Alibaba, MATRADE collaborate on halal initiative

Alibaba.com is committed to fostering a robust ecosystem that provides Malaysian businesses with the digital infrastructure and strategic connections necessary for long-term success.

This vision is anchored by a new collaboration with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). The partnership focuses on advancing digital trade and export readiness, with a primary objective of developing a dedicated Halal Pavilion on Alibaba.com. This initiative serves to showcase certified halal Malaysian products to international buyers, facilitating wider market recognition and sustainable trade expansion.

Building on Malaysia's established leadership in the halal economy, MATRADE is committed to empowering local companies to capitalise on international market opportunities. The agency recognises digital trade as a pivotal tool for connecting export-ready businesses with global buyers, while simultaneously enhancing the operational capabilities and market visibility of Malaysian products. 

This collaboration with Alibaba.com represents a strategic move by MATRADE to explore new avenues for strengthening the international competitiveness of exporters, particularly within the halal sector.

Tanmiah MoU with Tradewinds focuses on halal protein production

- Memorandum of understanding (MoU) establishes a framework for cooperation across halal protein production, importation, processing, branding, and distribution in Malaysia and the wider Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

- Marks a key milestone in Tanmiah's strategy to become the No. 1 global halal sustainable healthy protein company by 2030

- Creates opportunities to expand exports across APAC markets. 

Tanmiah Food Company, one of KSA's major vertically-integrated poultry and food producers, has signed a MoU with Tradewinds, a Malaysian food company, at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS). 

Picture taken at the MoU signing Picture taken at the MoU signing

The MoU sets out a framework for the two companies to cooperate on halal protein production, importation, processing, branding, and distribution across Malaysia and the wider APAC region. Through the partnership, Tanmiah aims to establish a direct presence in Malaysia and grow its exports to markets across the wider APAC region, meeting rising global demand from consumers of all backgrounds who choose halal as a trusted standard for quality, food safety, and animal welfare, while advancing its vision of becoming the leading global provider of halal, sustainable, and healthy protein.

Under the framework of the MoU, the two companies will explore a range of opportunities, including the export of Saudi-produced chicken products, for which there is strong demand in Malaysia; joint investment in a Malaysian further-processing facility; leveraging Malaysia as a regional production and export hub to support APAC expansion; and the assessment of potential future investments across the poultry value chain, including farming, hatcheries, and poultry processing operations. 

In parallel, the two companies intend to develop a global halal, sustainable, and healthy protein brand, supported by dual halal certification.

Zulfiqar Hamadani, Group CEO of Tanmiah said: "This partnership marks an important step forward in our journey to become the leading global provider of halal, sustainable, and healthy protein. Malaysia is one of the most respected halal markets in the world and a natural gateway to the wider Asia-Pacific region, making it a strategic priority for Tanmiah's next phase of growth. 

"Together with Tradewinds, we see a compelling opportunity to bring the quality and integrity of Saudi-produced halal protein to millions of consumers across the region, while laying the foundations of a truly global halal brand supported by dual certification. This ambition also directly supports Vision 2030's goals of growing Saudi non-oil exports and establishing the kingdom as a leading exporter of high-value halal food products."

Dennis Foo, Group CEO of Tradewinds said: "This partnership brings together two organisations with complementary strengths and a shared vision for advancing halal excellence.

"Malaysia's strong halal credentials, manufacturing capabilities and strategic access to regional markets make it an ideal platform for growth. Together with Tanmiah, we see significant potential to create new opportunities in halal food production, processing and exports while reinforcing Malaysia's position as a leading halal hub for Asia-Pacific."

As part of its MIHAS 2026 presence, Tanmiah shared a booth with Tradewinds, helping to build brand awareness and familiarity in the region ahead of the deeper commercial cooperation envisaged under the MoU. 

Hashtag: #MIHAS2026

MIHAS reports strong growth in 2026

The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026, a key halal marketplace for connecting Malaysian businesses with international markets, has delivered a strong four-day performance. The event recorded sales of RM6.78 B from 23 to 26 September 2026 — 12% more than the RM6.05 B recorded in 2025.

Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof, CEO, MATRADE said: “MIHAS 2026 demonstrates that the platform is not only growing in terms of sales, but is also creating greater opportunities for Malaysian businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to access international markets.

"We remain committed to strengthening SMEs and mid-tier companies (MTCs) to expand into global markets especially the emerging and non-traditional markets.”

“The RM6.78 billion in sales achieved at MIHAS 2026 represents valuable opportunities. With the integration of agentic AI, MIHAS is evolving into a more connected and digitally enabled trade facilitation ecosystem, helping Malaysian companies identify potential buyers, build meaningful business relationships and pursue new export opportunities beyond the exhibition floor. Under the MADANI Digital Trade Platform (MDTP), we shall provide Malaysian exporters with continuous connectivity with global buyers and support them in securing sustainable export opportunities,” he added.

MIHAS 2026 attracted 69,104 visitors from 93 countries, up from 50,340 visitors in 2025 — 37.3% more, the highest increase since its inception in 2004. The event also brought together participating exhibitors and International Sourcing Programme (INSP) buyers from 58 countries, further strengthening MIHAS’ international reach and appeal as a global halal trade exposition.

The INSP generated RM4.02 B against RM3.63 B in 2025, growing 10.9%. INSP facilitates structured business meetings between Malaysian sellers and international buyers, creating targeted opportunities for sourcing, business matching and potential export transactions.

Meanwhile, the MIHAS Exhibition recorded approximately RM1.99 B, compared to RM1.89 B in 2025, up 5.5%. Among the top products driving exhibition sales were processed food and confectionery, food technology and packaging, frozen food, as well as fertilisers and agrochemicals.  

Malaysian SMEs benefited as well with MIHAS Exhibition 2026 sales of RM620, compared with RM557 M in 2025 (up 11.3%). SME participation has increased over six years, from 64 companies in 2021 to 339 companies in 2026, a 429.7% jump.  

Under RMK13, the 13th Malaysia plan ending 2030, Malaysia has set a target of RM80 B in halal exports. The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 continues to support this ambition by providing Malaysian SMEs with access to international buyers, business matching, sourcing opportunities and digital tools to expand their market reach and strengthen their export capabilities.

