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Halal Industry

Tech-powered precision medicine gains ground across OIC countries

Precision medicine is fast emerging as a transformative force across the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries.

By harnessing breakthroughs in genomics, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence, these nations are laying the groundwork for a future of personalized prevention and treatment.

Several Muslim-majority nations are developing large-scale, population-specific genetic databases to tackle regional health challenges — particularly inherited and chronic diseases.

While disparities in infrastructure and research capacity persist, growing investments in biomedical innovation, digital health, and scientific training are positioning OIC countries to enhance health outcomes, lower costs, and strengthen self-reliance in medical science.

“The rise of individualized medicines is going to be a massive boom for the pharmaceutical industry - imagine a future where treatments are tailored to the unique genetic and biological makeup of each of the planet’s eight billion people,” Richard Staynings, chief security strategist at US-based Cylera, tells Salaam Gateway.

To make large-scale personalization feasible and affordable, he adds, the sector will need to embrace “advanced automation, artificial intelligence, and data-driven manufacturing at unprecedented levels.”

Malaysia’s leap into genomic medicine

Malaysia is emerging as a regional leader in integrating precision medicine into its healthcare system through collaboration between academia, government, and the private sector.

In 2024, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Ministry of Health launched the MyGenom Project, to conduct large-scale genome sequencing and build a national genomic reference database that reflects the country’s ethnic diversity.

“This genomic infrastructure will strengthen Malaysia’s capacity for precision medicine, enabling more accurate disease prediction, personalized treatment, and improved pharmacogenomics,” Fadzhairi Jabar, CEO of Malaysian biotechnology company Arcadia Life Sciences tells Salaam Gateway.

Institutions like the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Molecular Biology Institute are spearheading clinical research on how genetics interact with environmental factors to influence disease, paving the way for tailored healthcare solutions.

Private-sector partnerships are also taking shape. Prudential Malaysia, for example, is working with healthcare providers to include precision medicine in cancer treatment plans, improving accessibility and affordability.

“Growing collaboration among government, academia, and industry, and supported by initiatives like the MyGenom Project and Clinical Research Malaysia, is driving progress in genomics, pharmacogenomics, and clinical trials across the OIC country,” says Jabar.

Malaysia’s multicultural makeup - comprising Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous populations - presents both opportunity and challenge.

“This diversity enables the development of a rich, representative national genomic reference that can address gaps in global datasets and improve understanding of population-specific health risks,” says Jabar.

“It also supports efforts to reduce adverse drug reactions and enhance outcomes in chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, diabetes, and cancer. However, ensuring equitable representation of all ethnic groups remains a key challenge.”

AI and big data are central to these efforts. Programs like MyGenom integrate genomic, clinical, and population data for predictive analytics.

“Arcadia Life Sciences contributes by developing multi-omics biomarker platforms that combine genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data with AI-driven analytics,” Jabar adds.

“This enables discovery of disease-specific biomarkers and supports pharmacogenomics and personalized treatment.”

The company is now working with universities, hospitals, and research institutes locally and abroad to validate biomarkers and embed AI into clinical workflows - a move expected to boost Malaysia’s bioinformatics and translational research capacity.

GCC: A genomic frontier

Across the Gulf, precision medicine is rapidly evolving.

The UAE has emerged as a frontrunner, combining national programs with global partnerships involving AbbVie, AstraZeneca, and Harvard Medical School to develop diagnostics and advance personalized therapies. Its Emirati Genome Program, launched in 2019, has already sequenced more than 800,000 genomes, making it one of the world’s most comprehensive genetic datasets.

The personalised precision medicine programme for oncology has supported over 250 Emirati cancer patients through genomic screening and individualized care.

These efforts form part of Abu Dhabi’s Healthcare Life Science Vision 2030, which seeks to position the emirate as a global hub for precision medicine. The city’s Declaration on Longevity and Precision Medicine, launched in 2024, outlines a blueprint for integrating AI and genomics into mainstream healthcare.

Abu Dhabi showcased AI-powered diagnostic tools for early detection of chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer, at this year’s tech jamboree, Gitex. Integrated with the health information exchange platform, Malaffi, these innovations enhance data sharing and clinical coordination.

In January, researchers at Dubai’s Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences published a milestone study based on 53 individuals that strengthens the UAE’s National Genome Strategy. By March, the Emirates Genome Council was outlining plans to use genomic data to enhance public health outcomes.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Human Genome Program continues to advance the country’s personalized medicine capabilities by building a vast national genetic database. Institutions like King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre are pioneering genetic diagnostics and CAR-T cell therapies, while the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center leads gene therapy trials for rare diseases.

Saudi Arabia's embrace of AI-driven pharmacogenomics and digital health tools — including the world’s first diabetes command center launched recently — underscores its vision improve patient outcomes.

Meanwhile, Qatar has become a model for precision medicine integration. The Qatar Genome Programme has sequenced more than 30,000 citizens and 3,000 Arab residents, establishing critical datasets for regional populations.

The newly formed Qatar Precision Health Institute is translating these findings into clinical practice, expanding pharmacogenomics implementation, and training healthcare professionals.

In 2024, Hamad Medical Corporation launched a pharmacogenomics initiative that embeds genetic testing into prescribing practices, enabling more effective drug therapy.

Smarter diagnostics and early detection

Early detection remains a cornerstone of precision medicine, aiming to identify disease long before symptoms emerge.

The UAE is pushing the frontier with AI-enhanced tools and screening programs like Detectiome, a multi-cancer test, capable of identifying tumors at their earliest stages. Saudi Arabia’s Food and Drug Authority has also approved an in vitro diagnostic test for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease - a 20-minute, non-invasive plasma biomarker assay hailed as a major step forward.

