preparing to host the third edition of the "Makkah Halal Forum 2026," organized by the "Manafe'" initiative under the theme "Halal: A Professional Industry." The event is scheduled to begin next Saturday, February 14th, and continue until February 16th, at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Exhibition and Events Center, with wide local and international participation.
Strategic importance and spiritual significance
This event gains its exceptional significance from its location in Mecca, the Qibla of Muslims and the focus of their hearts, thus granting the forum unparalleled strategic and spiritual weight. This edition aims to solidify the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a unified global center for halal standards, leveraging its rich Islamic heritage to foster an integrated economic system. The forum seeks to transform the concept of "halal" from mere religious compliance into a professional and industrial system that guarantees quality and reliability, thereby enhancing consumer confidence in global markets.
Rapid growth of the Islamic economy
The forum is being held at a time when the halal sector is experiencing unprecedented growth globally. Documented statistics indicate that the halal economy reached $2.42 trillion in 2023, with strong projections indicating continued upward momentum, reaching $3.36 trillion by 2028. This tremendous growth is not limited to food and beverages, but extends to other vital sectors such as Islamic finance, cosmetics, halal tourism, and pharmaceuticals, opening up vast investment opportunities for Saudi and international companies.
International partnerships and support for Vision 2030
The third edition of the forum is witnessing significant international activity, with the participation of representatives from more than 16 countries, alongside a select group of decision-makers and heads of global chambers of commerce. The forum's objectives align directly with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify non-oil revenue sources and increase the volume of Saudi exports. The accompanying events, including dialogue sessions, workshops, and B2B meetings, aim to empower local companies to access global markets and facilitate the establishment of strategic partnerships that support the national economy.
Quality activities to empower the sector
To ensure maximum benefit for participants, the forum's agenda includes specialized programs covering vital aspects such as entrepreneurship in the halal sector, franchise mechanisms, and export and import regulations. The "Halal Experts Corner" stands out as a key feature of the forum, offering consulting services and initial assessments of establishments' readiness to obtain accredited halal certifications. This contributes to raising quality standards and enhancing the competitiveness of Saudi products in international markets.