The 2026 edition also marked a significant step forward in MIHAS’ digital transformation through the integration of agentic AI. More than 22,000 AI-assisted business appointments were generated during MIHAS 2026. Of these appointments, 324 matches were made, representing RM28 M in sales. 

The AI platform will continue to operate until 2027, enabling participating businesses to continue connecting, engaging with potential buyers and pursuing new trade opportunities beyond the four-day exhibition.

Malaysia’s halal exports reached RM68.52 B in 2025, a 10.9% increase from RM61.79 B in 2024.

Hashtag: #MIHAS2026

Malaysia, Singapore to deepen halal-related trade, investments

Malaysia and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral halal-related trade and investment relations. At the Third Annual Ministerial Dialogue (3rd AMD) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 1 October 2026, co-chairs YB Datuk Seri Johari bin Abdul Ghani, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia and HE Gan Kim Yong, Deputy PM and Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Trade), Singapore discussed the growing global demand for halal products and services. 

 

Both sides agreed to explore opportunities for deeper cooperation, capacity building, and investment across halal-related sectors. Singapore is Malaysia’s second-largest halal export destination, with exports valued at RM7.1 B in 2025 according to the Halal Development Corporation*.

Both Ministers highlighted the complementary strengths of the two economies, noting that Malaysia’s well-established halal industrial ecosystem, combined with Singapore’s extensive global trade networks, financing capabilities, and research and development (R&D) expertise, could create opportunities for higher-value commercial partnerships and
investments. 

Both Ministers acknowledged the ongoing discussions on mutual recognition of halal certification and encouraged both sides to explore avenues towards formalising an arrangement that would facilitate halal trade and promote greater business opportunities for the benefit of businesses and consumers in both countries.

Both sides further agreed to explore linkages between Singapore-based enterprises and HALMAS-certified Halal Parks across priority areas, subject to commercial interests, in areas such as food processing; halal ingredients; alternative
proteins; cosmetics; and cold-chain logistics.

Malaysia also encouraged Singaporean businesses to leverage platforms such as the just-concluded Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) to identify business, investment and partnership opportunities. To support these efforts, both countries discussed potential greater collaboration in capacity building, technology and knowledge exchange, as well as stronger institutional linkages among relevant business chambers and industry associations.

The 2nd AMD was hosted by Singapore in 2024. Singapore is Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner and an important source of foreign direct investment (FDI), while Malaysia continues to be Singapore’s third-largest trading partner. In 2025, Malaysia-Singapore total trade reached a record high of US$94.07 B, an increase of 8.5% compared to 2024 according to the Department of Statistics, Malaysia.

*October 1 2026. Presentation at the 3rd Annual Ministerial Dialogue between Malaysia and Singapore.

Tanmiah inaugurates Innovation Center

- Unites the entire innovation cycle in one micro-laboratory-scale facility at Tanmiah's headquarters

- Enhances capabilities to experiment with new ideas and locally-sourced ingredients

- Advances local food security, raises quality standards, elevates the profile of unique Saudi ingredients

- Supports KSA's vision of a sustainable, self-sufficient food sector 

Tanmiah Food Company, one of KSA's vertically-integrated poultry and food producers, has launched the Tanmiah Innovation Center at its headquarters in Riyadh. The centre is envisioned as a platform for expanding Tanmiah's value-added portfolio across the broader protein landscape, advancing the company's vision of becoming the leading global provider of halal, sustainable and healthy protein. 

The center was inaugurated in the presence of Tanmiah's Chairman H.E. Amr Al Dabbagh, and Dr. Abdulaziz bin Malik Al-Malik, Deputy Minister for Research and Innovation at the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, as well as other representatives from the Culinary Arts Commission, the Agricultural Development Fund, the Environment Fund, alongside Tanmiah's executive management team. 

Photo from the Innovation Center inauguration event

The innovation centre is focused on healthy, sustainable protein products, and will lead the development of all new products across Tanmiah's brands, which are distributed in KSA and GCC markets. The entire innovation and R&D product lifecycle will be managed in one place. Consumer insights, concept creation, project evaluation, prototype development, pilot trials, consumer validation and market launch are handled within a single integrated ecosystem, rather than split across separate functions or external suppliers. 

In addition to consumer product innovation, the centre is designed to foster close collaboration with hotel, restaurant, café/catering (HORECA) and other food service partners on tailored solutions, from product development to menu creation. Its capabilities also extend beyond poultry products themselves, supporting the development, testing and validation of new protein categories. 

The centre has four connected areas: creation and research, kitchen, application, and sensory analysis. This integrated structure supports faster responses to emerging trends, improved decision-making, and higher product quality, all while protecting operational continuity, Tanmiah said. 

By replicating Tanmiah's further-processing and marination capabilities at a micro-laboratory scale, the centre enables products to be fully developed and validated on site before moving directly to production. This reduces lead times, improves responsiveness to consumer feedback, and ensures products reach the market in the shortest possible time. 

Zulfiqar Hamadani, Group Chief Executive Officer of Tanmiah said: "With this Innovation Center, we are strengthening our ability to respond faster and more effectively to the evolving needs of our customers and consumers, creating products that are more convenient, healthier, and deliver greater value. 

"At the same time, it enables us to contribute positively towards the ambitions of Vision 2030 by developing a more diversified, self-sufficient, and sustainable food sector. For six decades, our deep connection to the communities we serve has been a cornerstone of our resilience and success, and we believe it will remain central to how we grow and create value for generations to come."

Zein M. Attar, MD, Tanmiah said: "Our deep-rooted presence in the communities where we farm, produce, and deliver our products, gives us a unique understanding of the consumers we serve and their evolving needs. This culinary Innovation Center will turn that insight into nutritious, healthier, and more sustainable food solutions, developed locally, for the people and communities we serve. We are tremendously excited about the pipeline this centre will unlock and the opportunities it creates for Saudi talent, Saudi ingredients and Saudi innovation in the years ahead."

Marcos Delorenzo, CEO, Agricultural Development Company (ADC) said: "Chicken meat is one of the most versatile proteins, offering tremendous possibilities for innovation across flavors, spices, formats and occasions. The Innovation Center allows us to unlock that potential, responding faster to evolving consumer trends and customer needs with differentiated products and customised solutions. 

"In alignment with our vision, its capabilities also take us beyond poultry, providing a platform to explore new protein categories and expand Tanmiah's role in the future of food in the kingdom, regionally and globally." 

