Makkah, December 21, 2024 – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Accreditation Center, hosted the second annual general assembly of the Islamic Forum for Halal Accreditation Bodies (IFHAB) in Makkah on Thursday. The event, which was attended by representatives from 23 national accreditation bodies of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, marked a significant step in advancing global cooperation in the halal industry. This high-level gathering brought together key figures including OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) Secretary-General Ihsan Ovut, and Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT) Director-General Latifa El Bouabdellaoui.
The forum, established in 2023 as part of a Saudi initiative, plays a vital role in fostering international collaboration among halal accreditation bodies. The primary objective of IFHAB is to support and enhance the global halal industry by creating a robust and unified halal accreditation system. Dr. Adel Alkeaid, the chairman of IFHAB, presided over the meeting and delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the critical importance of strengthening halal quality infrastructure within Islamic countries. He highlighted the forum’s role in promoting mutual recognition among accreditation bodies, which is essential for ensuring the consistency and reliability of halal certification standards across borders.
During the assembly, the forum’s constitution was officially approved, and discussions centered on expanding membership, with several new entities being considered for inclusion. The participants also reviewed the forum's achievements over the past year, noting the successful steps taken in harmonizing halal standards and facilitating greater cooperation among member states. The forum's activities aim to foster the recognition of halal certifications on a global scale, aligning them with international market expectations to enhance trade, growth, and consumer confidence.
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the adoption of recommendations to promote technical cooperation and expand IFHAB’s influence in the global halal sector. These recommendations focus on improving halal certification processes, enhancing the capacity of member organizations, and facilitating information exchange among member states. By working together, IFHAB members are committed to strengthening the position of Islamic countries in the global halal market, which continues to expand across various sectors, including food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and finance.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as a leader in the halal industry, continues to play a central role in shaping the future of halal standards and accreditation. With its strategic location and commitment to the halal sector, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global hub for halal certification and innovation. IFHAB, as an institution affiliated with the OIC, is expected to serve as a key player in this process, ensuring that halal certifications are aligned with the highest international standards and meet the growing global demand for halal products.
As IFHAB moves forward, the forum’s influence is set to grow, helping to facilitate smoother trade relations, improve halal certification systems, and ensure the integrity of halal products in the global market. This gathering in Makkah is another significant milestone in the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to enhance the Islamic world’s role in the global halal economy, supporting economic growth, trade, and cultural exchange between OIC member states and the rest of the world.
