How Exhibitors Thrived at the Makkah Halal Forum 2025

As I walked through the bustling halls of the Makkah Halal Forum, the air was thick with the scent of ambition, innovation, and something deeper—a sense of purpose. The event, held in the holy city of Makkah at the end of February, 2025, was more than just a trade show; it was a convergence of faith, commerce, and community. Over the course of three days, I had the privilege of speaking with dozens of exhibitors, each with their own story to tell. What I discovered was a tapestry of benefits that went far beyond business deals. This wasn’t just an exhibition; it was a transformative experience for most of them.

Here’s what I learned from the exhibitors themselves about the tangible—and intangible—benefits they gained from being part of this extraordinary event.

1. “We Closed Deals We Never Expected”

Kamel, the CEO of a Malaysia-based halal food company, was one of the first exhibitors I spoke to. His booth was buzzing with activity, and for good reason. “We came here with modest expectations,” he admitted, “but within the first day, we had already secured three major distribution deals. The connections here are unlike any other event.”

Kamel`s story wasn’t unique. Many exhibitors shared how the forum’s global reach—with visitors from over 50 countries—allowed them to tap into markets they had only dreamed of. For small businesses and startups, this was a golden opportunity to break into the Middle Eastern market, which is often seen as the epicenter of the halal industry.

2. “Our Brand Became a Household Name”

A you lady who is the founder of an Indonesian halal cosmetics brand, was beaming with pride when I met her. “We’re a small company, but being here has given us the exposure we needed,” she said. “People are stopping by our booth, asking questions, and taking samples. We’ve even been approached by distributors who want to bring our products to Saudi Arabia and beyond.”

For her and many others, the Makkah Halal Forum was a platform to elevate their brand visibility. With a large number of visitors, including industry leaders, media, and consumers, the forum offered a level of exposure that would have been impossible to achieve elsewhere.

3. “We Learned What the Market Really Wants”

One of the most fascinating aspects of the forum was the direct feedback exhibitors received from consumers and industry experts. a gentleman who is the founder of a halal e-commerce platform, shared how this feedback was invaluable. “We’ve been operating for two years, but here, we got real-time insights into what our customers want,” he explained. “We’ve identified pain points we didn’t even know existed and gathered ideas for new features that could set us apart.”

This immediate connection with the market allowed exhibitors to refine their offerings and stay ahead of the competition.

4. “It’s Not Just Business—It’s Trust”

For many exhibitors, the forum was about more than just sales; it was about building trust. Mr. Rizki, the director of an Indonesia-based halal logistics association, emphasized this point. “Being here, in Makkah, adds a layer of credibility to our brand,” he said. “Our clients and partners see us as a trusted player in the industry. That’s something you can’t quantify.”

The forum’s association with the holy city and its endorsement by leading halal certification bodies lent an air of authenticity that resonated deeply with both exhibitors and visitors.

5. “We Found Support We Didn’t Know Existed”

Government and institutional support was another key benefit for exhibitors. Muhammad Ali, a halal food producer from Uzbekistan, shared how representatives from various Saudi government bodies provided him with guidance on export regulations and connected him with potential buyers. “The support we’ve received here has been incredible,” he said. “It’s opened doors we didn’t even know were there.”

7. “It Was a Spiritual Journey, Too”

Perhaps the most profound benefit I heard about was the spiritual enrichment that came with being in Makkah. a young lady, a halal cosmetics entrepreneur from the Indonesia, summed it up beautifully. “Being here has been a deeply spiritual experience,” she said. “It’s not just about business; it’s about connecting with our faith and understanding the deeper significance of what we do.”

For many exhibitors, the opportunity to perform Umrah and immerse themselves in the rich Islamic heritage of Makkah added a layer of meaning to their participation at the forum.

As I left the Makkah Halal Forum, I couldn’t help but reflect on the stories I had heard. This wasn’t just an event; it was a catalyst for growth, innovation, and connection. The exhibitors I spoke to didn’t just leave with business deals—they left with new partnerships, fresh insights, and a renewed sense of purpose.

The Makkah Halal Forum is more than a marketplace; it’s a movement. And for those who participated, it was a reminder that the halal industry is not just about products and profits—it’s about faith, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence.

For anyone considering exhibiting at next year’s forum, my advice is simple: don’t just come for the business. Come for the experience. Because in Makkah, the benefits go far beyond the bottom line.