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MAKKAH — International experts and specialists participating in the third edition of the Makkah Halal Forum 2026 said the halal sector is undergoing a qualitative economic transformation, moving beyond basic Shariah compliance toward building a fully integrated, professional industry capable of competing in global markets.The forum, organized by the Manafea Initiative at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce, heard speakers stress that the challenge is no longer limited to proving product legitimacy. Instead, it is increasingly linked to operational excellence, trusted brand building, and the development of professional identities capable of penetrating global supply chains in a competitive environment driven by quality, sustainability and efficiency.During a session titled “Halal as a Global Professional Identity,” Secretary-General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development Yousef Khalawi urged national and Islamic companies to realistically assess global market shifts.He said competition is no longer confined to Islamic countries but now includes major international brands.Khalawi noted that companies in Europe and the United States have allocated dedicated halal production lines and successfully entered high-return seasonal sectors such as Ramadan gifts and modest fashion. Their advanced supply chains and flexible logistics systems have provided them with a clear competitive advantage, he said, adding that producers in the Islamic world must adopt integrated industrial models to maintain and expand their market share.He also emphasized the need to reshape the public perception of the halal sector through a more mature communication strategy.Halal standards in terms of product safety, source transparency and environmental respect align directly with global sustainability requirements that increasingly influence consumer behavior, he said.Khalawi pointed to gaps in packaging and brand presentation among some products despite the quality of their ingredients.He said the global experience of Islamic banking offers a successful example of transforming a Shariah-based product into a structured global industry with institutional presence.In another session titled “Building Halal Brands as a Tool for Global Positioning,” speakers described trust as the cornerstone of brand building, noting that quality combined with ethical values is decisive in attracting consumers, particularly in the rapidly growing modest fashion sector.Discussions on brand sustainability focused on how to create global brands that reflect user experience across diverse markets. Understanding cultural differences was highlighted as critical to international expansion without losing brand identity.Speakers concluded that the halal industry remains in a growth phase, with its future dependent on systematic investment in human capital, including managerial capacity building, technical expertise development, and strengthened marketing and innovation capabilities.They said the demographic advantage of the Islamic world, characterized by a young population, represents a major strategic opportunity if directed toward building competitive, value-driven industries.Global ethical and environmental challenges further reinforce the need for business models grounded in transparency, human protection and environmental responsibility, principles deeply rooted in the philosophy of halal.Makkah Halal Forum 2026 serves as a platform integrating economic thought, regulatory frameworks, institutional empowerment and technological innovation. The forum aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a key player in the global halal economy and leverage Makkah’s spiritual standing to build international economic centrality.
