Saudi Arabia Set to Steer the Global Halal Economy at Makkah Forum 2025

Saudi Arabia, under the patronage of Commerce Minister Dr. Majid Bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, will host the 2nd Makkah Halal Forum (MHF 2025) from February 25–27 (today), positioning itself as the epicenter of a rapidly evolving $3 trillion Halal economy. The event, orchestrated by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), is poised to convene policymakers, industry titans, and innovators from over 120 countries to chart a future where ethics, sustainability, and technology converge.

A Vision Rooted in Ambition
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030’s economic diversification goals, the forum will spotlight the Kingdom’s trifold strategy: harnessing its role as the Islamic world’s spiritual heart, transforming into a global investment magnet, and leveraging its geographic crossroads linking Asia, Europe, and Africa. With 6,000+ attendees—including government delegations, corporate leaders, and investors—the event underscores Saudi Arabia’s bid to dominate a sector projected to outpace conventional markets in growth.

From Farm to Pharma: A Multisector Agenda
The forum’s agenda bridges high-stakes policy debates with gritty industry realities. Sustainability takes center stage, with panels dissecting eco-friendly Halal food production and waste reduction in supply chains. In one notable session, Dr. Wael Eldesouki Bedda, a sustainability advocate, will lead discussions on aligning Halal practices with climate goals, asking: “Can faith-based consumption models coexist with planetary preservation?”

Tech’s disruptive potential threads through the program. Startups like Takadao, a blockchain-driven insurtech firm, and Durioo+, a family-friendly streaming platform, will debate how AI and digital tools can combat fraud in Halal certification. Meanwhile, Saudi Halal Center executives plan to demo a new government-backed digital platform designed to unify global certification standards—a move analysts say could ease trade bottlenecks.

Women, Trade, and the Power of Collaboration
A standout panel moderated by Natavan Mammadova, the ICCD’s Women’s Economic Empowerment Lead, will spotlight female entrepreneurs reshaping the Halal landscape. Deena Ataie, founder of London’s Heriots Patisserie, and South Africa’s Fayruz Mohamed will share strategies for scaling businesses in male-dominated sectors. “The Halal economy isn’t just about compliance—it’s about inclusivity,” Mammadova noted in a pre-forum interview.

Cross-border partnerships also dominate the agenda. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s foreign affairs adviser Dino Selimović and Malaysia’s trade envoy Faizalkhan Jaafar will tackle tariff barriers and certification disputes, while a closed-door roundtable—led by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s arbitration chief, Dr. Umar Oseni—aims to harmonize Halal standards across 42 countries.

Beyond Boardrooms: Culture, Cuisine, and Connection
The forum isn’t all spreadsheets and policy papers. Attendees can savor live cooking demonstrations by chefs like Zahra Khan, whose London-based Feya restaurants blend Halal principles with avant-garde pastry art, and Ramin Nuriyev, CEO of Istanbul’s Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet, famed for reviving Ottoman-era recipes. “Food is the soul of Halal culture,” Khan said. “It’s where tradition meets innovation.”

Networking opportunities abound: B2B matchmaking sessions, tours of MODON’s industrial zones, and a gala dinner under Riyadh’s starlit sky aim to foster deals among 410+ trade delegates. Even the menu tells a story—organic, locally sourced ingredients echo the forum’s sustainability ethos.

The Saudi Playbook: Regulation Meets Innovation
Saudi Arabia’s institutional heft will loom large. Eng. Saud Al-Askar of the Saudi Standards Authority and Eng. Abdulaziz AlRushodi, CEO of the Saudi Halal Center, will detail plans to streamline quality controls and boost public-private partnerships. With Halal pharmaceuticals—a $500 billion market—emerging as a priority, sessions will explore how Sharia-compliant drug production could address healthcare gaps in Muslim-majority nations.

Why This Forum Matters Now
As Halal demand surges beyond food into finance, cosmetics, and logistics, the sector’s fragmentation—over 200 certification bodies worldwide—has sparked calls for unity. MHF 2025 arrives as nations scramble to tap a market growing 30% faster than conventional industries. For Saudi Arabia, the forum is both a diplomatic tool and a business incubator, aligning with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision to diversify beyond oil.

The Makkah Halal Forum isn’t merely a conference—it’s a bellwether for a shifting global economy. As ethical consumption reshapes consumer habits, Saudi Arabia is betting big on Halal’s potential to redefine trade, empower marginalized communities, and prove that profitability and principles need not clash.

— For registration and schedules, visit www.makkahhalalfourm.com.