Radiology, too, is being transformed. “In radiological medicine, procedures that once relied on traditional CT scans to perform contrast tomography now use far lower doses of radiation,” says Staynings. “This produces a darker image that a radiologist can still interpret, but which can also be enhanced through AI technologies.”

The result, he explains, is sharper imaging that can detect subtle cellular changes — early indicators of tumor development invisible to the naked eye.

“That is a huge advantage, especially for fast-growing populations across the Muslim world, where the costs of managing millions of additional patients with chronic diseases could be enormous,” he adds.

“If we can prevent those diseases from ever manifesting themselves, we can save national health systems billions of dollars.”

07 Nov 2025

Insight

Islamic Lifestyle

How major airlines can beckon Muslim travelers for greater revenues

As global travelers seek experiences aligned with their values, Muslim-friendly tourism has become more mainstream in the post-pandemic travel landscape. According to the 2025 Mastercard–CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), the global Muslim travel market is one of the fastest-growing segments in the international tourism industry. The study forecasts Muslim arrivals at 176 million in 2024, representing a 25% year-over-year increase, and projects this number to reach 245 million by 2030.

Furthermore, DinarStandard’s State of the Global Islamic Economy 2024/25 Report estimates that Muslim-friendly travel spending reached $216.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to surge to $384.1 billion by 2028, representing a compound annual growth rate of 12.1%, outpacing nearly every other lifestyle segment.

For airlines, this market represents both scale and loyalty with a clear underlying message: serve it well, and the revenue will follow.

Building a faith-aware travel experience

Muslim travelers are among the youngest and fastest-growing consumer bases in the world. The global Muslim population, currently around 2.19 billion, is projected to increase to 2.54 billion by 2035. Much of that growth comes from Gen Z and Millennials, digital natives entering their prime earning and travel years.

Within this segment, religious travel remains a major engine. Saudi Arabia welcomed 1.67 million Hajj pilgrims in 2025, a lower total than pre-pandemic peaks but still a vast logistical feat. The year-round Umrah pilgrimage has become another source of travelers with 6.5 million international Umrah visitors recorded in Q1 2025 and another 1.2 million arrivals since June, according to AP News.

Within such a reliable, annual segment, the question for airlines then becomes, what are the areas through which they can attract the largest number of travelers.

Food is often the first trust signal that comes up. Gulf carriers, such as Emirates and Qatar Airways, have long set the gold standard by offering halal-certified meals on every flight, verified by recognized bodies like the Halal Food Council. However, outside the GCC, many airlines still lag.

Certifying caterers through globally recognized authorities, such as JAKIM or IFANCA, and clearly labeling halal options can make a significant difference. Pre-order systems for dietary preferences, transparent sourcing, and consistent cabin messaging reinforce confidence while streamlining operations.

Faith-aware design can also transform the passenger experience. Simple features such as Qibla direction indicators, prayer-time notifications, and content filters in in-flight entertainment signal respect and understanding.

Muslim travelers already rely on third-party tools such as the HalalTrip app for in-flight prayer guidance; embedding these utilities directly into an airline’s digital experience elevates it from convenience to care. On the ground, dedicated prayer rooms, like those at Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), and Jeddah (JED), complete the circle of trust from check-in to arrival.

For airlines, Ramadan and Umrah are not just cultural moments; they’re commercial seasons. Treating them as such allows carriers to unlock new revenue layers. Ramadan flight calendars that include suhoor and iftar meal options, timed date-and-water service at sunset, or pre-order suhoor boxes on overnight routes are small gestures with significant brand impact.

Similarly, Umrah travel bundles, which cover visa assistance, ground transfers, flexible return fares, and guidance on Zamzam water handling, simplify planning and build customer trust. Stopover programs in halal-ready hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul can be enhanced with prayer-friendly hotels, halal dining guides, and family-friendly packages.

Speaking to women and families
The two biggest key growth drivers in the Muslim traveler segment are famiy groups and female travelers. Airlines that cater to these demographics through tangible actions, such as guaranteed adjacent seating for families, mother-and-child amenities, modest swimwear-friendly stopover options, and privacy-oriented lounges, stand to earn lasting loyalty.

Earning loyalty through trust and value
Muslim-majority markets tend to be price-sensitive but highly brand-loyal once trust is established. This dynamic favors strategic pricing such as Ramadan sales, Umrah off-peak fares, and faith-aligned co-branded credit cards offering halal-friendly rewards, including charity redemptions, Umrah travel, or family lounge access. Airlines that tie such offers to Eid promotions or loyalty-status accelerators will not only drive bookings but also build year-round engagement.

Following the pilgrims and the diaspora
Network planning can amplify these gains. The South and Southeast Asia to Saudi Arabia corridor remains the primary pilgrim route, and airlines that coordinate capacity around Hajj and Umrah can capture spillover from both faith and leisure travel. Codeshare partnerships with carriers in Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Malaysia can turn one-stop connections into competitive differentiators.

Diaspora routes also hold promise, such as the UK–Maghreb, France–North Africa, US–MENA, and Gulf–Africa connections. Through-checked baggage for Zamzam water, shorter connection times, and prayer-friendly terminals make a measurable difference in traveler choice.

The Bottom line
The opportunity is vast and visible. A quarter-trillion-dollar market by 2030 and projected spending of $384 billion by 2028 won’t wait for carriers that treat Muslim travelers as an afterthought. The airlines that lead will integrate halal-certified catering as standard, embed faith-aware digital features, recognize Ramadan and Umrah as distinct commercial seasons, and communicate authentically with families and female travelers.

