The UAE's ambition to dominate the global halal industry is set to receive a significant boost as the world's largest trade exhibition for the $3 trillion sector makes its international debut in Dubai this November.
The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas), which holds the Guinness World Records title for the largest attendance at a halal trade show, will host its first overseas edition in Dubai from November 18 to 20. This move aims to expand the show's reach beyond Southeast Asia while capitalizing on Dubai's reputation as a premier hub for trade fairs and events.
Targeting Dh1 billion in sales, the trade show, dubbed Mihas@Dubai, will launch as part of the Middle East Organic and Natural Product Expo. Malaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Zafrul Abdul Aziz announced this at the opening ceremony of the 20th edition of Mihas in Kuala Lumpur, which was officiated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The minister highlighted Malaysia's intention to leverage Dubai's strategic location as a gateway to the Middle East and North Africa halal market for the export and distribution of Malaysian-made goods. Aziz also mentioned plans by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) to stage Mihad editions in China and Europe.
Inaugurating the 20th edition of the trade showcase, which has supported nearly 17,000 Malaysian exporters and foreign buyers over two decades and generated RM25 billion in total sales, Prime Minister Ibrahim noted that the halal industry has evolved beyond traditional dietary restrictions to include more comprehensive aspects such as health, cleanliness, efficacy, and the use of modern technology.
Reezal Merican Naina Merican, chairman of Matrade, emphasized that staging Mihas in Dubai is a strategic move to tap into the vast market potential of the halal sector in Africa and the Middle East. With the halal industry projected to reach $5 trillion by 2030, the internationalization of Mihas aims to elevate the brand and attract a diverse range of participants and buyers from the Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African markets.
Mustafa Abdul Aziz, Matrade's CEO, stated that despite global economic challenges, Malaysia remains a leader in the halal food sector according to the Global Islamic Economic Indicators 2023. He outlined the Halal Industry Master Plan (HIMP 2030) to empower Malaysian companies to achieve RM75.2 billion in halal exports, accounting for 11% of GDP by 2030.
Aziz highlighted that Mihas has attracted over 500,000 trade visitors over the years, significantly boosting Malaysia's global profile. Mihas 2024 is projected to generate RM3.5 billion in sales, with Malaysia's halal export value expected to exceed RM55 billion in 2024, marking the second consecutive year surpassing the RM50 billion mark.
The participation of 250 international buyers at Mihas 2024, facilitating around 2,500 business matching sessions, is anticipated to generate over RM1 billion in potential sourcing value. These business deals are expected to have a substantial impact on the domestic economy, including creating job opportunities for exporters.
