The growing demand by global Halal consumers, currently at 1.8 billion, has continuously fuelled the global market to generate as much as $2.1 trillion annually, according to recent studies. Orange Fairs & Events, the organizers of “Halal Expo 2008”, the definitive event for “Halal” industry in the region, has rolled out the agenda for the event's second edition, which will focus on developing standards and modernizing the Middle East “Halal” sector. The event, which is slated to run on Nov. 24-26, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai, is co-organized by Al-Kaaz International Malaysia, and is expected to witness a 100 percent growth compared to its previous edition. With aims to further strengthen the presence of Halal products within the catering, hospitality, food and beverage, health and pharmaceuticals industries, the organizer has expanded the event's venue to a total of 1,500 sq. m. in order to accommodate the 7,000 to 8,000 visitors who are expected to attend. Following the confirmation of 20 global companies from eight countries, the organizer has also revealed that it is expecting to welcome more than 80 international exhibitors, which will signify a 30 per cent increase in exhibitor participation compared to the previous event. “Given the outstanding business potential and other benefits of Halal products, the aim of Halal Expo 2008 is to foster trade and facilitate convenient access to genuine Halal goods, making it within reach of customers,” said Raees Ahmed, director, Orange Fairs & Events. “In addition to providing a comprehensive platform where ‘Halal' companies can showcase their products to the global market, we are also focused on bringing forward the newest technologies that will revolutionize the global Halal market. The concentration of Halal trade lies within the Middle East region, and we have recognized the opportunity in mounting the second edition of the event in Dubai, as it serves as an economic gateway to the rest of the region.” Dubai is expected to play an important role in the Halal industry, due to several plans by leading locally based Halal companies to develop a credible and professional certification body within the emirate to monitor and uphold high quality standards according to global industry requirements. The six UAE-based companies who are participating at the event have already expressed their support for the initiative, which will be further discussed during the Halal Forum, a round-table dialogue among leading industry players, which will be held on the second day of the event. In addition, the expo will also feature interactive seminars, which have been designed to attract buyers and representatives from the food service, hospitality, retail, logistics, import/export and packaging industries. Delegations from Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Brunei, Bosnia, Canada, China, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Netherlands, Pakistan, The Philippines, Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, KSA, UK and the UAE are expected to attend the event. Representatives from government bodies including several regional and international Halal Certification Authorities, Chambers of Commerce, and the International Halal Associations, have also confirmed their presence. “We believe that significant upgrades to current industry standards and practices are necessary to address the growing demands of the rapidly growing market. Halal Expo 2008 aims to provide a platform for organizations to meet, debate, discuss and explore standards, regulations and options into modernizing this industry, which is growing at an equally fast rate as any other progressive verticals.” “There is huge potential for the UAE's Halal industry to produce and distribute high quality, regulation certified products throughout the region and the second edition of Halal Expo 2008 is set to further bolster this outstanding business opportunity for all the participants,” Ahmed added. __
