Halal Expo 2008, the definitive event for the ‘Halal’ industry in the region, was inaugurated today in Dubai.

The event will run until November 26 and will provide a suitable platform to discuss new business opportunities for Halal products and services within the catering, hospitality, food and beverage, health and pharmaceuticals industries.

‘Halal Expo 2008’ seeks to leverage the enormous potential of Halal products and services with latest reports showing an estimated 1.8 billion Halal consumers from different areas around the world, generating as much as $2.1 trillion annually for the Halal industry.

More than 55 global companies and international exhibitors from 17 countries are participating in the expo.

'Halal Expo 2008 provides a unique platform for the regional and international Halal industry players to exhibit their world-class products and services,' said Raees Ahmed, director, Orange Fairs & Events.

The exhibition features various Shari'ah-compliant lifestyle products and services, including food and beverages, hospitality management, cosmetics and health and pharmaceuticals industries.

The event also includes the ‘Halal Forum’, a round-table dialogue bringing together experts from a broad spectrum of industries to address key issues and provide specific practical solutions for sustainable growth and development across various segments of the industry.

Also lined up are interactive seminars designed to attract buyers and representatives from the food service, hospitality, retail, logistics, import/export and packaging industries.-TradeArabia News Service