@Halal September/October 2023 | Page 22

Saudi International Halal Expo & Summit 2023 brings halal players to explore the multifaceted landscape of halal products , services , and innovation
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Event

@ Halal | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER . 2023

Exploring the diversity of halal

Saudi International Halal Expo & Summit 2023 brings halal players to explore the multifaceted landscape of halal products , services , and innovation
BY FATIHAH MANAF

THE KINGDOM of Saudi Arabia has gained significant prominence within the global halal market . With an increasing focus on promoting its halal industry , the Kingdom has been actively working towards championing the halal cause in the region and beyond .

The Saudi Halal Expo & Summit 2023 is a testament to this commitment , bringing together industry leaders , stakeholders , and enthusiasts to explore the multifaceted landscape of halal products , services , and innovation .
Organised by 1st Arabia Tradeshows & Conferences , the event ’ s second edition is gearing up to be grander and more impactful . Taking centre stage at the esteemed Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre ( RICEC ), the Saudi Halal Expo & Summit 2023 is all set to gather halal industry participants from Nov 19-21 , 2023 .
“ The second edition will once again take place in Riyadh . Our current objective is to establish Saudi Arabia as the central hub for the halal industry within our region . The Saudi Arabian government is actively endorsing the halal industry , focusing on the Muslim population across continents such as Asia , America , and Europe . Every single one of our products adheres to halal standards , providing us with extensive prospects within the halal industry ,” shared CEO & Managing Director of 1st Arabia Tradeshows & Conferences Bilal Al Barmawi .
THE SAUDI HALAL EXPO & SUMMIT 2023
The debut Saudi Halal Expo & Summit held last year marked a significant achievement , drawing participation from major global players in the halal industry . Despite its success , the event ’ s organiser , 1st Arabia Tradeshows & Conferences , has taken a keen interest in addressing shortcomings to elevate the experience for the second edition .
Armed with lessons learned , they are committed to refining every aspect of the event , ensuring that the upcoming Saudi Halal Expo & Summit surpasses expectations and delivers a more comprehensive and rewarding experience for attendees .
“ What can you look forward to in our second edition ? We ’ re bringing in a fresh lineup of participants , representing regions as diverse as Europe , America , Latin America , and Asia . Notably , the Malaysia Pavilion will also be a part of this year ’ s Saudi Halal Expo .
“ On top of that , the event will buzz with activities all centred around the halal industry . We ’ ve planned three-day workshops covering different topics and featuring speakers worldwide .”
MORE GLOBAL PARTICIPANTS
Bilal highlighted the challenges encountered by the organiser , underscoring that November coincides with the peak exhibition season in Saudi Arabia . Spanning the final quarter from September through March or April of the following year , this timeframe
Bilal Al Barmawi witnesses a surge in exhibitions across all sectors , including the food and beverages ( F & B ) industry .
Notably , as the halal expo primarily targets the F & B sector , they encountered difficulties attracting a more significant number of local participants from this sector .
“ However , we are determined and making great strides . The local and regional demand remains quite significant . Our focus is now on attracting prominent restaurant franchises and emerging sectors .
“ In addition , we are actively pursuing manufacturers in the poultry industry , with seven notable companies already on board .
Some participants from last year ' s Saudi Halal Expo .
Saudi Arabia ' s total trade with ASEAN member countries .
Alhamdulillah , our progress has been commendable . Importantly , we have welcomed new participants from Italy , France , Romania , Denmark , and countries across Europe like Albania , Bulgaria , and even from as far as Australia and New Zealand .”
He highlighted that the booth occupancy rate within the food industry has now exceeded 60 per cent . There is a notable representation in sectors such as cosmetics , accounting for 10 per cent of the show ’ s presence . The event also expands into new sectors , including the burgeoning modest fashion arena , logistics , digital , and pharmaceutical industries .
The Saudi Halal Expo drew considerable attention in the preceding year by hosting an impressive lineup of esteemed industry players . The event featured a distinguished array of exhibitors , including prominent names such as the Federation of Muslim Associations in Brazil ( FAMBRAS ) Halal Certification Ltd , Pasta Diamond ( a division of Agro Blend Group ), Jarvis Products Corporation , Azentio Software , Vietnam Halal Centre , and Korea Halal .
For those interested in participating in the upcoming Saudi Halal Expo & Summit 2023 , please visit the official website at https :// www . saudihalalexpo . com /. –