MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia has launched a comprehensive new phase in the development of its halal industry, positioning it as an integrated industrial and economic ecosystem aimed at strengthening global export competitiveness.
The transformation was formally unveiled during the Makkah Halal Forum 2026 held on Tuesday, where officials described the initiative as a pivotal milestone in moving the sector from conceptual discussions to structured institutional implementation, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The forum marked what participants called a decisive shift toward a fully integrated framework that consolidates the Kingdom’s leadership in the global halal market while reinforcing the credibility of Saudi-certified products internationally.
Launch of strategic enablers
A key highlight of the event was the introduction of the Halal Academy, a specialized knowledge and training institution designed to build professional expertise and elevate standards across the halal value chain — from production and processing to certification and export.
The academy is expected to serve as a dedicated capacity-building arm, enhancing technical competence and governance practices in line with international benchmarks.
Another major announcement was the unveiling of the Golden Halal logo, a high-level accreditation mark intended to serve as a unified global standard of trust. The logo aims to provide international markets with a clear, recognizable benchmark of quality, compliance, and authenticity.
Officials said the Golden Halal mark reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the highest levels of quality assurance, regulatory oversight, and digital traceability within the halal ecosystem.
Beyond religious oversight
The new strategy signals a broader conceptual shift in how halal is positioned globally. Rather than limiting the concept to religious compliance, Saudi authorities are framing halal as a comprehensive industrial system that integrates Sharia standards with advanced governance, quality control mechanisms, and digital tracking technologies.
By embedding traceability and quality management systems within halal certification processes, the Kingdom aims to increase the global competitiveness of Saudi exports and facilitate smoother entry into international markets.
The approach is also designed to align with global supply chain requirements, reinforcing transparency and product integrity across diverse jurisdictions.
Industry voices highlight impact
National industry leaders attending the forum highlighted the tangible benefits of the evolving framework.
Rasha Al Sanea, chief executive officer and founder of Roya Factory for Food Products, said Saudi halal accreditation has developed into a comprehensive quality certification that offers companies a significant competitive advantage abroad.
She noted that obtaining certification involves a rigorous multi-stage process, including assessments of facility safety, manufacturing quality, and compliance with international standards prior to final audits.
These procedures, she said, enhance product reliability and strengthen companies’ readiness for international expansion.
Al Sanea added that the presence of international delegations and trade missions in Makkah during the forum accelerated business opportunities and opened direct export channels to multiple markets.
She emphasized that combining the Saudi Made logo with accredited halal marks – particularly the Golden Halal logo – enhances global consumer confidence and strengthens the positioning of Saudi products across diverse cultural and geographic markets.
Strengthening global leadership
Saudi Arabia has been expanding its halal infrastructure as part of broader economic diversification efforts, seeking to capitalize on growing global demand for halal-certified goods across food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other consumer sectors.
The initiatives announced at the Makkah forum underscore the Kingdom’s ambition to institutionalize its halal leadership through structured governance, professional training, and internationally recognized accreditation systems.
By integrating religious compliance with quality assurance and digital oversight, Saudi Arabia aims to transform halal into a fully-fledged economic driver – one that not only safeguards standards but also enhances export competitiveness and strengthens its role in the global halal marketplace.
