MIHAS 2026: World’s Largest Halal Trade Show Returns to Kuala Lumpur, September 23–26

The 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase — September 23–26 at MITEC KL — sets its sights on US$1 billion in trade, 2,380 booths, and a historic pivot toward AI, governance, and measurable outcomes. Here is everything professionals across every halal sector need to know.

Every September, the global halal economy picks a room and has its most consequential conversations there. In 2026, that room is MITEC — the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur — and the event is the 22nd edition of MIHAS: the Malaysia International Halal Showcase.

Running from September 23 to 26, 2026, MIHAS is not simply the world’s largest dedicated halal trade show. It is the benchmark event against which every other gathering in this space measures itself. If you work in food and beverage, Islamic finance, modest fashion, halal pharmaceuticals, logistics, certification, or technology — this is where your industry’s direction gets set for the year ahead.

What Is MIHAS and Why Does It Dominate the Calendar?

Organised by MATRADE (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation) under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, MIHAS has spent two decades growing into the single most authoritative trade platform for the global halal economy. The numbers from the most recent edition tell the story clearly: RM6.05 billion in concluded deals, 2,400 booths, 50,340 trade visitors, 4,000 business meetings, and RM37 million in PR value — all from a single four-day event.

As Rafi-uddin Shikoh, CEO of DinarStandard USA, has noted: “The event has become the largest gathering of those in this segment specifically — the largest trade show for the industry, and it keeps growing.”

That growth is not accidental. Malaysia’s position as the global benchmark for halal certification — underpinned by JAKIM, one of the most recognised halal authorities in the world — gives MIHAS a credibility that comparable events in other markets cannot replicate. Buyers, regulators, certification bodies, and exporters from over 80 countries attend not just to exhibit, but to make decisions.

MIHAS 2026: What Is New This Year

The 22nd edition arrives under the theme “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience” — and for the first time, the conversation is explicitly shifting away from sheer scale toward something more substantive: governance, traceability, and technology.

Three strategic pillars define the 2026 agenda:

1. Regulated-by-Design

The integration of halal compliance into product and process design from the outset — rather than as an afterthought or add-on certification — is emerging as the new standard for serious players. MIHAS 2026 will platform the companies and regulators leading this shift.

2. Pioneer Leadership in Halal Standards

With halal markets fragmenting across regions — each with their own certification bodies, consumer expectations, and regulatory frameworks — the need for coordinated, globally recognised standards has never been more urgent. This pillar positions Malaysia, and MIHAS, as the convening authority for that conversation.

3. AI-Driven Business Solutions

Perhaps the most significant addition to the 2026 agenda: halal technology and artificial intelligence feature as a standalone sector for the first time. From automated compliance tracking to supply chain traceability and consumer demand forecasting, AI is becoming the infrastructure layer of the modern halal economy. MIHAS 2026 is where that infrastructure goes on display.

As Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, has stated: “With MIHAS 2026, the focus is shifting from size alone to a stronger emphasis on trust, governance, and measurable outcomes.”

The Numbers: What to Expect at MIHAS 2026

Who Should Be at MIHAS 2026 — and Why

MIHAS spans 14 halal industry sectors. Here is what the event offers professionals in each:

Food & Beverage — The largest sector at MIHAS by volume. Exporters, importers, distributors, and retailers from across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America use the Business Matching platform to conclude deals that would otherwise take months of outreach to arrange.

Halal Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals — A fast-growing segment as Muslim consumers demand halal-certified health products. MIHAS is the leading venue for regulatory alignment across markets.

Cosmetics & Personal Care — With the global halal cosmetics market projected to reach tens of billions of dollars this decade, buyers from Southeast Asia, the Gulf, and Europe are active at MIHAS in growing numbers.

Modest Fashion & Textiles — Designers, manufacturers, and retailers serving Muslim-majority and Muslim-minority markets convene here for trend-setting, sourcing, and distribution deals.

Islamic Finance & Services — Banks, takaful providers, fintech platforms, and advisors use the Knowledge Hub and business meetings to explore cross-border product distribution and investment flows.

Halal Logistics & Certification — The unglamorous but essential backbone of the halal economy. Cold chain operators, certification bodies, and standards consultants are among the most sought-after participants at MIHAS.

Halal Technology & AI — New for 2026 as a featured sector. If your product sits at the intersection of technology and halal compliance, this is your debut on the world stage.

What Happens at MIHAS Beyond the Exhibition Floor

20 Conferences — Covering trade policy, sector trends, regulatory updates, and investment flows. These are not keynote performances — they are working sessions where policy gets discussed and positions get formed.

Business Matching Platform — Pre-scheduled, curated meetings between buyers and sellers. The 4,000 business meetings at the previous edition were arranged through this system. For exhibitors, it is often the most direct source of ROI.

Virtual Showcase — An extension of the physical event for international participants who cannot travel, allowing product discovery and initial meetings online.

MIHAS Awards — Recognising excellence, innovation, and sustainability across the halal industry. Winners gain significant visibility with buyers and media throughout the event.

Knowledge Hub — Sector-specific sessions hosted by industry bodies, government agencies, and leading companies. Essential for anyone tracking regulatory developments across multiple markets.

How to Participate

As a Trade Visitor: Register at mihas.com.my. Early bird passes are available. The event runs daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM across all four days, September 23–26.

As an Exhibitor: Booth reservations are open. With 2,380+ booths filling across 14 sectors, space allocation is competitive. Contact [email protected] or call +603 5020 7455 to discuss placement.

As a Conference Delegate: Session access is included with trade visitor registration. Individual session details are published on the MIHAS website as the programme is confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is MIHAS 2026?
September 23–26, 2026 at MITEC (Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Who organises MIHAS?
MATRADE — the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation — under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, in association with the Halal Development Corporation and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).

How many countries participate in MIHAS?
More than 80 countries are represented at MIHAS, with trade visitors expected from over 45 countries in 2026.

Is MIHAS only for Muslim-owned businesses?
No. MIHAS is open to any company — regardless of ownership — that manufactures, distributes, certifies, finances, or provides services to halal markets globally. Many of the world’s largest food and consumer goods multinationals exhibit and source at MIHAS.

What sectors does MIHAS cover?
14 sectors: food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, personal care, modest fashion, textiles, Islamic finance, halal tourism, logistics, certification, technology, AI, and sustainable halal products.

How do I arrange business meetings at MIHAS?
Through the official Business Matching platform at mihas.com.my. Meetings are pre-scheduled before the event begins.

What was the trade value concluded at the last MIHAS?
RM6.05 billion in deals were concluded at the previous edition. The 2026 target is US$1 billion and above.

MIHAS 2026 runs September 23–26 at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur. For registration and exhibitor enquiries: mihas.com.my | [email protected] | +603 5020 7455