Halal Food Export to the Middle East: Regulations, Logistics, and Market Opportunities

The Middle East’s halal food market is expanding rapidly, driven by increasing demand from both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers. The global halal food market is projected to grow from USD 2.67 trillion in 2024 to USD 5.96 trillion by 2033, with the Middle East playing a significant role (Research and Markets, 2025a). For exporters, securing halal certification and complying with regional regulations is crucial. The certification process involves stringent checks on ingredients, production methods, and hygiene to meet Islamic dietary laws (The Role of Halal Certification in Global Food Trade | Halal Food Council, 2024). However, challenges include navigating complex regulations, logistics, and cultural preferences. Despite this, the growing consumer base and rising demand for halal-certified products present substantial opportunities. 

✅ Step 1: Identify a Recognized Halal Certification Body
Research and partner with recognized bodies in your country to begin the certification process. Examples include JAKIM in Malaysia or ESMA in the UAE.

✅ Step 2: Secure Necessary Documentation
Obtain a halal certificate, customs paperwork, and additional export documents, including health certificates and certificates of origin.

✅ Step 3: Partner with Trusted Distributors
Work with distributors and logistics providers who are familiar with halal requirements and Middle Eastern market demands.

✅ Step 4: Ensure Compliance with Regional Standards
Address specific requirements of target countries like Saudi Arabia (SFDA regulations) and the UAE (ESMA guidelines).

✅ Step 5: Implement Efficient Logistics
Choose air or sea freight and maintain a robust cold chain for perishable items to ensure freshness and compliance.

By following these actionable steps, exporters can navigate complexities effectively and secure their place in this lucrative market.

The Middle Eastern halal food market primarily consists of meat, poultry, and seafood, which must meet strict halal standards. In 2025, the market is expected to reach USD 88.7 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.33% from 2025 to 2033 (GCC Halal Food Market Size, Share, Analysis 2025-2033, 2025). Urbanization and changing demographics are shifting consumption habits, increasing demand for convenient, ready-to-eat halal products. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, is seeing a surge in demand for frozen halal foods, meal kits, and ready-made meals. Additionally, health-conscious consumers are driving interest in organic and plant-based halal products, mirroring global dietary trends (Research and Markets, 2025b).

Exporters need proper documentation for smooth halal food exports, including:

✅A Halal Certificate from a recognized body.

✅A Health Certificate verifying food safety.

✅A Certificate of Origin endorsed by a Chamber of Commerce.

✅A Commercial Invoice and Packing List detailing shipment contents and value.

The GCC applies a unified customs tariff of 5% on foreign imports, though bilateral trade agreements may reduce tariffs on specific goods (GCC Free Trade Agreements – Ministry of Economy UAE, 2020).

Exploring Middle Eastern Halal Food Market Trends

The Middle Eastern halal food market primarily consists of meat, poultry, and seafood, which must meet strict halal standards. In 2025, the market is expected to reach USD 88.7 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.33% from 2025 to 2033 (GCC Halal Food Market Size, Share, Analysis 2025-2033, 2025). Urbanization and changing demographics are shifting consumption habits, increasing demand for convenient, ready-to-eat halal products. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, is seeing a surge in demand for frozen halal foods, meal kits, and ready-made meals. Additionally, health-conscious consumers are driving interest in organic and plant-based halal products, mirroring global dietary trends (Research and Markets, 2025b).

Real-World Case Studies in Halal Export

• JAKIM’s QR Code System in Malaysia: Introduced by Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development, this allows instant halal verification, reducing processing times and boosting trust among buyers and exporters. Businesses using this system report a 30% reduction in processing times and improved market access (Malaysia Halal Rules: New QR Code Launched to Recognise Foreign Certification Bodies in Wake of Meat Scandal, 2021).
• HalalChain’s Blockchain Integration: This technology ensures end-to-end supply chain transparency, addressing concerns about authenticity and compliance. Exporters leveraging HalalChain’s technology have seen increased buyer confidence, particularly in GCC markets (Masverse, 2024).

These case studies highlight the importance of adopting innovative technologies and building trust to succeed in the halal export market.

Leveraging Logistics for Market Penetration

Efficient logistics are vital for delivering halal food products to the Middle East. Exporters must choose between air and sea freight based on product type, shelf life, and cost efficiency.

