Malaysia Sets the Benchmark for the Global Halal Industry

Malaysia has long been at the forefront of the Global Halal Industry, setting benchmarks for halal production, certification, and trade. Today, it takes a monumental step in further solidifying its leadership with the launch of MIHAS@Dubai. This inaugural international event by the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) represents a bold move to strengthen ties with the Middle Eastern market and expand Malaysia’s influence as a global leader in halal innovation.

Held from November 18 to 20 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, MIHAS@Dubai is a first-of-its-kind overseas initiative that aligns perfectly with Malaysia’s strategic vision for halal industry growth. Coinciding with the Middle East Organic and Natural Products Expo, the event offers a robust platform for Malaysia to showcase its halal offerings to a global audience, fostering opportunities for trade, investment, and collaboration.

Malaysia’s Halal Economy

For over two decades, MIHAS has established itself as one of the world’s largest and most influential halal trade shows. Its success in Kuala Lumpur, where the 20th edition attracted over 43,000 visitors and generated significant trade transactions, has laid the groundwork for this international debut.

The decision to bring MIHAS to Dubai is both timely and strategic. As the Middle East represents one of the most lucrative markets for halal products and services, this expansion provides Malaysian businesses with direct access to a region that values high-quality halal-certified goods.

Officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, alongside esteemed dignitaries such as Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Chairman of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), and Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, CEO of MATRADE, MIHAS@Dubai underscores Malaysia’s commitment to becoming a global halal powerhouse.

The Global Halal Industry

The global halal economy is growing at an unprecedented pace, fueled by increasing demand from Muslim and non-Muslim consumers alike. According to recent reports, the halal market is projected to reach $5 trillion by 2030, with key sectors such as halal food, halal pharmaceuticals, and Islamic finance driving this growth.

Malaysia has consistently been a trailblazer in this space, leveraging its advanced halal certification system, innovative production methods, and strong government support to capture a significant share of the market. In 2023, Malaysia’s halal exports were valued at RM 50 billion, with the nation targeting even higher milestones in the coming years.

The Middle East, with its robust economy and high consumer spending, is a natural partner for Malaysia’s halal industry. Events like MIHAS@Dubai play a crucial role in bridging the gap between these markets, facilitating the exchange of goods, services, and expertise.

MIHAS@Dubai

MIHAS@Dubai is not just a trade show; it’s a comprehensive platform that embodies Malaysia’s vision for the global halal economy. This year’s event features over 200 Malaysian exhibitors showcasing a wide range of halal-certified products and services, including:

• Halal Food: From premium meats and snacks to ready-to-eat meals, Malaysian companies are highlighting their culinary excellence.
• Pharmaceuticals: The global halal beauty and wellness market is expected to reach $76 billion by 2025, and Malaysia is leading the way with innovative skincare and health solutions.
• Halal Logistics: Malaysia continues to be a pioneer in these sectors, offering cutting-edge solutions that align with Shariah principles.

By hosting MIHAS@Dubai in tandem with the Middle East Organic and Natural Products Expo, Malaysia is ensuring maximum visibility and engagement for its exhibitors. The event also includes networking sessions, B2B meetings, and knowledge-sharing forums, designed to foster collaboration and investment opportunities.

Dubai

Dubai’s position as a global trade hub makes it the perfect venue for MIHAS’s international debut. The city is a gateway to markets across Europe, Asia, and Africa, offering unparalleled connectivity and access to diverse consumer bases.

The UAE has been at the forefront of halal industry development, with Dubai positioning itself as a leading hub for halal trade and innovation. Hosting MIHAS@Dubai in this dynamic environment not only strengthens Malaysia’s presence in the Middle East but also amplifies its voice in the global halal industry.

Bridging the Gap

One of the key objectives of MIHAS@Dubai is to facilitate meaningful connections between Malaysian exporters and international buyers. With demand for halal-certified products on the rise, this event provides a unique opportunity for stakeholders to explore partnerships and expand their global footprint.

For Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the event is a game-changer. SMEs account for a significant portion of Malaysia’s halal exports, and MIHAS@Dubai offers them a platform to showcase their capabilities to an international audience. By participating in this event, these businesses can gain valuable insights, access new markets, and build long-term relationships with global partners.

Economic Impact

The economic impact of MIHAS@Dubai is expected to be substantial. With global halal trade projected to exceed $3 trillion by 2025, Malaysia is positioning itself to capture a significant share of this market.

In the first nine months of 2024, Malaysia reported a 10.2% increase in trade performance compared to the same period in 2023. Events like MIHAS@Dubai are instrumental in sustaining this momentum, driving export growth, and enhancing Malaysia’s reputation as a top halal exporter.

Additionally, the event aligns with Malaysia’s broader economic goals, including its ambition to become a high-income nation. By investing in the halal industry, Malaysia is not only creating new opportunities for businesses but also contributing to job creation, innovation, and sustainable development.

A Focus on Innovation

Malaysia’s leadership in the global halal industry is underpinned by its commitment to innovation and sustainability. From developing advanced halal certification systems to adopting eco-friendly production methods, Malaysia is setting new standards for excellence.

At MIHAS@Dubai, attendees will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge innovations in halal production, including:

1. Packaging: Many Malaysian companies are adopting environmentally friendly materials to reduce waste and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
2. Digital Solutions: From blockchain-based traceability systems to AI-powered quality control, Malaysia is leveraging technology to enhance its halal offerings.

These efforts not only meet the evolving needs of global consumers but also align with Malaysia’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Role of Islamic Finance

Islamic finance is a cornerstone of Malaysia’s halal industry, providing the financial infrastructure needed to support halal trade and investment. The country’s Islamic finance sector is among the most developed in the world, offering a wide range of Shariah-compliant financial products and services.

At MIHAS@Dubai, Malaysia’s Islamic finance capabilities will be on full display, showcasing how they can drive growth and innovation across the global halal economy. This includes financing solutions for SMEs, investment opportunities for international partners, and insights into emerging trends such as halal fintech and sukuk issuance.

Challenges

While the global halal industry offers immense opportunities, it also faces several challenges. These include:

• Regulatory Differences: Variations in halal certification standards can complicate cross-border trade.
• Supply Chain: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities of global supply chains, making resilience a top priority for halal producers.
• Consumer Education: Many consumers lack awareness about the benefits and significance of halal products, limiting their adoption in non-Muslim markets.

MIHAS@Dubai aims to address these challenges by fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. Through workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, the event seeks to build a more inclusive and resilient halal ecosystem.

Looking ahead, Malaysia’s vision for the global halal industry is both ambitious and inspiring. By internationalizing MIHAS and expanding into untapped markets, Malaysia is laying the groundwork for long-term success.

MATRADE’s efforts to promote Malaysian halal products on the global stage are supported by a robust ecosystem that includes government agencies, industry associations, and private-sector partners. This collaborative approach ensures that Malaysia remains at the forefront of halal industry development, setting a benchmark for other nations to follow.

A New Era for the Halal Industry

MIHAS@Dubai is more than just an event; it’s a testament to Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to excellence in the global halal industry. By bringing together stakeholders from around the world, the event is creating new opportunities for trade, investment, and collaboration, while reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a leader in halal innovation.

As the global halal market continues to grow, Malaysia’s proactive approach ensures that it remains at the cutting edge of industry trends. MIHAS@Dubai is not just a milestone for Malaysia—it’s a step forward for the entire global halal ecosystem.

For the latest updates on MIHAS@Dubai, visit MATRADE’s official website or follow them on social media.