28 Oct 2025

Insight

Islamic Finance

How Islamic equity is walking the screening tightrope

Islamic equity screening is at heart of halal investing - it demystifies a permissible stock, shapes how Shariah-compliant funds and indices are constructed, and underpins investor confidence across a global equity market worth around $6 trillion in assets.

At its core, screening occurs at the intersection of Islamic jurisprudence, accounting practices, and market mechanics. While most frameworks share the same foundational principles, differences in interpretation and implementation remain, raising critical questions pertinent to consistency, transparency and the overarching purpose of the underlying investment.

Common ground, diverging interpretation
Globally, Islamic equity screening is governed by a handful of key frameworks including the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) in Bahrain and Malaysia’s Securities Commission (SC), as well as rules devised by major stock index providers like S&P Dow Jones, MSCI or FTSE.

Each framework adopts a similar two-pronged approach, which includes business activity filters that exclude impermissible sectors such as gambling, conventional finance, alcohol and pork. It also consists of financial ratio filters that assess a company’s leverage - or the amount of interest-bearing debt versus its equity structure - as well as determinants such as cash in the firm’s conventional accounts, or any accrued impure income.

“The majority of Shariah screening methodologies, as far as business activity filters are concerned, are largely in conformity,” says Faraz Adam, a Shariah scholar and founder of Amanah Advisors, a UK-headquartered Shariah advisory firm.

“They are consistent and cover almost all the same sectors and activities.”

However, subtle differences emerge, he notes, in financial filters. “Most standards overlap on key areas such as interest-bearing debt, receivables, and impure income. The main points of divergence tend to appear in the liquidity filter and ratio thresholds.”

For example, MSCI’s Islamic Index Series uses total assets as the denominator for its financial ratios, whereas S&P Dow Jones applies a 24-month average market capitalisation, capping both debt and interest-bearing items at 33% of that base.

Malaysia’s SC adds a 20% benchmark for mixed activities. For example, a hotel is Shariah-compliant but derives minor revenue from non-halal products.

“Most discrepancies come down to methodology and interpretation,” says Saad Malik, co-founder of Zoya, a Shariah-compliant stock-screening app. “The results can vary based on which ratios are used, how they’re calculated, and how certain revenue streams are categorised.”

While the differences may appear to be minor, they can alter a stock’s Shariah-compliance classification - an investable security certified halal by one platform may be shunned by its peer as impermissible, often creating confusion for investors scuttling between platforms.

According to the London Stock Exchange Group, more than 9,000 stocks have been certified as Shariah-compliant globally after screening over 30,000 listed companies.

Pragmatism over perfection
One common criticism of Shariah screening that has remained consistent over time is the inclusion of companies that may have indirect exposure or links to impermissible activities or products.

Dr Mohammad Akram Laldin, a Shariah scholar and professor at INCEIF University in Malaysia, argues that such concerns misconstrue the pragmatic spirit of Islamic finance.

“It’s almost impossible to find a company that is 100% halal,” he says. “That’s why scholars have set thresholds for non-permissible income and activities. These parameters reflect a pragmatic, gradual approach. If we restricted ourselves to companies that were perfectly pure, the investable universe would be extremely limited.”

These thresholds should evolve with markets, he adds.

“Ideally, they should remain dynamic, reviewed as the market evolves, so that one day, as more companies align with Shariah [principles], the standards can become even stricter.”

This flexibility is what keeps Islamic investing viable in global capital markets allowing for ijtihad or independent reasoning, while maintaining allegiance to Shariah principles.

Ambiguity, institutional complexity erode sheen
A key element of Shariah compliance is purification, the cleansing of impure income (such as interest) through charitable donation. But the question of who bears responsibility for purification remains contested.

In practice, some funds purify at the institutional level and disclose the amount per share; others leave it to investors to calculate and donate themselves. Major index providers, like MSCI, incorporate purification into their total-return methodology, while firms like HSBC Asset Management conduct an annual Shariah audit to identify and donate prohibited income to charity.

The challenge is ensuring transparency. As retail participation grows through digital platforms, so does the appetite for information, from Shariah-compliant securities to the management of purification.

For global asset managers, balancing credibility, consistency, and cost is another challenge.

Sefian Kassem, global head of ETF & indexing investment specialists at HSBC Asset Management, says the firm’s suite of Shariah-compliant exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and index funds rely on third-party benchmark indices. And while it is beneficial to have standards, they must be legally and commercially viable, too.

“Global standards are helpful as baselines,” he says. “But the flexibility to apply local standards is important because Shariah boards in different jurisdictions can apply different standards according to local preferences.”

Furthermore, rules for managing a company’s transition from Shariah complaint to non-compliant and vice versa exist, too. “These are embedded within the index methodology and are ratified by both the relevant index providers’ Shariah board and HSBC's Shariah board,” he says.

Active managers also face their own hurdles. Monem Salam of Saturna Capital says data gaps often make Shariah screening more art than science. “Often companies don’t report interest income or other metrics required for screening.”

“As active managers, we can usually work backwards from public accounts, but this is more difficult for passive managers,” adds Salam.

Active asset management focuses on outperforming a benchmark such as the S&P 500 Index, with managers actively choosing investments. Conversely, passive management aims to match the market’s returns by replicating it.

Restoring investor confidence
For all its progress, one of the greatest Shariah screening challenges remains that of trust and comprehension.

“Better understanding of portfolio construction by fund managers and investors would help the industry move forward,” Rizwan Malik, head of Islamic Finance Centre at Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance tells Salaam Gateway.

