January-February. 2026 | @ Halal

FOREIGN NEWS

LEADERS DRIVING HALAL GROWTH: H. E. Mr. Mohammed Ali Addarrat, Chairman of the Libyan Foreign Bank, and H. E. Mr. Yousef Khalawi, Secretary General of AlBaraka Forum for Islamic Economy, pictured at the 4th Global Business Excellence Gala, shaping the future of the global halal economy.

Foreign Bank, and Türkiye’ s Halkbank signalled strong public-sector support and increasing global confidence in halal-driven growth.

Their involvement also illustrated how Islamic finance and halal services are becoming integral components of national economic strategies.

Speakers addressed persistent challenges facing the halal and Islamic economy, particularly the need for regulatory reforms that expand access to halal financial services.

Calls for greater engagement with policymakers highlighted gaps that continue to exclude millions of Muslims worldwide from fully participating in the global financial system. At the same time, discussions explored how innovation and digital solutions can strengthen ethical finance without compromising core Islamic principles.

This broader perspective formed the discussions at the 4th Global Business Excellence Gala in London, where stakeholders examined how halal principles are shaping contemporary business models.

Organised by the AlBaraka Forum for Islamic Economy in

AS the global wellness industry continues to evolve, longevity and preventive care have moved to the forefront of consumer priorities. At the same time, there is a growing demand for health supplements that align not only with scientific standards but also with ethical and religious values.

Halal certification, once largely limited to food, is increasingly serving as a marker of trust in the supplement and wellness sector, particularly across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

EUDA Health Holdings is responding to this shift with the upcoming launch of EUDA Helixé 2.0, a next-generation youthful vital- collaboration with the Islamic Chamber for Halal Services, the event drew business leaders, policymakers, financial institutions, and innovators from around the world.

More than a traditional conference, the Gala functioned as a space for dialogue, collaboration, and impact, reinforcing London’ s role as a key hub for international halal-focused engagement.

A key focus of the discussions was the positioning of the halal economy beyond its commercial function, highlighting its ethical and values-driven nature.

AlBaraka Forum’ s Secretary

ity and longevity supplement set to debut in January 2026.

The upgraded product combines enhanced formulation strength with advanced delivery technology, while securing New Zealand halal certification to support broader international distribution.

Halal compliance in supplements

EUDA Helixé

General, Yousef Khalawi, noted that the event was grounded in the principle of litaarafu, which emphasises mutual understanding and engagement across cultures.

He emphasised:“ This concept is not merely a tool for building business relationships, but a human value and an end in itself, fostering deeper connections and mutual understanding across cultures and communities.”

The presence of major statelinked institutions reflected the growing institutional maturity of the halal sector. Participation from Saudi Arabia’ s Halal Products Development Company, Libya’ s

extends beyond ingredient selection to include sourcing, manufacturing processes, and preservation methods. By obtaining certification in New Zealand, EUDA positions Helixé 2.0 as a halal-certified product suitable for Muslim consumers seeking premium, science-backed wellness solutions.

This certification enables EUDA to formally enter halal-conscious markets across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and more.

AS demand for halal food continues to grow across the United States, restaurant brands are increasingly adapting their menus to serve more diverse communities.

Vocelli Pizza is taking a step in this direction with its upcoming expansion into the Houston market, where its new location in Katy, Texas, will introduce a regionalised menu featuring halal products.

Set to open in early 2026, the Katy outlet will mark Vocelli Pizza’ s first presence in the Houston area. The move reflects rising demand for halal-friendly dining options in the city, particularly within the casual pizza segment, which has traditionally offered limited halal choices. Vocelli aims to provide Muslim diners with greater access to familiar comfort foods.

Alongside its Houston opening, Vocelli Pizza is also launching new locations in Dalton, Georgia, and Rockville, Maryland, as part of its broader national growth plan.-