Malaysia International Halal Showcase marks Middle East debut in Dubai 

The Malaysia International Halal Showcase’s Middle East debut held in Dubai netted $510 million in sales. 

The three-day event - known as MIHAS@Dubai and organized by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), was a watershed for Malaysia’s halal industry. 

Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, MATRADE CEO said that the GCC state accounted for 42% of Malaysia’s total trade with Gulf countries - worth $ almost $8 billion - from January through October this year.

“As the largest destination for Malaysia’s exports in the GCC, the UAE contributed a share of 55.3% or $2.61 billion. Malaysian exports to the UAE increased by 3% compared to the same period in 2023, driven by higher exports of jewellery, petroleum products, processed foods, as well as machinery, equipment, and parts.”

Malaysia ranks as the UAE’s 12th-largest Asian trading partner, and fifth among ASEAN countries, while the UAE is Malaysia’s second-largest trade partner in the Arab world.  

More than 120 Malaysian companies operating across food and beverage, beauty, agriculture and environment, Muslim-friendly travel, franchise, Islamic finance and halal logistics sectors, participated in the event. 

Malaysia concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement with the UAE this October, its first with a GCC nation. The deal aims to enhance bilateral trade through the reduction of tariffs and trade barriers.