SHARJAH (IINA) – The 4th Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Halal Middle East Exhibition in Sharjah is launching a new vertical targeting the halal tourism segment — Halal Tourism Middle East 2015 (HTME), according to a statement from the Expo Centre Sharjah.
The exhibition will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates from December 8 to 10.
To be held as part of Halal Middle East, the HTME is an acknowledgement of long-held credentials of Sharjah as a pioneer in culture, religion, education, art, architecture and a family friendly destination.
“Halal Tourism Middle East celebrates Sharjah’s selection as the ‘Capital of Arab Tourism’ for 2015, as well the recognition of Sharjah’s unique tourism offerings that have been growing in stature at local, regional and international levels over the years,” said Saif Mohammed Al-Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.
The statement added that the HTME 2015 will help ministries of tourism, other government departments, travel agencies, hotels & resorts, airlines and the likes to tap into this growing market, which globally saw Muslims spending $142 billion on travel in 2014.
The statement said that by 2020, the market is expected to reach $233 billion, adding that experts have pointed out the boom was driven by the increasing Muslim population in many countries and supported by a young, educated and assertive demographic.
“Halal Middle East, along with its focus on tourism, will take advantage of new market opportunities, which is strongly led by the food & beverage and finance sectors, and has expanded into the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, personal-care and other segments. The global halal industry is going to converge on Sharjah to take advantage of a range of compelling opportunities in the region,” added Al-Midfa.
Held under the patronage of Dr. Sheikh Sultan Al-Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Halal Middle East will feature more than 100 exhibitors from prominent halal-producing countries.
Besides, aiming to promote member states’ portfolio, the OIC Islamic Center for Development and Trade will lead a pavilion of exhibitors from countries such as Azerbaijan, Egypt, Jordan, Malaysia, Mozambique, Palestine, Senegal, Turkey and the UAE.
Halal Middle East also has a special focus area – Halal Cosmetics, apart from international pavilions from China, Iran, Malaysia and Netherlands featuring a comprehensive range of halal food and beverages, apart from a wide variety of other halal products & services.
At the show, visitors can also meet Islamic promotion & development associations, certification & classification bodies, hotels, restaurants & franchises, apart from service providers such as Islamic banks, insurance firms, and tourism agencies etc.
Halal Middle East is also featuring an expanded Kitchen Equipment – Horeca Middle East 2015, providing an A-Z sourcing opportunity for all the needs of the hospitality sector.
