@Halal March/April 2023 | Page 4

Joining forces Ghassan Aboud Group and Halal Quality Control Group join forces to accelerate halal economy growth in the UAE and beyond

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Foreign News

@ Halal | MARCH-APRIL . 2023

Joining forces Ghassan Aboud Group and Halal Quality Control Group join forces to accelerate halal economy growth in the UAE and beyond

UAE-headquartered international conglomerate Ghassan Aboud Group and Halal Quality Control ( HQC ) Group have introduced halal certification solutions for UAE companies producing and exporting halal goods at the world ’ s largest annual global food and beverage sourcing event , Gulfood .

The joint venture will provide accreditation and business solutions that maintain high standards and regulations in line with international halal requirements . It will facilitate the growth of the halal economy in the UAE and boost trade to the whole region through an online application process on its dedicated online platform .
With the halal economy estimated to be worth US $ 3.2 trillion by 2024 – according to the second edition of the Halal Guidebook released last year – the UAE has established itself as a key player in producing and exporting goods and products across several industries as demand surges .
Commenting on the occasion , Ghassan Aboud , Founder and Chairman of Ghassan Aboud Group , said : “ The partnership between the Group and HQC , established within the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre ( DMCC ) ecosystem , is a significant milestone to contribute to the UAE ’ s position as a leader in the halal industry .
“ The JV is to assist customers on their journey to become halal-certified and will help realise new avenues for trading through halal certifications and training .”
Dr A . M Al Chaman , Founder of HQC and European Representative of the World Halal Food Council , said the partnership was a turning point to promote halal certification services from the UAE to meet the consumers ’ growing demand for halal products globally .
“ We understand there was a gap in Halal certifications . We are working with DMCC
Ghassan Aboud Group & Halal Quality Control Group Signing Ceremony at Gulfood 2023 .
to provide unified and trusted certification to exporters in the Gulf region to enhance commodity trade flows through Dubai ,” said Chaman .
“ The joint venture will assist in the endto-end Halal certification process with easy access and a seamless experience . We are looking forward to expanding the services to the wider Asian markets that have an everincreasing demand for Halal products and improved import and export policies .”
Established in 1983 , HQC is an internationally accredited halal certification body
ranked as one of Europe ’ s first trustworthy accredited halal certification bodies .
The thorough application process will assess companies across several metrics , including production environment and cleaning processes . This concludes with an on-site audit from HQC ’ s Shariah and Technical auditors .
Once passed , the organisation will be awarded a certificate allowing it to enter the global Halal market . This process is repeated yearly , in line with international standards and regulations .

Unlocking the potential of the Muslim travel market

THE Halal In Travel – Global Summit ( HITGS ) 2023 is on May 30-Jun 1 . CrescentRating & HalalTrip ’ s 3rd global Halal travel event will examine the Muslim travel market ’ s great potential for sustainable tourism .
Around 60 National Tourism Organisations , stakeholders , and online travel industry professionals will attend this year ’ s event . As the tourism sector strives for resilience and sustainability , HITGS 2023 is essential . Its expansion may depend on Muslim travel .
About 160 million Muslims visited in 2019 . An estimated 160 million Muslims will travel in 2024 . And 230 million tourists will spend US $ 225 billion by 2028 .
Tourism Ministers will give keynote speeches and discuss Muslim traveller acceptance . At HITGS 2023 , Mastercard-CrescentRating will unveil the 8th GMTI , 3rd HalalTrip 40 , and Halal In Travel Awards 2023 .
The GMTI , the travel industry ’ s leading halal travel index , produces an annual research rating of the world ’ s best Muslim-friendly travel destinations based on Halal cuisine , prayer facilities , and lodgings . This year ’ s grade emphasises destination sustainability .
The HalalTrip 40 will honour outstanding Muslims in different fields at HITGS 2023 . The list features inspiring Muslims who have used their trade , product , or service to better the community . Trailblazers , Advocates , Inspirers , and Innovators were included .
“ We are thrilled to host HITGS 2023 . It brings together key players in the travel industry to explore the vast potential of the Muslim travel market ,” said Fazal Bahardeen , CEO of CrescentRating & HalalTrip .
“ As we navigate the challenges of the postpandemic world , it is increasingly clear that the Muslim travel market will be a key driver of tourism growth . We are excited to offer a platform for industry leaders to share their insights and ideas .”