In an increasingly interconnected world, the partnership between Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is setting a global standard for halal trade. The Malaysia-UAE Halal Trade relationship reflects a shared commitment to excellence, quality, and trust in halal products, further solidifying Malaysia’s role as a global leader in the halal economy.
As Malaysia expands its footprint through the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS)@Dubai 2024, this partnership underscores the immense potential of halal trade in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Speaking at the landmark event, Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi highlighted the robust framework that has made Malaysia’s halal certification the gold standard worldwide.
Malaysia’s Halal Certification
At the heart of Malaysia’s success is its internationally recognized halal certification system, overseen by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). Known for its stringent compliance and transparency, JAKIM’s certification is endorsed by 88 certification bodies worldwide, covering markets across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.
“Malaysia has built a robust and mature halal ecosystem, consistently ranked at the top of the Global Islamic Economy Indicator,” said Ahmad Zahid. “This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to high standards, quality, and integrity, which collectively underscore Malaysia’s leadership in advancing the global halal sector.”
This recognition is not just a badge of honor; it is a cornerstone of trust. MENA consumers and businesses increasingly turn to Malaysian products, assured by their adherence to strict halal standards.
Halal Trade with UAE
The UAE has emerged as a critical partner in Malaysia’s halal trade strategy. In 2023, Malaysia recorded $12.5 billion (RM55 billion) in halal exports, with the UAE ranking as the largest importer among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, contributing $256 million (RM1.13 billion) to this total.
Products spanning halal food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and logistics have gained significant traction in the UAE, where demand continues to grow due to a rising consumer preference for authentic halal-certified goods.
In 2024, through MIHAS@Dubai, Malaysia is targeting export sales of $250 million (RM1 billion), further strengthening its foothold in the region and showcasing its ability to meet the evolving needs of the MENA halal market.
MIHAS@Dubai
For two decades, the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) has been the premier platform for connecting halal businesses with global buyers. Its expansion to Dubai in 2024 is a strategic move that aligns with Malaysia’s vision of positioning itself as a global halal hub.
“For two decades, MIHAS has enabled countless success stories for halal businesses, from small enterprises to large corporations,” Ahmad Zahid remarked during his keynote address at MIHAS@Dubai.
With over 200 Malaysian exhibitors showcasing halal-certified products, the event provides unparalleled opportunities for businesses to network, secure investments, and explore new markets. Key industries represented include:
- Halal Beverages: Premium halal meat, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals.
- Halal Pharmaceuticals: Products meeting the rising demand for ethical and halal-certified wellness items.
- Halal Logistics: Cutting-edge solutions ensuring supply chain transparency and Shariah compliance.
MIHAS@Dubai also serves as a knowledge-sharing platform, featuring panel discussions, workshops, and B2B meetings designed to foster collaboration and innovation.
Halal Diplomacy
Malaysia’s success in the halal industry extends beyond trade. Through its concept of “Halal Diplomacy,” the country is building bridges between nations, businesses, and communities.
“Halal Diplomacy is about strengthening international ties, creating a dynamic halal ecosystem, and establishing partnerships that advance shared goals,” said Ahmad Zahid.
At MIHAS@Dubai, this vision comes to life. The event is more than a trade show—it is a call to action for stakeholders to forge enduring partnerships that will benefit businesses, societies, and future generations.
The Global Halal Economy
The global halal market is projected to reach $5 trillion by 2030, driven by increasing demand from both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers. Key sectors contributing to this growth include:
- Halal Food: The largest segment, accounting for nearly 60% of the global halal market, with demand surging for ethical and sustainable food options.
- Halal Cosmetics: Valued at $76 billion by 2025, these sectors are growing rapidly as consumers seek products that align with ethical and religious values.
- Islamic Finance: Integral to supporting halal trade and investment, Islamic finance is projected to grow by 10% annually, further driving the global halal economy.
Malaysia is uniquely positioned to capitalize on these trends. Its comprehensive halal ecosystem and strategic partnerships, such as the Malaysia-UAE Halal Trade relationship, enable the country to remain a global leader in the halal industry.
UAE as a Gateway
The UAE’s strategic location and advanced trade infrastructure make it a natural partner for Malaysia’s halal industry. With its well-established logistics network, Dubai serves as a gateway to the broader MENA region, connecting Malaysian exporters with consumers across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.
This partnership is mutually beneficial. The UAE gains access to high-quality, halal-certified products from Malaysia, while Malaysia leverages the UAE’s market connectivity to expand its reach.
Supporting SMEs
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a pivotal role in Malaysia’s halal ecosystem. Representing a significant portion of Malaysia’s halal exports, SMEs are the driving force behind the country’s innovation and growth.
MIHAS@Dubai provides a platform for these businesses to:
- Showcase their products to an international audience.
- Engage with global buyers and investors.
- Access knowledge-sharing opportunities to enhance their operations.
Through initiatives like these, Malaysia ensures that its halal trade benefits businesses of all sizes, creating a more inclusive and dynamic ecosystem.
Innovation and Sustainability
Innovation and sustainability are central to Malaysia’s leadership in the global halal economy. From blockchain technology to eco-friendly packaging, Malaysian businesses are adopting cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving demands of consumers.
Key innovations showcased at MIHAS@Dubai include:
- Blockchain: Enhancing transparency in halal supply chains.
- Quality Assurance: Using AI to ensure compliance with halal standards.
- Practices: Implementing eco-friendly production methods to reduce environmental impact.
These advancements not only enhance Malaysia’s competitive edge but also align with global trends toward ethical and sustainable consumption.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite its growth, the halal industry faces several challenges, including:
- Variations: Differences in halal certification standards across countries.
- Supply Chain: Ensuring continuity amid global disruptions.
- Consumer Awareness: Educating non-Muslim consumers about the benefits of halal products.
Malaysia’s comprehensive halal ecosystem and strong partnerships, such as the Malaysia-UAE Halal Trade, position it to address these challenges effectively.
Malaysia-UAE Halal Trade
The Malaysia-UAE Halal Trade relationship is not just a trade partnership; it is an economic powerhouse. By strengthening ties with the UAE, Malaysia is boosting its export performance and creating new opportunities for growth.
In the first nine months of 2024, Malaysia’s trade performance increased by 10.2% compared to the same period in 2023. MIHAS@Dubai is expected to further enhance these figures, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a top halal exporter.
As Malaysia continues to expand its presence in the global halal market, its vision is clear: to remain a leader in quality, innovation, and collaboration. Through initiatives like MIHAS@Dubai, the country is setting the stage for long-term partnerships that will benefit businesses and consumers worldwide.
Ahmad Zahid’s remarks at MIHAS@Dubai encapsulate this vision: “Together, we can strengthen the global halal community, benefiting our businesses, societies, and future generations.”
Future for Malaysia-UAE Trade
The Malaysia-UAE Halal Trade partnership is a shining example of how trust, innovation, and collaboration can drive growth in the global halal economy. Through MIHAS@Dubai, Malaysia is not only showcasing its capabilities but also building lasting relationships that will shape the future of halal trade.
By embracing Halal Diplomacy, fostering innovation, and leveraging strategic partnerships, Malaysia is setting a benchmark for excellence in the halal industry. With the UAE as a key partner, the possibilities for growth and impact are limitless.
For updates on MIHAS@Dubai and Malaysia’s role in the global halal market, visit MATRADE’s official website or follow their social media channels.
Malaysia Sets the Benchmark for the Global Halal Industry
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