UAE Cabinet approves establishment of International Forum for Halal Certification Bodies

Photo: ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - Feb 24, 2015: Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, during a meeting with the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko / Drop of Light / Shutterstock.com

The UAE Cabinet on Sunday approved the establishment of the International Forum for Halal Certification Bodies to be based in Dubai. 

UAE state news agency WAM reported that the Forum aims to regulate the halal industry, as well as introduce an inspection mechanism that safeguards customers’ rights and industry promotion. The Forum, according to WAM, will also help in building confidence in halal-certified food and non-food products in the world, ensure and facilitate trade movement in the halal industry and boost cooperation among regional and international organisations.

This latest initiative from the UAE underlines the government’s efforts to be a global reference point in halal certification products as well as enabling legislation, said WAM. 

This announcement follows the decree, in the middle of December, from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for the establishment of the Emirates Global Centre for Accreditation that will have a focus on the halal sector. 

Halal certification and accreditation for food and other products is fragmented around the world, with an estimated 300 bodies in the sector. 

A particular issue is contradictory practices and standards, in part due to this lack of harmonisation worldwide, which is hindering the development of the overall sector. 

Both the International Forum for Halal Certification Bodies and the Emirates Global Centre for Accreditation seek to address this issue, and are part of Dubai's strategy to become a global reference for the Islamic Economy.