The inauguration of the centre follows a number of milestones for Tanmiah's innovation pipeline. In 2026, through its subsidiary Agricultural Development Company (ADC), Tanmiah won in two categories at the Product of the Year (POY) Gulf Edition for the 5th consecutive year. The winning products are its frozen breaded chicken Range, pioneering the use of 100% fresh Saudi Chicken in the frozen category, and its Taste secrets fresh marinated Shaqra Pepper Chicken Breast Fillet in the marinated category, made with the distinctive local Shaqra pepper cultivated in the Shaqra region northwest of Riyadh, delivering deeper cultural relevance through authentic local flavor while supporting local farmers. 

Smobler takes vertical AI food compliance push to the Gulf

Singapore-founded technology company Smobler is exploring the expansion of its Robin AI platform toward halal compliance workflows across ASEAN and MENA.

The move reflects Smobler's broader bet on vertical AI: as access to increasingly capable AI models becomes ubiquitous, competitive advantage will shift toward specialised applications solving expensive, persistent and industry-specific problems, the company said.

Smobler launched Robin AI in Hawaiʻi in June 2026 to help early-stage food and beverage entrepreneurs generate draft nutrition labels and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) food-safety plans. The platform is designed to support food safety specialists and regulatory authorities. A future system would similarly support recognised halal certification authorities, qualified auditors and human decision-makers.

"We want to help small producers navigate compliance more efficiently and reduce friction between creating a product and reaching a market," Chen said.

"The most interesting technologies scale globally because the underlying problem is widespread and travels."

Smobler also sees broader opportunity connecting Southeast Asia and the Gulf: adapting technologies and operating knowledge between markets rather than simply exporting software from one region to another.

"The Middle East opportunity isn't interesting simply because AI investment is booming," Smobler CEO Dr Loretta Chen said.

"There are real problems at the intersection of food, trade, logistics and technology where our Asia-Pacific experience may be useful and we have to learn from regional partners."

"Everyone can build an AI demo now," Smobler CTO Mridhul Pax added.

"The difficult part starts afterwards. Can the system be trusted? Is it economical to operate? Does it integrate into the industry? That last mile between an impressive prototype and reliable infrastructure is where we spend much of our time."

Smobler is seeking pilot, technology and commercial partners across food technology and trade, AI infrastructure and enterprise automation, logistics and maritime technology, as well as investment and innovation ecosystems. Organisations interested in discussing a potential pilot can contact mridhul@smobler.io.

New at SIAL Guangzhou: a Halal Food Village

Source: Comexposium-SIAL Exhibition Company. Poster for SIAL Guangzhou.

 

New initiatives planned for SIAL Guangzhou in 2026 include a Halal Food Village, reflecting rising demand from Muslim consumers across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East as well as growing interest from retailers and foodservice operators looking for certified products with international potential. 

The village will showcase halal-certified products from China's major Muslim food-producing regions, including Xinjiang and Gansu, alongside international exhibitors and country pavilions, including from Thailand. 

With Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Gulf markets continuing to expand on halal food imports that respond to mainstream expectations around quality, convenience and innovation, the segment is expected to become one of the exhibition's fastest-growing categories. 

According to the organisers, the halal category also overlaps with clean labelling, traceability, premiumisation and food safety, all themes that resonate beyond Muslim-majority markets. 

Taking place from 3 to 5 September 2026 at the Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center Expo, SIAL in Guangzhou arrives at a time when international buyers, distributors and retail procurement teams are looking more closely at supplier reliability, product differentiation and faster access to Asian growth markets.

The event is expanding to four exhibition halls this year, hosting over 1,500 exhibitors across 15 sectors. The ambition is to make South China’s edition a more prominent international sourcing platform, especially for buyers seeking export-ready Chinese suppliers and Asian market insight in the same place.

Details

SIAL Guangzhou 2026 | 3–5 September | Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center Expo, Guangzhou, China

Register at https://dwz.cn/I3xC9VAY

 

The Philippines sets a new standard in Muslim-friendly tourism

The Philippines continues to strengthen its position as a rising Muslim-friendly destination in Asia, welcoming travellers from the Middle East and the wider Muslim world through a growing ecosystem of halal- and Muslim-friendly tourism experiences. 

This momentum is further complemented by the country's strong tourism and cultural ties with neighboring Muslim-majority countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia under the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

The Philippines is ready to welcome Muslim visitors from around the world—offering a place where faith meets genuine hospitality. Courtesy of Department of Tourism - Philippines From faith-filled traditions to Muslim-friendly destinations, the Philippines is ready to welcome Muslim visitors from around the world—offering a place where faith meets genuine hospitality. Courtesy of Department of Tourism - Philippines

Recognised by Mastercard-CrescentRating as a rising Muslim-friendly destination and ranked 8th among non-OIC destinations in the 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), the Philippines continues to gain international recognition for its efforts in advancing halal- and Muslim-friendly tourism. Across the archipelago, travellers can now experience a growing range of accommodations, halal-certified dining establishments, cultural attractions, and tourism services designed to support the faith-based needs of Muslim travellers while offering authentic cultural and heritage experiences.

Beyond tourism infrastructure, the Philippines is also investing in workforce development, destination preparedness, and cultural awareness initiatives to strengthen the delivery of halal and Muslim-friendly tourism services nationwide. The Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) continues to support this growth through the implementation of its Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment (MFAE) Recognition Program across hotels and tourism establishments, while also encouraging halal certification among restaurants, accommodations, and tourism service providers throughout the country.

Muslim-friendly tourism infrastructure continues to expand across the Philippines, supported by the DOT's nationwide halal tourism development initiatives. To date, the DOT has officially recognised 67 Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAEs). Leading this effort is Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, the first hotel chain in the Philippines to achieve 100% MFAE recognition across all of its properties.

The Philippines also takes pride in strengthening the cultural awareness and preparedness of its tourism workforce. Through various training and capacity-building initiatives conducted by the DOT, an estimated 3,000 tourism frontliners and stakeholders nationwide have received specialised training on the fundamentals of halal, understanding Muslim travellers and guests, and the importance of culturally-sensitive and respectful service. 

Among the country's leading destinations, Boracay continues to strengthen its position as a Muslim-friendly island destination through initiatives such as Marhaba Boracay, which features an 800-square-meter beach cove dedicated for Muslim families. Boracay, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao City, and Metro Manila continue to feature a growing number of halal-certified dining establishments, prayer facilities, and tourism services designed to support the needs and comfort of Muslim travellers.