“More importantly engagement between fund managers and underlying companies should increase thereby making the data more accessible.”

Others see the diversity of approaches as a reflection of Islam’s intellectual richness and tradition.

“Differences are not a weakness,” adds Zoya’s Malik. “They show that Shariah finance is living and adaptive.”

22 Oct 2025

Insight

Halal Industry

Pharma 4.0: OIC’s leap toward self-reliance

Pharmaceutical imports have long outpaced exports across the Muslim world, with most of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member nations heavily dependent on foreign medical products.

However, with governments pouring investment into frontier technologies such as AI, automation, and biotech, a transformation is now underway - one that could finally tip the balance toward self-sufficiency and position OIC nations as global contenders in next-generation medicine.

“For decades, Muslim-majority countries have struggled with pharmaceutical import dependency and supply chain vulnerabilities,” Dr. Anurag Byala, CEO of Dubai-based software solutions provider Techies Infotech, tells Salaam Gateway.

“Today, AI, advanced analytics, and automation are offering these nations an opportunity to bypass traditional development paths and establish pharmaceutical sovereignty. Predictive analytics platforms have helped Muslim-majority countries forecast demand and prioritize local pharma production.”

Unlike Western nations burdened by legacy systems, Dr. Byala cites the examples of Muslim-majority countries - such as the UAE, with its pharma hub ambitions; Turkiye, with its expanding manufacturing capacity; and Saudi Arabia, with the launch of NUPCO, a digital healthcare marketplace enabling private healthcare providers to purchase equipment and supplies.

“These efforts are offering them leapfrogging opportunities to build smart factories without retrofitting outdated infrastructure,” he explains.

“Additionally, AI systems can track and verify halal compliance throughout the supply chain - addressing religious requirements and building consumer trust in locally manufactured medicines.”

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Türkiye were recipients of vast majority of OIC pharmaceutical imports in 2023, worth nearly $8 billion, $6 billion, and $5 billion, respectively. On balance, OIC member states exported ($8.1 billion) less than a quarter of the pharmaceutical products they imported ($49.4 billion) in terms of overall value, according to the State of the Global Islamic Economic 2024/25 Report.

Building local innovation ecosystems

AI, data-driven R&D, and tech-enabled collaborations are already accelerating drug discovery and localization across the OIC landscape, particularly in the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council.

In the UAE, Abu Dhabi-based Insilico Medicine is leveraging its Pharma.AI platform and automated laboratory for drug discovery and development both locally and globally. In 2025, the AI-powered biotech company announced a pilot project to identify a novel oncology drug candidate, creating a model that could be replicated across the Gulf region.

In a parallel move, Saudi Arabia’s NanoPalm teamed up with Canadian biopharma research company Rakovina Therapeutics earlier this year to launch a JV aimed at advancing AI-discovered oncology drug candidates.

Meanwhile, UAE-based Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar) partnered with China’s Sunshine Lake Pharma in 2023 to localize the production of modern insulin analogues in the MENA region - a first for the region. Sunshine Lake applies AI technology across multiple stages of drug R&D, using advanced AI-driven models to enhance innovation capacity.

Another example comes from Southeast Asia, where Nvidia is expanding its footprint through strategic partnerships supporting healthcare startups. The US tech giant is investing in Malaysia and Singapore to advance AI in science, robotics, and intelligent systems - helping the region become a leading hub for sovereign AI development.

Regulators embrace the future

The timing appears to be most opportune as governments and regulators, traditionally wary of artificial intelligence, are buying into frontier technologies, laying the groundwork for AI adoption in pharmaceuticals across the Muslim world.

“Saudi Arabia's Saudi Food and Drug Authority has pushed digital transformation, and local manufacturers are investing in automation under Vision 2030. UAE's free zone pharma facilities are being built with Industry 4.0 capabilities from scratch,” says Byala.

“Turkiye's export-oriented manufacturers are implementing automation and AI-powered quality control to meet EU GMP standards, whereas Malaysia has positioned itself well as a hub for halal pharmaceuticals, utilizing digital tracking systems.”

One of AI’s most transformative frontiers in pharmaceuticals lies in personalized and precision medicine, which aims to tailor treatments to individual genetic profiles.

“We may be able to cure diseases like cancer in the future - for example by splicing genetic code into someone's MMRA vaccines. Many chronic diseases can be addressed at a genetic level before they require very expensive medical interventions,” Richard Staynings, chief security strategist at US-based Cylera, tells Salaam Gateway during the fifth Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) in Riyadh.

Such innovation, he adds, will not only improve quality of life but also reduce the enormous financial burden on national health systems.

Byala, meanwhile, advises caution, noting that transformation is still at an early stage.

“Adoption is happening more in packaging automation, warehouse management, and digital documentation. AI and machine learning in actual drug development are still limited. That said, the direction is promising."

While true dependence on local pharmaceuticals for many OIC members might still be a long way off, the direction is unmistakable. Advanced technologies are strengthening self-reliance, accelerating drug discovery, and laying the foundation for more resilient healthcare systems.

17 Oct 2025

Insight

Halal Industry

Ten Muslim-friendly cosmetic brands

Once considered a niche market, halal cosmetics have become a global phenomenon, with a market projected to exceed $117.8 billion by 2028. More brands are now reformulating products, pursuing halal certification, and appealing to a new generation of consumers who care about purity and purpose as much as pigment and performance.

For Muslim consumers, halal cosmetics promise a way to practice self-care without compromise. It refers to products that comply with Islamic law, being free from alcohol, pig derivatives, and animal by-products, and manufactured under ethical and hygienic conditions.

