Organised by the South African National Halaal Authority, under the theme 'Navigating in the Halaal Economy', topics under discussion include Consumer Protection, Regulating Halaal, Animal Welfare, and Halaal Tourism.
The programme includes local and international speakers. One international speaker is Fazal Bahardeen, founder and CEO of Crescent Rating, the world's first travel portal dedicated to Halaal conscious travellers. His company rates travel and tourism services around the world for their Halaal friendliness. He estimates that Muslim travellers have an annual market potential of up to $100-billion.
Muslim travellers can be divided into three categories, according to Bahardeen. Thirty percent are those who absolutely want Halaal-friendly facilities on their travels; 50% who will use Halaal-friendly facilities if available, or any facilities if not; and 20% not looking for Halaal friendly facilities. Under these assumptions, 80% of Muslims aspire to Halaal friendly travel - $80-billion worth of potential.
Professor Sira Abdu Rahman, president of the Commonwealth Veterinary Association, will address conference delegates on Islam and animal welfare. Rahman has published over 100 scientific papers and a book on parasitology. He is a member of the World Global Halaal Forum and International Halaal Standards. He is actively engaged in promoting animal welfare in Islamic countries. He is particularly concerned about issues of cruelty to animals prior to slaughter and the long transport distances in the Middle East.
"Halaal-friendly travel and hospitality are set to become a major component of the global Halaal industry," says John Thomson, MD of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of AB7. "Almost one quarter of the world's population is Muslim, and the annual Halaal food industry is worth $640-billion; that offers entrepreneurs countless opportunities for innovative Halaal products and services to the world's Muslims."
Halaal World is an ever growing component show of AB7. It is dedicated to showcasing global trade opportunities in the Halaal food and beverage market and features canned products, beverages, agricultural products, dairy products, confectionery, grocery products, meat products, herbs and spices, frozen and organic food products, fresh and dried fruit and vegetables.