Beyond accommodations and dining, the Philippines offers Muslim travellers opportunities to experience the country's rich cultural diversity through heritage tours, island and nature experiences, vibrant local communities, and visits to Islamic heritage sites across Mindanao. 

The DOT continues to strengthen its engagement with key Muslim travel markets, including the Middle East and neighboring Muslim-majority countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Through international promotions, tourism collaborations, targeted destination campaigns, and the Muslim-Friendly Travelogue of the Philippines*, the country continues to highlight its expanding tourism offerings, accessibility, and commitment to inclusive travel experiences. 

As the global halal travel market continues to grow, the Philippines remains committed to offering travel experiences rooted in hospitality, cultural diversity, and respectful understanding of Muslim traditions and values. Direct connectivity from key international gateways to destinations such as Manila, Cebu, and Clark allows easy access to the country's tourism destinations. 

*The three-volume travelogue series showcases the Philippines through curated features on halal and local cuisine, tourism destinations, and the country's Muslim-friendly tourism initiatives and experiences. Get the travelogue via the QR code shared by the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta on Instagram in July 2025.

Source: Philippine Embassy in Jakarta via Instagram. QR codes for Muslim tourists planning to visit the Philippines.

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MYDIN partners with Lark to accelerate retail digital transformation

Source: Lark. Olivier Adam, Head of Commercial, Lark (left) and Malik Murad Ali Mydin, Director of Mydin Mohamed Holdings (right).

MYDIN, Malaysia's largest halal homegrown retail chain, has adopted the Lark all-in-one productivity platform to digitise, unify, and continue delivering accessible, high-quality, and affordable products and services to communities nationwide. 

The collaboration marks a significant milestone in MYDIN's digital evolution, streamlining communication across its headquarters, logistics hubs, and 77 retail outlets, enabling thousands of employees to collaborate more effectively and respond quickly to customer and market needs. 

By digitising and unifying its daily operations, MYDIN is strengthening its organisational efficiency, empowering team productivity, and building the digital backbone required to support its long-term business ambitions. Lark will become MYDIN's go-to platform for streamlining communications, speeding up workflows, and centralising operational information across all levels. 

Key use cases include: 

All-in-one collaboration 

Integrates messaging, video calls, approvals, forms, and ticketing into one seamless platform, reducing platform switching and improving speed of execution. 

Process standardisation and digitisation 

Uses Lark Base and Wiki to unify operational workflows, store standard operating procedures (SOPs), department guidelines, and checklists, enabling consistent execution and improved compliance across branches. 

Employee engagement and cross-team communication 

Leverages Lark Moments to foster team culture, support company-wide updates, and strengthen engagement among distributed teams across Malaysia. 

Rapid executive decision-making

By establishing a single source of truth, the time required to consolidate project data reduced by 85%. 

Precision financial governance

The move beyond manual spreadsheets to track estimated vs actual costs in real-time, eliminating version control errors and providing instant visibility into budget health for all in-progress projects. 

Operational transparency

Branch opening dates, milestones, and logistics updates are now displayed on live dashboards, ensuring thousands of employees across headquarters and retail branches are aligned. 

Role-based security

Sensitive financial and project data is now protected through structured access governance, ensuring information is only available to authorised personnel.

A centrepiece of this partnership is the digitalisation of MYDIN's environmental, social and governance (ESG) programme. With 67% of Malaysian consumers preferring sustainable brands, MYDIN has moved its solar panel installations and CO₂ emissions tracking onto Lark.

Previously, sustainability data was scattered across multiple legacy systems.Today, MYDIN leadership utilises real-time MapTable visualisations within Lark to monitor energy savings and carbon reduction across every hypermall and mall in their portfolio. 

Mark Dembitz, GM, Lark APAC, shared: "Our partnership with MYDIN marks an exciting milestone in Lark's mission to support the accelerated digitalisation of Southeast Asia's largest and most established retail brands. MYDIN's deep heritage as a trusted family-owned Malaysian retailer, combined with its rapid transformation efforts, sets the foundation for strong, scalable growth. 

"With Lark, teams across MYDIN's many branches, from hypermarkets to convenience stores, can collaborate effortlessly, streamline operations, and enhance service quality for millions of customers nationwide."

Established in 1957, MYDIN has evolved from a wooden shop in Kota Bharu into one of Malaysia's leading retail brands, with 77 outlets nationwide. Anchored by its Why Pay More? Buy at Wholesale Prices! promise, MYDIN delivers quality halal products at affordable prices to Malaysians.

Today, MYDIN continues to evolve, expanding into new retail innovations, digitalisation initiatives, and customer experience enhancements, ensuring it remains competitive and relevant for future generations of Malaysian families. 

Malik Murad Ali, Digital Director of MYDIN, said: "At MYDIN, we believe that retail is in the details, and clear communication is essential to ensuring our teams operate seamlessly across the business. The implementation of Lark as our communication and collaboration platform allows us to streamline coordination, improve operational efficiency, and foster a more connected workforce across all MYDIN formats. 

"By strengthening our internal operations, we are better positioned to serve customers faster, operate more effectively, and continue delivering the everyday value that MYDIN is known for, while supporting our long-term ambition to elevate the Malaysian retail experience as a proud homegrown, community-first brand."

Winners announced for The BrandLaureate World Halal BestBrands Awards 2026

The World Brands Foundation (TWBF) has presented The BrandLaureate World Halal BestBrands Awards 2026. 

For The BrandLaureate, each recognition platform is a reaffirmation of brand purpose, principled leadership, and long-term value creation. In today's increasingly discerning environment, brands are defined not only by visibility, but by the strength of their governance, the discipline of their strategy, and the trust they inspire among stakeholders, the company said.

Across the global halal landscape, the progressive growth of bumiputera enterprises and the evolving fast-moving growing and sustainable business and brands (FMGS) sector, branding has become a catalyst for credibility, competitiveness, and sustainable economic contribution.  

In an increasingly competitive marketplace, these brands have demonstrated that strong identity, structured governance and strategic branding are catalysts for sustainable growth, the organisers said. 