This becomes especially important as certain mainstream cosmetics use ingredients that are considered haram due to their use of pig-derived collagen, lanolin alcohol, or carmine, a pigment derived from crushed insects. Even products as common as nail polish can pose challenges, since traditional formulas prevent water from reaching the nail — an issue for Muslim women performing wudu (ablution before prayer). Halal nail polishes are specifically designed to be water-permeable and breathable, offering both style and spiritual ease.

Why halal certification matters
In a crowded beauty market filled with “natural” and “clean” claims, halal certification provides a unique layer of trust. A halal-certified product has been vetted by a recognized Islamic authority, such as JAKIM (Malaysia), LPPOM-MUI (Indonesia), IFANCA (USA), or Halal Certification Europe (UK), to ensure compliance with Islamic standards.

With that in mind, here's a list of ten Muslim-friendly brands that balance faith, quality, and innovation to define what modern halal beauty looks like.

Wardah (Indonesia)
The region’s standard-bearer for halal beauty, Wardah is certified in Indonesia and has become a mass-market powerhouse across Southeast Asia. In 2025, it again ranked as the number one beauty brand in Southeast Asia, surpassing global giants, underscoring the mainstream adoption of halal beauty. Wardah publicly positions its products as safe and halal; Indonesian halal rules are tightening too, with full halal certification mandatory for cosmetics by October 2026, further entrenching leaders like Wardah.
Why it ranks: Scale, certification pedigree, and brand leadership across a Muslim-majority region.

Safi (Malaysia)
A household name at home and increasingly visible abroad, Safi bills itself as “100% HALAL” certified by JAKIM, Malaysia’s national authority, and promotes alcohol- and gelatin-free formulations. It is widely marketed as Malaysia’s No. 1 halal brand and has expanded from skincare to hair and body care.
Why it ranks: Strong JAKIM credentials and deep penetration in one of the world’s most mature halal-personal-care markets.

INIKA Organic (Australia)
INIKA is a rare global clean-beauty label that is explicitly certified halal, alongside certified organic, vegan, and cruelty-free credentials, and is sold in more than 35 countries. That combination makes it a go-to choice for Muslim consumers seeking premium, plant-based formulations that are free from alcohol and animal by-products.
Why it ranks: INIKA has an international distribution, along with multiple third-party certifications, including halal, which contribute to its popularity.

Iba (India)
Iba markets itself as India’s No. 1 vegan and halal-certified brand, offering cruelty-free color cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance. Its positioning is tailored to a massive, price-sensitive market where halal and “clean” cues increasingly overlap.
Why it ranks: First-mover advantage in India with clear halal branding and broad product lines.

786 Cosmetics (USA)
Best known for its nail polish, 786 combines fashion-forward shades with halal certification (GIC International), PETA's vegan/cruelty-free verification, and lab-tested water permeability (SGS), addressing key concerns for wudu-friendly users.
Why it ranks: Clear, multi-layer certification and global DTC reach in a category that Muslim consumers scrutinize most.

Tuesday in Love (Canada)
A pioneer of ISNA Canada-certified halal nail polish (and now gels) with published statements on ingredients and permeability. The brand leans heavily into compliance communications, which is exactly what many donors and shoppers say builds trust.
Why it ranks: Robust, recognizable North American certification and strong education around wudu-friendliness.

Amara Halal Cosmetics (USA)
Among the earliest U.S. halal color brands, products are IFANCA-certified on select SKUs and free from common “no-go” ingredients. It helped define the halal makeup category for English-speaking markets.
Why it ranks: Legacy halal player with certification from a respected U.S. body.

Sampure Minerals (UK/Europe)
Sampure bills itself as Europe’s first halal-certified makeup line, offering mineral-based foundations, blushers, and lip colors. It remains a reference point for halal mineral makeup in EU/UK retail.
Why it ranks: Early halal pioneer in Europe, along with a continued niche following for mineral formulas.

PHB Ethical Beauty (UK)
A British indie label combining vegan, cruelty-free, and halal-certified positioning, sold through ethical beauty retailers across Europe. It appeals to consumers who want halal compliance and a low-tox, planet-friendly ethos.
Why it ranks: Verified halal offer within a broader ethical framework that resonates with younger Muslim shoppers.

Zahara (Singapore)
Best known for halal, breathable nail polish. Singaporean founder Amira Geneid has been a prominent voice on halal makeup, with media features explaining ingredient and permeability testing.
Why it ranks: Category specialist in wudu-friendly polish with Southeast Asian roots.

14 Oct 2025

Insight

Islamic Lifestyle

How influencers are lending credence to India’s modest fashion sector

Modest fashion is gaining ground the world over, as individuals increasingly prefer clothing that represents their cultural and religious beliefs.

Numbers back the optimism, with Muslim consumer spending on apparel and footwear totalling $327 billion in 2023, marking a 3% year-on-year increase, according to the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2024/25. This figure is projected to rise to $433 billion by 2028 at a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%.

India, home to more than 200 million Muslims, is no different. However, what has emerged as a pleasing national trend is that modest clothing is no longer a priority shopping list item for a select group.

Rather, women hailing from a range of backgrounds and religions are making modest sartorial choices because it embodies elegance, comfort, and fashion. Likened to other sectors, modest fashion also relies on forces and factors outside the traditional marketing funnel to create product loyalty.

Brand marketing, as we once knew it, has been upended by the advent of new-media platforms and content. Digital influencers, a cohort of tech-savvy content creators and bloggers who have garnered tens of thousands of followers on social media, have rewritten the marketing playbook. With content that is homely, relatable and engaging, influencers have segued brand power from the stronghold of athletes and celebrities to their own backyards.

