World Halal Summit in Istanbul Breaks Records with Key Industry Insights

The 10th World Halal Summit and Halal Expo concluded recently in Istanbul, showcasing a decade of excellence in the global halal economy. Organized under the auspices of the Turkish Presidential Office, the event brought together stakeholders from 110 countries, including policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and academics. With record-breaking attendance of tens of thousands and representation from over 55 speakers across 20 nations, the summit served as a powerful platform for shaping the future of halal industries.

A Decade of Achievements

Celebrating 10 years of success, the 2024 summit underscored the rapid evolution of the halal economy, which now encompasses sectors as diverse as food, cosmetics, fashion, finance, tourism, and pharmaceuticals. From its modest beginnings, the halal economy has emerged as a global powerhouse, valued at over $8 trillion and projected to grow to $10 trillion by 2030.

The summit highlighted Turkey’s leadership role in promoting halal standards and fostering collaboration among Islamic nations. It also sheds light on the growing recognition of halal products and services among non-Muslim consumers, who are increasingly drawn to their ethical, high-quality, and sustainable attributes.

With participation from 110 countries, the 10th World Halal Summit achieved record-breaking attendance, reflecting the rising prominence of the halal economy in global trade discussions. The event featured a mix of policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and young entrepreneurs, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of dialogue and innovation.

The sheer diversity of attendees underscored the halal economy’s universal appeal. While traditionally centered on Muslim-majority countries, the halal market is now making significant inroads into non-Muslim regions, driven by demand for products that align with ethical and sustainable consumption trends.

The 2024 World Halal Summit provided a dynamic platform for participants to explore the halal economy’s multifaceted dimensions. Here’s an in-depth look at the event’s standout features:

1. Halal Expo

The Halal Expo featured hundreds of exhibitors showcasing a wide range of halal-certified products and services. Highlights included:

• Halal Food: From organic dates to processed foods, exhibitors presented various halal food products catering to global markets.
• Modest Fashion: Designers showcased collections blending Islamic principles with contemporary aesthetics, highlighting the growing demand for modest fashion worldwide.
• Halal Technology: Companies demonstrated cutting-edge solutions, such as blockchain systems for halal certification and AI-powered tools for supply chain transparency.

2. Natural Organic Vegan Zone (NOV)

The NOV Zone highlighted the convergence of halal principles with sustainability and veganism. Exhibitors presented plant-based halal products, eco-friendly packaging solutions, and cruelty-free cosmetics, catering to environmentally conscious consumers.

3. ETHEXPO Eurasia Tourism

The ETHEXPO Fair spotlighted halal-friendly tourism and health services, two sectors poised for exponential growth. Discussions revolved around:

• The development of halal-certified resorts, airlines, and travel packages.
• Medical tourism opportunities for Muslim patients seeking faith-compliant treatments.
• Innovative apps and platforms designed to enhance the halal travel experience.

4. Modest Fashion Special Area

The Modest Fashion Special Area provided a stage for designers and brands to showcase collections that marry traditional values with modern trends. This area highlighted the economic potential of the modest fashion industry, projected to reach $375 billion by 2025.

5. Africa Special Area

Dedicated exhibitions and forums celebrated Africa’s growing influence in the halal economy. Participants discussed strategies for leveraging the continent’s vast agricultural resources and expanding its halal production capacity.

6. Interactive B2B Zones

The B2B zones facilitated hundreds of one-on-one meetings, enabling businesses to connect with potential buyers, investors, and partners. These interactions were pivotal in fostering cross-border collaborations and expanding market access.

Roadmaps for the Future

One of the summit’s key achievements was the formulation of strategic roadmaps to guide the halal economy’s growth. High-level discussions centered on:

• Halal Certification: Developing unified global standards to enhance trust and facilitate international trade.
• Technological Integration: Leveraging blockchain, IoT, and AI to improve supply chain transparency, traceability, and efficiency.
• Market Expansion: Identifying untapped markets and building consumer awareness about the benefits of halal products.
• Investment in Infrastructure: Encouraging foreign investments to bolster halal production and distribution networks.

Turkey’s role as host underscores its strategic importance in the halal economy. Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey is uniquely positioned to serve as a gateway for halal products entering global markets.