Anchored by the theme Advancing Halal: Inspiring Trust, Elevating Standards, Expanding Vision, The BrandLaureate World Halal BestBrands Awards 2026 recognises brands that have strengthened the global Halal ecosystem through innovation, governance and unwavering commitment to excellence. 

The global halal economy has matured into a multitrillion-dollar force spanning food, pharmaceuticals, finance, logistics, technology, hospitality, and lifestyle. In this expanding landscape, the concept of halal has emerged as a universal symbol of trust, ethics and quality that transcends geography and culture, The BrandLaureate said. 

The award honours brands that understand halal as a disciplined system of values embedded throughout leadership, operations and supply chains. Recipients represent the new standard of halal excellence; brands that elevate industry benchmarks while expanding their global influence. 

Organisations honoured spanned food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, Islamic finance, logistics, manufacturing, hospitality, technology, and professional services. Recipients included Maybank Islamic, Blackmores Malaysia, Ikano Handel (Ikea Malaysia: Swedish Restaurant), KHH Double Lion Fruit Juice Manufacturing, Kart Food Industries, Majlis Agama Islam Selangor and Teo Seng Capital. 

The BrandLaureate World Halal BestBrands Awards 2026 - Signature Brand recognise organisations demonstrating strong brand identity, innovation, and sectoral excellence. The recipients included Apollo Food Industries, Borenos, Halal Products Research Institute: Universiti Putra Malaysia, IKOP Pharma, Gemini Beauty Resources (Kitsui), Kumpulan Medic Iman (KMI Healthcare), Lay Hong (Nutriplus) and RCE Marketing. 

The BrandLaureate World Halal BestBrands Awards 2026 - Most Preferred Brand honoured organisations that have achieved strong consumer trust, preference, and market resonance. Award recipients included HERO 99, JCL Credit Leasing (JCL i-Fund), Kanika Malaysia, Kwantas (Minyak Mas), Desa Southern Food Products (Sweet & Sour), and Village Park Restaurant. 

Strategic business partners of The BrandLaureate World Halal BestBrands Award 2026 include Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) and Halal Development Corporation (HDC). YBhg Dato' Dr. Sirajuddin Bin Suhaimee, Director General of JAKIM, was honoured with The BrandLaureate World Halal BrandLeadership Award 2026 for outstanding leadership in halal governance. 

"In a world of expanding opportunities and intensifying competition, branding is what elevates a business into a lasting force — it is what makes a brand be seen, heard, known, and remembered. As industries evolve and the halal economy rises globally, these awards honour brands that build with trust, stand with purpose, and grow with unwavering resilience," said President Emeritus Professor Dr KK Johan, World President of The World Brands Foundation. 

Source: The BrandLaureate. The World Brands Foundation (TWBF) has celebrated The BrandLaureate World Halal BestBrands Awards 2026. 

Explore

See the full list of winners and award categories.

Lim Traders goes D2C with The Halal Meat Specialist

Lim Traders, a meat importer, processor and distributor in Singapore with over 40 years of experience, has launched its direct-to-consumer (D2C) platform, The Halal Meat Specialist at https://www.thehalalmeatspecialist.com/. 

Customers can purchase a wide range of halal-certified products, including poultry, beef, lamb, seafood and ready-to-cook items. 

Lim Traders operates across the entire value chain, from importation and processing to storage and distribution, ensuring strict quality control at every stage. All products are certified halal by Singapore's certification body Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS). The company also holds certifications such as SS590:2013 and BizSafe Level 3, reinforcing its commitment to food safety, operational excellence and compliance.

Customers can enjoy: 

- Free delivery for orders above S$100 

- A $15 delivery fee for smaller orders 

- Delivery time slots between 8:30 am and 6 pm 

A self-collection option is available at Lim Traders' facility in Chin Bee Road.

Indonesia Shariah Economic Festival 2025 increases exposure for startups, designers

The Indonesian National Committee of Sharia Economics and Finance (Komite Nasional Ekonomi dan Keuangan Syariah or KNEKS), together with the Department of Economy and Shariah Finance at Bank Indonesia (DEKS), have held a Halal Startup Demo Day (HSDD) as part of Indonesia Shariah Economic Festival (ISEF) 2025. ISEF is Indonesia's largest annual shari'ah economic and financial event. 

Themed Dare to Jumpstart Halal Industry With Ambition, HSDD 2025 brought 20 halal industry startups, investors, mentors, and stakeholders together.

Rp21 B has been set aside for selected startups. Potential business partners and committed investors include the Indonesian Muslim Entrepreneur Community (Komunitas Pengusaha Muslim Indonesia or KPMI), the Gaido Group, Equitree, PUM Netherlands, the Rahmania Foundation, HASAN Venture Capital, BTPN Syariah Venture Capital, and LBS Urun Dana. Other participants included the Indonesian Fintech Association (AFSI), the Venture Capital Association for Indonesian Startups (AMVESINDO), Gobi Partner, and World Startup.

"On behalf of Bank Indonesia, we express our highest appreciation and appreciation to the KNEKS and all parties participating in the implementation of this activity—from the organising partners, supporting institutions, to startups that today will showcase their work and innovation in the halal industry sector," said Yono, Deputy Director of Economics and Finance of Sharia at Bank Indonesia in a statement in Bahasa Indonesia*.

“In line with the great vision of Asta Cita Indonesia, Bank Indonesia is committed through this activity to supporting the acceleration of the national halal startup ecosystem in order to cement Indonesia as the world’s halal industry hub through matching innovators with investors, and opening wider access to Islamic financing. This activity is also a platform to strengthen the halal value chain and nurture superior startups that are ready to compete globally.”

“The Ministry of Industry is committed to supporting the growth of technology startups in the industry through the Startup for Industry programme. This programme is a forum for coaching and acceleration for startups to collaborate with the industrial sector, present technology-based solutions, and strengthen the national supply chain," said Dini Hangandari, Director of IKM, LMEA, Ministry of Industry.

The 20 startups came from a variety of sectors, including food and beverage, fashion, health, shari'ah finance, Muslim-friendly tourism, renewable energy, as well as media and recreation.

The Director of Business and Entrepreneurship of Sharia at KNEKS, Putu Rahwidiyasa, said that HSDD 2025 is an important part of KNEKS' commitment in driving the growth of the innovation-based sharia economy. “We want to help startups be ready to compete in the domestic and global markets by taking advantage of funding opportunities and a wider network,” he said.