Given that 69% of consumers trust influencers, friends and family over information coming directly from a brand, according to a 2023 study, the link between an Instagram influencer and a housewife or a teenager wields incredible power in not only sculpting consumer behaviour but also shaping brands and their destinies.

Moving further, influencer marketing helps stem the rise of duplicate products, enabling genuine brands to forge meaningful alliances with customers.

Capitalising on content
Sana Farheen Shaikh, who established Forever Modest, carved a route into modest fashion due to personal reasons.

As a sports fencer, she struggled to find sportswear that was flexible and modest, driving her to create a brand that offers both. The company, which started out by creating modest work clothes and later added sportswear and swimwear, maintains a decent social media presence of 23,000 Instagram followers. While Forever Modest mainly serves Muslim women, it is fairly popular amongst all who value versatility and style.

“Our main audience are Muslim women, but modest fashion is for anyone who likes comfort and class,” Shaikh tells Salaam Gateway.

Shaikh has teamed up with influencers to grow her brand, working with creators who wear modest clothing as a reflection and extension of their identity, not a marketing act. For her, being authentic and empowering are paramount in every collaboration. If not, the message gets lost.

“Modesty is a mindset - confidence that comes from self-respect. It’s not about hiding; it’s about choosing how you wish to show yourself to the world,” adds Shaikh.

Mumtaz Khan, a designer from the Indian city of Bhopal, believes influencer marketing is crucial, given that social media has changed how people view modest fashion.

“In India, modest clothes used to seem old-fashioned or limiting,” he tells Salaam Gateway.

“Now, with Instagram and YouTube, we can show that they can be modern, chic, and attractive.”

Khan said that when young women see influencers wearing modest outfits to work, or for sports or travel, they start to view modesty as something empowering instead of restricting.

“Influencers help mix global fashion trends with Indian styles. It’s not just for Muslim women; many women outside that community are interested in it, too. Influencer marketing can help make modest fashion popular much faster than traditional methods.”

Varied perspectives
Each entrepreneur views influencer marketing through a different lens. Some creators, like Khan and Forever Modest’s Shaikh, value influencers as a fulcrum of digital marketing, vaulting modest fashion into the top echelons of vogue and style.

The flipside view exists, too. Zeeshan Arfeen, founder of abaya brand Mushkiya, believes brands working with influencers who do not emulate similar values may erode brand equity and the overarching concept of modesty.

The main issue is being genuine. Functioning in a field that weaves faith and identity with sartorial choices and expression, influencers should do more than just don and promote attire – they must embody virtues that accompany the clothing.

Authentic influencers can create trust and forge a strong connect with brands. If a promotion comes through as fake or forced, it could prove counterproductive.

India’s global presence
India has the third-largest Muslim population in the world and a growing fashion industry, which could vault it at the fore of modest fashion. The country has skilled artisans, widespread internet access, and greater exposure to global trends, creating new opportunities for local brands.

Social media is fuelling the growth with social media platforms enabling Indian modest fashion brands to connect with customers in regions like the Middle East and Southeast Asia. For instance,

Forever Modest gained national attention after appearing on Shark Tank India, a business reality television show, while Mushkiya makes modern abayas that attract younger Muslim shoppers globally who wish to meld tradition with style.

13 Oct 2025

Insight

Halal Industry

Sustaining momentum for halal industry excellence

Continuing our exclusive interview with Roziatul Akmam Osman, halal industry strategist and honorary strategic advisor to the Malaysia International Halal Research and Education Conference 2025 (MIHREC 2025)

Your focus has evolved from pioneering to strategy. What is the core of your ‘halal built-in’ philosophy?
‘Halal built-in’ represents the natural evolution of our initial struggles. It’s a top-down strategy that transforms halal from a compliance checklist to an enterprise-wide culture of integrity, shifting from boardrooms to marketplaces.

It cultivates a reputation that’s authentically earned and unshakeable.

How have you expanded your leadership focus beyond halal pharmaceuticals?
Building on lessons learned from spearheading halal pharmaceuticals, I now emphasise strategic halal leadership across governance and marketing, embedding integrity throughout the enterprise. This transition from compliance to strategic value creation is vital for the resilience of the halal industry.

One of the biggest global challenges is fragmented standards. How do we solve this?
A pivotal yet currently under-discussed milestone is the formal alignment of SMIIC with the WTO’s Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) framework in 2023.

This establishes a legitimate basis for dispute resolution and mutual recognition, transforming halal from a perceived religious barrier into an internationally recognised technical and quality standard — crucial for removing trade obstacles.

How does this SMIIC-WTO alignment tie in with your ‘halal built-in’ concept?
They are interconnected — halal built-in’ ensures enterprise-level integrity, while the SMIIC-WTO framework provides global governance for trusted certifications.

Neither succeeds alone — this is the ultimate ‘convergence of minds’, aligning Shariah, science, technology, and Muamalat with international policy.

Why is the alignment pivotal?
It establishes a standardised, reliable, and trustworthy global framework that encourages mutual recognition, thereby reducing trade barriers.

This achievement, shaped by Malaysia’s 50-year halal journey, motivates OIC member countries to adopt or adapt OIC/SMIIC internationally recognised halal standards as their national standards to facilitate easier market access and foster increased global trust and confidence.

How has Malaysia pioneered halal certification for global impact?
International engagement is crucial. Malaysia has been an active ISO member since 1969 and was listed on the WTO ISO Standards Information Gateway in 1995. This foundation has allowed us to pioneer the world’s first ISO-level halal standards, starting with MS 1500 in 2000.

