DUBAI // Calls for global standards covering the sale of halal products have been backed by businesses.
The move would help cut red tape and give consumers more confidence, supporters say.
At the launch of the 5th Halal Expo in Dubai yesterday, exhibitors said a single international agency issuing regulations would boost the halal market by unifying the existing system, which differs according to individual countries' regulations.
"We have had very informal talks with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce about this issue and it is something we feel would be of benefit to everyone," said Datuk Hajah Rohani Binti Haji Abdul Karim, the Malaysian minister for domestic trade and consumerism.
"This is at the very early stages but I believe it can gain ground."
The minister was speaking at the start of the three-day event at the Radisson Blu hotel at Deira Creek.
The global halal industry, which includes food, health services and cosmetics, is estimated to be worth US$2.1 trillion in Muslim countries alone.
Malaysia has one of the toughest regimes regulating its domestic halal market, which is under one governing body.
"Having something perhaps along the lines of the ISO [International Organisation for Standardisation], in which everyone knows what the rules and standards are, would make it clear for everyone," Mrs Abdul Karim said. She believes a number of bodies, such as the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the World Halal Forum, could help look into the issue.
The annual global halal food market is worth $667 billion, accounts for 20 per cent of the international food industry and is growing by 16 per cent each year.
"A single regulatory body is a wonderful idea," said Hameed Ahmed, managing director of Medina Health Care products in the UK.
The company makes halal and vegan skincare products, including hand creams and hair products designed specifically for women who wear the hijab.
"At the moment, some countries have more than one halal regulatory body and sometimes there is confusion about the rules," Ms Ahmed said. "One international body would take the guesswork out of the process and we would know what is required.
"The UAE and Dubai could play an important role because it's such an important trading hub. They could have it headquartered here."
Important elements of halal regulation cover preparation, ingredients used and storage, ensuring there is no risk of contamination with pork products.
"Halal is not just for Muslims, it is also for non-Muslims because a vital aspect is hygiene and cleanliness," said Christopher Tay, executive director of Bangi Kopitiam, a Malaysian coffee-shop chain.
"The potential for halal products and services is amazing and not just among Muslim countries.
"If people know what they are eating or drinking has gone through stringent tests and checks to maintain safety, they will buy it."
Anup Lodaya, a sales representative with Emirates Gourmet, a halal importer based in Dubai, said a universal standard would reduce paperwork and red tape.
The company brings in halal confectionary, beverages and cereals from the United States and Europe.
"Even though something is certified as halal in one country doesn't mean it will be accepted in another," he said.
"All of the things we import here have to undergo checks with Dubai Municipality before they are allowed on the market.
"A unified international system would help speed up that process."
The 5th Halal Expo finishes tomorrow.
nhanif@thenational.ae
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
RESULT
Bayern Munich 5 Eintrracht Frankfurt 2
Bayern: Goretzka (17'), Müller (41'), Lewandowski (46'), Davies (61'), Hinteregger (74' og)
Frankfurt: Hinteregger (52', 55')
MATCH INFO
Borussia Dortmund 0
Bayern Munich 1 (Kimmich 43')
Man of the match: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
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The specs
Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: seven-speed PDK dual clutch automatic
Power: 375bhp
Torque: 520Nm
Price: Dh332,800
On sale: now
What went into the film
25 visual effects (VFX) studios
2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots
1,000 VFX artists
3,000 technicians
10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers
New sound technology, named 4D SRL
THE BIO
Bio Box
Role Model: Sheikh Zayed, God bless his soul
Favorite book: Zayed Biography of the leader
Favorite quote: To be or not to be, that is the question, from William Shakespeare's Hamlet
Favorite food: seafood
Favorite place to travel: Lebanon
Favorite movie: Braveheart
FIXTURES
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Saturday
Fiorentina v Torino (8pm)
Hellas Verona v Roma (10.45pm)
Sunday
Parma v Napoli (2.30pm)
Genoa v Crotone (5pm)
Sassuolo v Cagliari (8pm)
Juventus v Sampdoria (10.45pm)
Monday
AC Milan v Bologna (10.45om)
Playing September 30
Benevento v Inter Milan (8pm)
Udinese v Spezia (8pm)
Lazio v Atalanta (10.45pm)
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
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- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
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- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
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What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
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