HSDD 2025 is here to address the obstacles faced by many startups in obtaining adequate access to funding, networking, and business assistance. Through this activity, startups are expected to gain access to funding, guidance from experienced mentors, and expand the network with investors, buyers, and strategic partners. The programme also provides mentoring through the development of pitch decks.

Wahyu Wicaksono, Director of Applications, Ministry of Creative Economy, Indonesia, shared that the development of halal-based creative economic startups has been prioritised. "Through digital technology and creativity, startups can deliver halal products and services that are more inclusive, competitive, and have a broad economic impact,” he said. 

“Continuous collaboration between stakeholders — governments, financial institutions, investors, academia, and the entrepreneurial community. The hope is that this activity will give birth to a generation of halal startups that are innovative, competitive, and make a real contribution to the progress of the nation," said imbuh Irwansyah, Asdep Incubation And Digitalization of Entrepreneurial Deputy for Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium sized Enterprises (MSMEs). 

"HSDD 2025 is expected to be a strategic meeting point that strengthens the synergy between stakeholders and opens up greater opportunities for halal startups in Indonesia," Putu added.

The Indonesia International Modest Fashion Festival (IN2MOTIONFEST) 2025, also part of ISEF 2025, showcased 1,785 modest fashion works, highlighting the richness of Indonesian wastra***.

Organised by the Indonesian Fashion Chamber (IFC) together with Bank Indonesia, IN2MOTIONFEST is committed to optimising the use of Indonesia's rich cultural diversity and wastra in sustainable modest fashion products. This approach aligns with the implementation of a green economy within the Indonesian modest fashion industry, positioning it as a strong player in the global market.

Themed One Vision, One Movement: Advancing Indonesia Modest Fashion Through Synergy & Collaboration the event emphasised collective action, cross-sector collaboration, and synergy among industry players to enable Indonesia's modest fashion to dominate the domestic market and compete globally.

A wide variety of wastra from across Indonesia—including batik, songket, ikat weaving, ATBM (non-machine weaving), lurik, tapis, sasirangan, jumputan (tie-dye), embroidery, knits, and ecoprints—were showcased in diverse modest fashion styles. These pieces were designed by members of IKRA (Indonesia Sharia Creative Industry), fashion brands, MSMEs, and fashion school students.

Source: IFC. The Grand Finale on Opening Day at IN2MOTIONFEST 2025. Models wearing Khanaan fashion.

IN2MOTIONFEST 2025 featured a fashion show and trade exhibition, presented modest fashion collections from 214 designers and brands, both local and international, along with 100 wastra artisans participating in the Wastra Business Matching programme. This year, IN2MOTIONFEST collaborated with 11 international designers from Thailand, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Malaysia, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Australia, and the UAE (Dubai).

Explore

View catwalk videos from the at https://www.instagram.com/in2motionfest/?hl=en

*Parts of this content came from an e-translated press release and may be inaccurate as a result.

**Asta Cita refers to the eight aspirations conceived by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto towards achieving the vision of a Golden Indonesia in 2045. The aspirations cover welfare, economic resilience, food and energy sovereignty, education and human resource development, and strong national defence.

***Wastra refers to traditional Indonesian textiles, such as batik and tenun ikat, which come with a rich cultural heritage, and are associated with complex symbolism and quality craftsmanship.

CoCo Bubble Tea enters the Middle East with a Jordan store

CoCo Bubble Tea is debuting in the Middle East with an outlet in Amman, Jordan. The new store utilises halal-certified ingredients, and debuts a curated menu designed to simplify ordering while maintaining the brand's hallmark quality. 

The move marks the beginning of CoCo's commitment to serving consumers and supporting franchise partners across the Middle East in the long-term. 

The company is also looking for franchisees, and believes the simplified menu is partner-friendly. CoCo's halal-certified raw materials will empower store partners to localise and cater to the region's specific needs, the company said.

With more than a decade of global experience, CoCo offers franchise partners not only the visibility of its brand but also extensive support for marketing, operations, on-site consulting, and region-specific training. Its focus on research and development further ensures the ability to adapt products to evolving consumer preferences worldwide, the company said.

To support franchisees in the Middle East, CoCo has developed a custom training and operations framework designed specifically for the region. The framework simplifies onboarding, strengthens operational efficiency, and helps partners integrate seamlessly into CoCo's global standards while staying rooted in local cultural preferences.

"We are just beginning in the Middle East, but we aspire to one day have as robust a franchise network here as we do globally," said Kody Wong, Director of Business Development at CoCo Bubble Tea.

 "To accomplish this, we will continue our hallmark approach of adapting to local culture and tastes while empowering our partners with the resources they need for long-term success. This opening is about serving delicious bubble tea while building a unique franchise ecosystem that moves the region's business leaders forward."

CoCo plans to build a regional footprint, and has shared that it will enter the UAE.

Source: CoCo Bubble Tea. CoCo Bubble Tea Amman Jordan store facade.

Explore 

For franchising opportunities, visit: https://www.coco-tea.com/Franchise

Significant growth projected for the MENA halal food industry

BCC Research's Halal Food Regional Market Analysis: Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is projected to grow from US$253.9 B in 2025 to US$380 B by the end of 2030, with a CAGR of 7.1% from 2025-2030. Countries covered include Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, KSA, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE.

KSA has the largest market share, which is expected to be worth US$72.7 B by 2030, at a CAGR of 8% over the forecast period.

Distribution channels include hypermarkets and supermarkets, departmental stores, as well as online, while product types include meat and meat products, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, and grain products. The meat and meat product segment will continue to dominate through the end of the forecast period.

According to BCC Research, investment and funding in the MENA halal food sector are accelerating, driven by strong government support and interest from international companies. Governments are streamlining approval processes and strengthening regulations to foster a more business-friendly environment. Rising consumer demand for food safety, ethical consumption, and Islamic lifestyle products, amplified by social media, is fuelling market growth. Additionally, strategic collaborations among governments, regulators, and research institutions are advancing innovation, ensuring global compliance, and promoting sustainable development within the halal food ecosystem.

Growth drivers include:

A growing population: The MENA region has a rapidly expanding Muslim population, which naturally sustains and increases demand for halal food. As religious dietary laws are central to daily life, this demographic growth ensures a steady and loyal consumer base for halal-certified products.