The Department of Standards Malaysia (DSM) regularly updates all MS (Malaysian Standards) halal standards to ensure they meet ISO requirements.

Furthermore, JAKIM’s halal management division holds accreditation under ISO/IEC 17065 for conformity assessment, strengthening Malaysia’s position as a global leader in credible, transparent halal certification and resolving trade disputes by complying with WTO TBT requirements.

Trade issues in Indonesia and Pakistan highlight challenges. How does Malaysia’s experience contrast?
Indonesia’s WTO DS484 dispute, initiated by Brazil, highlighted import restrictions partly linked to halal certification. Pakistan's WTO TBT concerns stem from objections by the US and EU pertinent to labelling and certification.

Malaysia, in contrast, has a positive record of using ISO-aligned standards and proactive WTO notifications, which have helped resolve or prevent disputes - affirming its approach as a global model.

How integral is the 'convergence of minds’ in halal standards and leadership?
It’s fundamental in bringing together Shariah scholars, scientists, technologies, and Islamic business experts to co-develop balanced and practical halal standards. This collaboration ensures ‘halal built-in’ is both robust and broadly accepted.

What leadership priorities will define the halal industry’s future?
Developing specialised certification capabilities, leveraging transparency in technology such as blockchain, investing in halal R&D, and cultivating ‘learn-unlearn-relearn-co-learn’ cultures, which are rooted in shared Amanah and mutual respect.

Let your work be ‘Ibadah’ (worship). From that foundation, adopt the ‘halal built-in’ mindset. Involve halal experts during the product conception stage, not merely at the certification phase. Then, engage proactively in the harmonisation process.

Learn about SMIIC standards. Recognise that the WTO framework now works in your favour. This knowledge cultivates patience with the process, which in turn, fosters respect for different stakeholders and ultimately facilitates informed decision-making that benefits the entire value chain.

Ms Osman is the recipient of the 2024 Halal Malaysia Industry Lifetime Achievement Award, and will continue her role as MIHREC's honorary strategic advisor until the end of the year

25 Sep 2025

Insight

OIC Economies

Can Saudi-Pakistan defence pact serve as a template for similar agreements?

Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan’s strategic mutual defence agreement signed earlier this month could serve as a blueprint for similar defence alliances.

The strategic pact, signed in Riyadh by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s Prime Minister, during the latter’s state visit to the kingdom, aims to “develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression”.

The two countries have conducted a series of joint military exercises over the years, including the Al-Samsaam-VIII-22 joint exercise in 2022, and a more recent exercise conducted in Multan last year. The joint statement added that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both”.

“KSA and Pakistan….one front against any aggressor…always and forever,” Saudi defence minister Prince Khalid bin Salman wrote on social media platform X, in the immediate aftermath of the deal.

The landmark agreement comes at a precarious time as the Mideast region continues to grapple with security risks fuelled by Israeli aggression, including its drawn-out atrocities on Gaza and strikes on neighbouring countries, which culminated in last week’s attack on Qatar’s capital.

The Doha attack, which challenged Qatar’s sovereignty and drew swift condemnation from regional and global states, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK, France and Spain, was defining, with Qatar bordering Saudi Arabia.

While US President Donald Trump offered assurance that such an attack will not happen again on Qatari soil, Israeli premier held a different and a darker stance, warning Qatar that either it must “expel” Hamas members or “bring them to justice, because if you don’t, we will.”

Netanyahu’s dark promise casts a shadow of doubt over the region’s security, with its heat being felt beyond Qatar’s borders.

Muhammad Faisal, a South Asia security researcher at the University of Technology Sydney, said that the security architecture of Gulf has been stress tested during past four months twice: first by the Iran-Israel war, and second by recent Israeli airstrikes in Qatar.

“These events accelerated pressures on the Gulf’s security order since the onset of Gaza crisis, and particularly, Israel’s unilateral use of force across eight countries in two years. Gulf states are scrambling to bolster their security, as Trump administration reassess America’s military footprint across the globe."

It also sets a blueprint for similar agreements with other GCC states, he adds.

Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Asif told a local media outlet that the entry of other Arab nations in the incumbent defence agreement was not ruled out, and that the current pact carried no clause that obviates the entry of another nation or limits Pakistan from forging similar alliances.

Pakistan’s military ranks as the 12th most powerful in the world this year, out of a list of 145 countries gauged on military strength, according to Global Firepower Ranking. It trails India (4th) and Türkiye (9th), and lies ahead of Saudi Arabia (24th) and the UAE (54th). The country beefed up its defence spending to $9 billion for the fiscal year 2025-26, up 20% year-on-year.

Pakistan, the only nuclear-armed Muslim-majority country in the world, also recently emerged from an intense military showdown with neighbouring India. Both nations traded attacks over four days in May, striking each other’s military installations.

While the new agreement will build on years of defence cooperation and coordination between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the signaling and timing appears to be very distinct.

“What makes this agreement different from any similar step in modern Saudi history is its carefully chosen timing and binding nature. The agreement does not revolve around joint exercises or logistical cooperation, but rather around a direct defensive commitment — representing a shift from cooperation to pledge,” Mohammed H. Al Qahtani, CEO of Saudi Arabia Holding Company wrote in a LinkedIn post.

“Saudi Arabia does not host a permanent [US] base but only rotational deployments, granting it wider decision-making latitude. It has been the most targeted by missiles and drones over the past decade, thus bearing the greatest need.”

In the immediate term, this agreement will consolidate multi-dimensional defence cooperation already underway, adds Faisal.

