The third edition of the Makkah Halal Forum 2026 kicks off
Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Commerce, Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, the city of Makkah is preparing to launch the third edition of the “Makkah Halal Forum 2026 ,” organized by the “Manafe’a” initiative. The forum will be held from February 14 to 16 at the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Exhibition and Events Center, under the slogan “Halal: A Professional Industry,” emphasizing the commitment to developing this vital sector according to the highest international standards.
Background and importance of the global halal industry
This edition of the forum comes at a time when the Islamic economy and the halal industry are experiencing rapid growth globally. The concept of “halal” is no longer limited to food products but has expanded to encompass broad sectors such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, financial services, tourism, and logistics. According to recent economic reports, the global halal market was valued at approximately $2.42 trillion in 2023, with ambitious projections indicating it will reach $3.36 trillion by 2028. This growth reflects the increasing demand not only from the world’s nearly two billion Muslims but also from non-Muslim consumers seeking high-quality, safe, and ethically compliant products.
The impact of the forum and its strategic dimensions
The Makkah Halal Forum plays a pivotal role in solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in the Islamic economy, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 , which aims to diversify income sources and boost non-oil exports. Domestically , the forum provides an ideal platform for Saudi companies to showcase their products and services and forge strategic partnerships that open doors to global markets. Regionally and internationally , the forum derives its significance from Makkah's spiritual status as the heart of the Islamic world, lending the event unique momentum and making it a meeting point for decision-makers, experts, and investors from over 16 countries. The forum aims to build international consensus on halal industry standards and concepts, thereby fostering trust and integration in global markets.
Goals and activities of the third edition
The forum's strategy in its third edition focuses on building upon the success of previous editions in raising awareness of the opportunities inherent in this sector. The event will witness growing international momentum through specialized programs including panel discussions, bilateral meetings, and workshops, with the primary objective of increasing the volume of trade agreements between local and international companies. The forum also aims to attract a select group of leaders and decision-makers, official representatives from various countries, and heads of chambers of commerce from around the world. Among the specialized programs offered by the forum is the "Halal Experts" corner, which provides an initial assessment of companies' readiness to obtain halal certification, in addition to programs supporting entrepreneurship, franchising, export, and import, making it a comprehensive event that supports all aspects of this promising industry.