E-commerce: The rise of digital platforms and online food delivery services has made halal food more accessible than ever. Consumers can now easily find and purchase halal products online, boosting market reach and convenience, especially among the tech-savvy younger generation.

Increased investment: Governments and private investors are pouring resources into the halal food sector, supporting infrastructure, certification, and innovation. This financial backing is helping local producers scale up and attract global interest, positioning MENA as a key player in the global halal market.

Trends identified by BCC Research include:

Digitally-influenced halal choices: The halal food market in MENA is experiencing rapid growth, largely fuelled by the rising impact of Islamic lifestyle content on social media. Millennials and Gen Z are especially responsive to online trends and influencers, often basing their food choices on digital recommendations.

Ethical and clean eating trends: A growing regional focus on ethical consumption and clean eating is further accelerating the expansion of the halal food market, aligning with global health-conscious and sustainability-driven consumer behaviours.

BCC Research also highlighted Halal Products Development Company (HDPC), a KSA-based startup and a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The company is dedicated to developing a robust halal ecosystem within the kingdom and promoting the localisation of halal production.

HPDC supports international players in expanding their footprint in the Saudi market and invests in the halal industry to enhance the country's production capacity. Its overarching goal is to position KSA as a global hub for the halal sector. Additionally, HPDC offers advisory services to industry stakeholders seeking to navigate the halal market landscape.

MIHAS ventures across borders to Dubai

Source: MATRADE. The MIHAS@Dubai logo.

The world's largest halal showcase, Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), is gearing up for its international debut after 20 successful editions in Malaysia.

MIHAS is set to launch MIHAS@Dubai as part of the 22nd Middle East Organic and Natural Product Expo at Dubai World Trade Centre from November 18 to 20, 2024. The event is expected to help expand the halal economy by connecting the UAE and Malaysia's halal ecosystem with others worldwide.

"The debut of MIHAS in an overseas market marks a significant milestone in its global expansion, offering Malaysian exhibitors an unparallelled platform to access the thriving international halal market. Showcasing in Dubai - one of the world's prominent trade hubs - enables Malaysian businesses, particularly SMEs, to broaden their reach, forge strategic partnerships, and seize valuable opportunities for sustained growth in the international market," said Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, CEO, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). MATRADE organises MIHAS.

MIHAS@Dubai comes close on the heels of MIHAS Malaysia being recognized by the Guinness World Records for having the largest attendance for a halal trade show. In 2024, MIHAS Malaysia attracted 43,353 visitors from over 90 countries and featured 2,028 booths from 66 nations in Kuala Lumpur from September 17 to 20, 2024.

"MIHAS@Dubai represents a pivotal moment as the first step in the internationalisation of MIHAS. By placing our products at the heart of a major international trade hub, this initiative empowers our businesses, especially SMEs, to extend their market reach, forge lasting strategic partnerships and capitalise on new growth opportunities, setting the stage for long-term global success," added Datuk Mohd.

"The upcoming show will be very significant for both the region as well as the industry since it will witness the global debut of an event that is considered as the nerve centre of the global halal ecosystem," said P Ravi, Director, Global Links Exhibition Organizers & Conferences, organiser of the organics expo.

Mihas@Dubai will help nearly double the number of exhibitors at the organics expo to 550 for its upcoming show. Malaysia will also be the country partner for the Middle East Organic and Natural Product Expo 2024 and will be one of 20 country pavilions at the event.

"MIHAS@Dubai and country partner Malaysia will bring together more than 200 exhibitors and can play a pivotal role in advancing the halal and organic industries in the Middle East. Key avenues for this growth include certification and standards, trade partnerships, investment opportunities, knowledge transfer, and consumer awareness, among others," added Ravi.

The UAE is positioning itself to lead the US$3 T global halal sector. The country is committed to help the region gain from advanced legislative and regulatory aspects while also integrating modern technology for the sustainable development of the halal industry.

"The trade fair is merely the starting point – a gateway for showcasing our products and making initial connections. The true potential lies beyond the event itself, in the lasting relationships, market expansion and trade opportunities that our exhibitors, particularly SMEs, can leverage long after the fair ends. It paves the way for new partnerships, sustained business growth and a broader global impact that will continue to benefit our businesses and the economy for years to come," concluded Datuk Mohd.

*SME stands for small and medium-sized enterprise.

CoCo Bubble Tea eyes Middle East expansion, goes halal

Bubble tea franchise CoCo Bubble Tea has announced a halal bubble tea menu along with plans to expand in the Middle East. Already accustomed to drinking tea, local consumers are particularly receptive to boba tea, which mixes the novelty of boba (also called 'bubbles' or 'pearls') with the familiar taste of tea.

Worldwide, the bubble tea market is expected to grow 66% in seven years, from US$2.46 B in 2023 to US$4.08 B by 2030, and the popularity of the refreshment is growing in the Middle East as well, the company said, sharing that Middle Eastern refreshment companies and entrepreneurs have shown "significant interest".

"We've gotten a major spike recently in inquiries from the Middle East, so we see it as a key region for bubble tea expansion," commented Kody Wang, Director of Business Development at CoCo Bubble Tea. 

"CoCo has a lot to offer the Middle East. With over 5,000 stores worldwide, we have the most international coverage of any pearl milk tea brand, providing potential partners with strong brand recognition and sophisticated infrastructure. Also, our franchise business model and extensive R&D capabilities give us a great deal of latitude to fully tailor refreshment offerings to consumer tastes. 

"The halal menu is just a start, and we hope to find master franchisers to partner with and grow together in the region." 

CoCo can localise refreshments to suit consumer tastes anywhere. With its halal bubble tea menu already prepared, CoCo is poised to launch in the Middle East. All materials for the menu are halal-certified, and the menu offers a variety of options while leaving room for further customisation to accommodate regional variations in preferences.

For franchise partners in the Middle East, CoCo offers:

Source: CoCo Bubble Tea. CoCo offers a range of flavours in its bubble team menu.

- Strong brand reputation and recognition. The company said it has the largest footprint of any bubble tea brand, helping to attract customers and drive business growth.

- Flexible partnerships: CoCo is open to a range of partnerships, from multi-store franchise partnerships to exclusivity in certain countries.

- Stabilised costs for maximised margins: With materials supplied by CoCo, supply chain costs are easily managed.