• Air Freight: Ideal for perishable halal products due to faster delivery times but more expensive.
• Sea Freight: Cost-effective for bulk shipments with longer lead times.

Maintaining a robust cold chain is critical for perishable halal food, requiring temperature-controlled storage and transport to ensure food safety and compliance with regional health regulations. Partnering with reliable distributors familiar with halal requirements can ease supply chain challenges and enhance market entry (Cold Chain Logistics Systems in Middle Eastern Climates, 2024).

In conclusion, exporting halal food to the Middle East requires compliance with stringent certification standards, regulatory approvals, and efficient logistics. While challenges such as documentation, trade barriers, and supply chain management exist, the growing demand for halal-certified products presents significant opportunities for exporters aiming to enter this lucrative market.

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References  

Research and Markets. (2025a, January 16). Halal Food Global Forecast Report 2025: Market to Reach $5.96 TRILLION by 2033, Driven by Halal Certification and Global Trade Expansion – Focus on UAE, China, Germany, and Canada. GlobeNewswire News Room; Research and Markets. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/01/16/3010576/28124/en/Halal-Food-Global-Forecast-Report-2025-Market-to-Reach-5-96-TRILLION-by-2033-Driven-by-Halal-Certification-and-Global-Trade-Expansion-Focus-on-UAE-China-Germany-and-Canada.html? 

GCC Halal Food , M. R. R. (2025). GCC Halal Food Market Size, Share, Analysis 2025-2033. Imarcgroup.com. https://www.imarcgroup.com/gcc-halal-food-market? 

Research and Markets. (2025b, February 14). Halal Food & Beverage Market Outlook 2029, with Al Islami Foods, BRF, Kawan Foods Berhad, Midamar Group, QL Foods, Saffron Road, Tahira Foods, Prima Agro-Products & Al-Falah Halal Foods. GlobeNewswire News Room; Research and Markets. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/02/14/3026671/0/en/Halal-Food-Beverage-Market-Outlook-2029-with-Al-Islami-Foods-BRF-Kawan-Foods-Berhad-Midamar-Group-QL-Foods-Saffron-Road-Tahira-Foods-Prima-Agro-Products-Al-Falah-Halal-Foods.html? 

The Role of Halal Certification in Global Food Trade | Halal Food Council. (2024, September 24). Halal Food Council. https://halalfoodcouncilusa.com/the-role-of-halal-certification-in-global-food-trade/? 

Chaudry, S. (2024, October 2). Important Updates on Halal Certification for Exports to Saudi Arabia – IFANCA. IFANCA. https://ifanca.org/important-updates-on-halal-certification-for-exports-to-saudi-arabia/? 

Food Clearance Conditions and Requirements Vision and Mission. (n.d.). Retrieved February 19, 2025, from https://www.sfda.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2021-11/SFADFgdfg_1.pdf? 

GCC Free Trade Agreements – Ministry of Economy UAE. (2020). Ministry of Economy UAE. https://www.moec.gov.ae/en/-free-trade-agreements? 

Air Freight vs Sea Freight: Which is Cheaper for Middle East Shipments? (2025, January 29). Arab Africa Cargo. https://www.arabafricacargo.com/air-freight-vs-sea-freight-which-is-cheaper-for-middle-east-shipments/ 

Cold Chain Logistics Systems in Middle Eastern Climates. (2024, September 4). Saudi Arabia Logistics & Supply Chain – Consulting Firm. https://saudilogisticsconsulting.com/the-vital-role-of-cold-chain-logistics-systems-in-the-middle-east-for-perishable-fmcg-goods/ 

Halal, F. C. (2024, September 24). The Role of Halal Certification in Global Food Trade | Halal Food Council. Halal Food Council. https://halalfoodcouncilusa.com/the-role-of-halal-certification-in-global-food-trade/? 

https://halal.gov.sa/assets/files/CircularletterEn.pdf? 

Malaysia halal rules: New QR code launched to recognise foreign certification bodies in wake of meat scandal. (2021, March 10). FoodNavigator-Asia.com. https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Article/2021/03/10/Malaysia-halal-rules-New-QR-code-launched-to-recognise-foreign-certification-bodies-in-wake-of-meat-scandal/ 

Masverse. (2024, November 19). Blockchain for halal Supply Chain Traceability: From farm to table. Medium. https://medium.com/@masverse/blockchain-for-halal-supply-chain-traceability-from-farm-to-table-17639c4f90df/