With the halal industry worth more than Dh73 billion ($19.8 billion) in the Middle East alone, great interest has been evinced in a trade show that will showcase products related to halal food.
Players already established in the industry will seek to consolidate their hold on markets while newcomers and others planning to enter into new ventures expect to find Orange Fairs & Events’ Halal Expo 2008, scheduled for November 24-26 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai, a good platform to explore business leads.
“The exhibition aims to provide a high-impact platform to aid global players who are looking to leverage the high demand for halal food products in the region, which have grown to comprise a significant part of the global halal food market and are expected to reach a value of $500 billion by 2010,” a spokesman of the organisers said.
“Amidst the growing demand for Halal food products in the region, Dubai has emerged as one of the first to leverage the booming prospects within the market after establishing a highly successful food processing industry, which rakes in more than Dh 11 billion ($3 billion) per year. Furthermore, the emirate’s food processing sector is expected to rise by 11 per cent annually owing to its growth as the world’s third largest re-exporter, with 72 per cent of its exports being shipped to Asia, Africa and the Gulf countries.”
 In an attempt to address the growing demand, the organisers of Halal Expo 2008 have expanded the event’s venue to a total of 1,500 sq m to accommodate the 7,000 to 8,000 visitors.
“The growth of the global halal food industry is well exemplified by the expansion of the halal food trade in the region, specifically in Dubai, which is regarded as a global hub for halal products,” said Raees Ahmed, director, Orange Fairs & Events. “Additionally, Dubai’s open trade policies have encouraged growth in the halal food industry not only in the region, but also in western markets where the Muslim population has seen significant growth. Our goal is to foster trade and facilitate a platform that promotes access to genuine halal goods, furthering development of the halal trade.”
In addition to the halal food industry, related businesses such as Islamic finance, eco-tourism, and pharmaceuticals have mirrored the current uptrend of halal food and personal care products.
According to the organisers, Halal Expo 2008 will also feature breakthrough findings, new technologies and improved processes. Furthermore, a roundtable dialogue among leading industry players will be held during the Halal Forum on the second day of the event.
Ahmed said the diversified halal industry was set to grow in terms of revenue and scope, creating opportunities for more companies. “By offering extensive networking opportunities, in addition to interactive seminars for the food service, hospitality, retail, logistics, import/export and packaging industries, we are seeking to impart a global perspective to the current market scenario,” the official said.
Currently 20 global companies from eight countries have confirmed their participation at the event. By the time it opens, the organisers expect to welcome more than 80 international exhibitors from Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Brunei, Bosnia, Canada, China, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, the Netherlands, Pakistan, the Philippines, Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the UK and the UAE.
The organisers say that representatives from government bodies, regional and international halal certification authorities, business chambers and international halal associations have confirmed their attendance.
Orange Fairs & Events promotes more than 100 exhibitions annually in Africa, the CIS, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, covering industries such   as general trade exhibitions, electrical and electronics, manufacturing, health, automobiles, gold and jewellery, metalworking, oil and gas, telecommunications, IT, printing and packaging, food and hotel and building and construction.