1. Halal Food Production: Turkey’s halal food sector is among the largest globally, exporting to the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
2. Halal Tourism Leader: With initiatives like halal-friendly hotels and halal-certified dining options, Turkey has become a preferred destination for Muslim travelers.
3. Certification Excellence: Turkey’s robust halal certification framework ensures compliance with international standards, boosting its credibility in the global marketplace.

The World Halal Summit reinforced Turkey’s commitment to fostering international trade. By providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration, the event enabled Turkish businesses to showcase their expertise and connect with global partners.

The Halal Economy in Numbers

The summit highlighted the immense scale and potential of the halal economy. Key figures include:

• Food and Beverages: Valued at over $2 trillion, this sector remains the backbone of the halal economy.
• Cosmetics: Projected to grow to $92 billion by 2025, reflecting rising demand for ethical and halal-certified beauty products.
• Tourism: Halal tourism is expected to reach $300 billion by 2026, driven by Muslim travelers seeking faith-compliant services.
• Islamic Finance: With assets exceeding $3 trillion, Islamic finance continues to play a critical role in funding halal ventures.

These numbers underscore the halal economy’s significance as a driver of global trade and economic development.

Related: Global Halal Economy Surpasses $8 Trillion with Key Insights from World Halal Summit

Record-Breaking Attendance

The summit’s record-breaking attendance reflects a broader trend: the increasing integration of halal products and services into mainstream markets. Non-Muslim consumers are increasingly drawn to halal offerings due to their perceived ethical, high-quality, and sustainable attributes.

The event also highlighted the growing role of young entrepreneurs and innovators in shaping the halal economy. Millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize social responsibility and ethical consumption, are driving demand for halal-certified goods and services across sectors.

Sustainability

Sustainability emerged as a key focus at this year’s summit, with exhibitors and speakers emphasizing the alignment of halal principles with environmental and ethical concerns. Initiatives highlighted included:

1. Plant-Based Alternatives: Halal-certified vegan products catering to health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.
2. Eco-Friendly Practices: Innovations in packaging and production aimed at reducing environmental impact.
3. Sustainable Tourism: Efforts to promote eco-tourism destinations that comply with halal standards.

Case Studies

The summit featured several inspiring case studies of businesses that have successfully navigated the halal market:

• A Halal Beauty Brand: A startup specializing in halal-certified cosmetics shared how it leveraged social media to reach global audiences, achieving 300% revenue growth in three years.
• A Halal Travel App: A tech company showcased its innovative app that connects Muslim travelers with halal-friendly accommodations and dining options, addressing a key pain point for the market.

These stories demonstrated the opportunities available for businesses willing to innovate and adapt to the evolving halal landscape.

The Role of Technology

Technology was a major topic of discussion at the summit, with experts exploring its transformative potential. Key applications included:

1. Blockchain for Certification: Enhancing trust and transparency in halal certification processes.
2. AI-Driven Consumer Insights: Using artificial intelligence to analyze consumer behavior and tailor products to meet their needs.
3. IoT in Agriculture: Improving efficiency and traceability in halal food production.

The 11th World Halal Summit

Building on this year’s success, the 11th World Halal Summit is scheduled for November 26-29, 2025, in Istanbul. Organizers plan to expand the event’s scope, introducing new themes and interactive sessions. The next summit will focus on:

• Emerging Technologies: Exploring innovations shaping the halal economy, from AI to blockchain.
• Youth Engagement: Encouraging young entrepreneurs to drive growth and innovation.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Showcasing efforts to align halal practices with environmental goals.

The 10th World Halal Summit and Halal Expo in Istanbul marked a defining moment for the global halal economy. With record-breaking attendance, diverse participation, and a forward-looking agenda, the event celebrated a decade of success while paving the way for future growth.

As the halal economy continues to expand, driven by ethical consumption and technological advancements, the World Halal Summit remains an essential platform for shaping its future. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, the summit ensures that the halal economy remains a powerful force in global trade and development.

With the 11th summit on the horizon, the global halal industry is poised to achieve even greater milestones, cementing its place as a driver of economic and cultural progress.