"More crucially, the political and defence coordination between the two sides will deepen, while strengthening respective military capabilities of both countries. Certainly, this defence cooperation agreement [also] sets a template for similar bilateral defence cooperation with Qatar and the UAE."

20 Sep 2025

Insight

Halal Industry

Halal pharmaceuticals offer rare chance at global harmonization

A new effort to harmonize halal standards for medicines, vaccines, and nutraceuticals could build trust and transform the future of pharmaceutical trade

The world’s first international halal standards for biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, and nutraceuticals are in the works - and they could reshape how medicines are traded, certified, and trusted worldwide.

Led by the Istanbul-based Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), the initiative offers an opportunity to unify a fragmented system. If successful, experts say, it will cut costs, boost innovation, and open new markets well beyond Muslim-majority countries.

“By ensuring the production of safe, high-quality halal-certified medicines, a unified standard can strengthen patients’ confidence in the products they use,” Dr. Tariq Ali, professor and chair of pharmaceutics at Dow University of Health Sciences in Pakistan tells Salaam Gateway.

Such a global standard, he argues, could even pave the way for a free-trade model among Muslim nations - streamlining supply chains and encouraging collaboration in drug development.

“This, in turn, will foster stronger research and development efforts - not only in pharmaceuticals but also in the production of biological products,” explains Ali.

A fragmented landscape

For now, the global halal pharmaceutical sector remains fragmented.

“Exporting medicines between countries is already much more complex than other products,” says Dr. Mohammed Ali Alsheikh Wace, Specialist and Technical Assistant at SMIIC, which operates under the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and has 45 member states.

“Pharmaceuticals require special registration with ministries of health or food and drug authorities to prove their safety, quality, and efficacy. This process involves extensive documentation and, in many cases, factory inspections.”

Halal certification adds an extra layer of difficulty. “If multiple national or regional halal standards exist, this creates confusion, higher costs, and additional inspections for producers. We already see this problem in halal food, where different national standards exist alongside the OIC/SMIIC standard,” Wace says.

Strategic opportunity

Unlike halal food, however, pharmaceuticals present a rare chance for early alignment. So far, only Malaysia and Pakistan have introduced national halal pharmaceutical standards.

That gives the OIC/SMIIC 50 standard a head start, Wace explains. The framework consists of three parts: General Requirements for Halal Pharmaceuticals (50-1), Biopharmaceuticals/Vaccines (50-2), and Nutraceuticals and Related Products (50-3).

The general requirements (50-1) were published in 2022. The remaining two standards are now under development - and, crucially, will be global benchmarks in their categories.

“Notably, SMIIC 50-2 and 50-3 will be the first international standards in their fields, with no existing national equivalents. This provides a unique opportunity for global harmonization,” says Wace.

Companies that comply with these standards, he adds, will find their products more readily accepted across borders. This will cut costs and encourage innovation as firms will focus on developing new products, without worrying about conflicting national requirements.

Barriers on the ground

Yet uptake of OIC/SMIIC 50-1 has been slow.

“An OIC-member accreditation body must accredit halal certification bodies (HCBs). This requires registering halal pharmaceuticals as a new field and paying additional evaluation fees. The high costs discourage many HCBs from applying, especially as the number of companies requesting certification remains small,” says Wace.

Most firms active so far are dietary supplement producers, which are usually certified under OIC/SMIIC 1 - the general halal food standard - given its less complex regulatory requirements.

“Regulations for dietary supplements are much simpler compared to full pharmaceutical products, so companies often choose that route instead of adopting OIC/SMIIC 50,” Wace explains.

Another major obstacle is the requirement for dedicated halal-only production lines. “For many manufacturers, this is a major barrier to certification,” he says.

Silver lining

Despite these hurdles, momentum in the halal pharmaceutical sector is building.

Egypt, Nigeria, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are among the OIC members strengthening regulatory frameworks for halal pharmaceuticals. Azerbaijan has adopted the OIC/SMIIC 50-1:2023 standard, while Indonesia has introduced comprehensive halal manufacturing guidelines for drugs, biological products, and medical equipment.

“Each year more companies are showing interest, and the trend indicates gradual but stable expansion in the application of OIC/SMIIC 50-1,” says Wace.

Transportation is not covered under this standard but rather in the halal supply chain series (OIC/SMIIC 17), he notes.

The role of partnerships

Industry partnerships are also driving momentum. In 2024, Duopharma Biotech teamed up with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia to advance halal healthcare standards, producing the first halal-certified oncology drugs and the world’s first halal-certified biosimilar.

Dr. Ali stresses that long-term progress will depend on global cooperation. “Establishing a truly globally accepted framework for the halal pharmaceutical industry requires mutual understanding, collaboration, and standardization among countries,” he says.

“Continued research and innovation will also play a vital role in advancing the sector. Achieving this vision will demand sustained effort, time, and strong commitment from all global stakeholders.”

What’s next

Wace expects demand to rise initially across specialized areas.

“Based on studies and experience, I expect the first significant demand to emerge for heparin and low molecular weight heparins, followed by certain vaccines,” he says. “These areas will likely drive a wave of innovation and certification within the next three to five years.”

According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2024/2025, Muslim consumer spending on pharmaceuticals rose to $107.1 billion in 2023, up slightly from $106.9 billion in 2022. The market is projected to climb to $149 billion by 2028.

With the Muslim population growing and awareness of halal compliance rising, the question isn’t whether global standards will take hold - but when.

“The Muslim population represents a large and growing market, and as awareness increases, demand for halal-compliant medicines will naturally expand,” Wace adds. “It’s therefore only a matter of time before a global framework is established.”

09 Sep 2025

Insight

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