- R&D: By putting out new products regularly, the brand stays up to date in markets worldwide.

- Extensive menu with customisation for local tastes: CoCo's diverse offerings allow for franchisees to cater to different tastes across the Middle East.

Huikun now halal in Malaysia

Taiwanese tuna specialist Huikun has been awarded halal certification by JAKIM in Malaysia.

Huikun is committed to providing fresh, high-quality, and nutrition-rich tuna products. Its product lineup includes frozen cooked tuna, tuna meat sauce packs, tuna curry sauce, and canned tuna pasta sauce.

MRHB expands reach with Reltime alliance

MRHB, an Islamic crypto platform, has forged an alliance with Reltime to integrate its shari'ah-compliant products into the Reltime Ecosystem. The MRHB platform provides interest-free DeFi, NFT and halal crypto asset opportunities.

CEO of Reltime, Marlene Julo said: "This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in our journey where we can target many key markets (MENA, Southeast Asia) more deeply, taking into account religious and social sensitivities of the end users. Together with MRHB network, we are not just envisioning but actively sculpting the future of the shari'ah compliant Web3 services. It's an exhilarating time for both teams, and the possibilities are boundless."

Added MRHB CEO Naquib Mohammed: "Reltime has built right suite of digital and financial services in its Layer-1 Blockchain platform. We see immense value in integrating and offering our shari'ah compliant service modules and business logic through Reltime to our institutional partners".

The Islamic finance industry reached almost US$4 trillion in 2021, with a growth rate of 17%, up from 14% in 2020, MRHB said.

Halal Food Market at THAIFEX - Anuga Asia 2023 to offer access to global innovations and trends

The THAIFEX - Anuga Halal Market, one of six special programmes at THAIFEX - Anuga, will reflect the boom that the global halal food sector is currently experiencing.

Exhibitors at the event include:

Ghanim International Corporation (GIC), Brunei

GIC has been promoting and marketing bruneihalalfoods products worldwide since 2009. The company was established` with the aim of meeting the growing demand for halal, quality, safety, and sustainability in all aspects of consumption. Their product portfolio includes a wide range of food and beverage items, such as confectionery, snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and frozen poultry.

Serba Wangi, Malaysia

Serba Wangi began operations in 1993 and has since established itself as one of the leading rice millers and wholesalers in Malaysia. Serba Wangi performs a broad range of rice-related activities, such as milling, processing, and packaging for distribution of various rice and rice products under their flagship brand JATI. Household names under the JATI brand include Kapal Layar, Carnation, Songhe Noble Pine Crane, S. Wangi, Fres-Harvest, and Jati Signature. EcoBrown’s is the company's healthy rice series.

Spunky Food Company, a startup, will showcase ethnic food and regional chili toppings at the event. The company is introducing a new plant-based brand, Chivi, at THAIFEX - Anuga Asia. Visitors will be able to see its plant-based tempeh toppings in various flavours, plant-based furikake seasonings, and vegan Thai noodle sets in different flavours.*

According to the Imarc Group, the halal food market was valued at US$2.2 B in 2022, and is projected to be worth US$4.2 B by 2028, a CAGR of 10.8% from 2023 to 2028.

In terms of geographies, the Asia Pacific region is the leading purchaser of halal food, driven by a rising Muslim population and increasing demand for halal food and beverage products, Technavio said. The research firm projected that 51% of the total halal market share growth will originate from the Asia Pacific (APAC) region by 2027. Technavio further reported that Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Singapore are among the leading markets for halal food in the APAC region.

Indonesia is known as the world's largest halal consumer market, with consumer spending reaching US$184 B in 2020.

The halal meat, poultry and seafood (MPS) segment is projected to grow significantly in terms of market share from 2022 to 2027. The upturn began in 2017 and has continued in 2021, said Technavio.

Thailand is presently the world's 12th biggest exporter of halal products and the 5th largest producer of halal foods, with halal export taking the lead among ASEAN countries. Halal food makes up 20% of Thailand's global food exports, and over 60% of halal exports are sent to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Details

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 is set to host leaders and innovators in the food and beverage industry this May at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand. The trade fair features 11 signature trade shows and six special shows with a focus on innovative blueprints, bold ideas, and cutting-edge solutions. Running from 23-27 May, the food trade fair will unite 3,000 exhibitors from 43 countries and over 60,000 trade visitors from over 120 countries.

*While Spunky Food's products are vegan or plant-based, it's not clear if they are halal as there is no indication of whether alcohol is an ingredient. Spunky Food is not part of the halal pavilion.

IQ Option introduces Islamic account for Android users

Source: IQ Option. Poster for the new Islamic account.

IQ Option, the online trading platform, has introduced Islamic accounts to its Android users. IQ Option's new feature aims to cater to the needs of Muslim traders, who were previously excluded from the trading market due to religious restrictions.

The IQ Option Islamic account has a one-time fixed fee and features halal stocks for trading. Traders can extend their positions to the next trading day for free. Traditionally, this would have required an overnight commission or swap fee, which is considered usury and prohibited by shari'ah law.

Islamic account users also have access to 21 halal stocks. These are shares of companies that do not sell alcohol and tobacco, as well as companies known in the Islamic world and traded on Islamic exchanges.

IQ Option's Islamic account has a one-time commission of US$1. According to IQ Option, competitors require traders to make a large deposit to open an account.

All IQ Option Islamic account holders are assigned a personal account manager, a feature previously reserved only for VIP account holders.

Traders can get an Islamic account on their own without contacting support. Registration must be done with a desktop PC, after which traders can use the account from any Android device.

Details

For those new to IQ Option:

1. Register a standard account on the IQ Option website. You will only need your email.

2. Log in with your email and password and click on your profile icon.

3. Tap the Islamic account activation link.

4. Deposit US$10 or an equivalent in your account currency.

5. The Islamic account will go live soon after, ready for trading on the IQ Option platform.

If you already have an IQ Option account:

1. Log in with your email and password and click on your profile icon.

2. Tap the Islamic account activation link.

3. Make sure you have at least US$1 on your account balance.

As with standard IQ Option accounts, Islamic accounts are also available in regular and VIP tiers. VIP accounts are available to traders who deposit US$3,000+.

The Islamic accounts are available for traders from 20 countries. In the APME region, Bahrain, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, KSA, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, the UAE and Yemen are supported.