Global halal economy estimated to hit $3.2 trillion by 2024

The second edition of “Dubai – A Global Gateway for Halal Industry: A Step-by-Step Guide.” (File/AFP)
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Updated 09 September 2020
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Global halal economy estimated to hit $3.2 trillion by 2024

  • The report explores the prospects of different sectors within the global Islamic economy
  • It also outlined the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the halal industry

DUBAI: The global halal economy is estimated to be worth $3.2 trillion by 2024, according to a new Dubai-produced research about local, regional, and international Islamic economy.

The second edition of “Dubai – A Global Gateway for Halal Industry: A Step-by-Step Guide” – authored by Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA) - explores the prospects of different sectors within the global Islamic economy.

It ranked the food and beverage industry first in terms of growth potential – $2 trillion by 2021. Modest fashion is the second most popular sector, valued at $283 billion.

Other key players in the industry identified by the report are Islamic-themed media, halal pharmaceuticals, and halal cosmetics.

The report also outlined the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the halal industry, explaining how travel, Islamic finance and modest fashion have been the most affected.

“The guide details the opportunities around core Halal economy sectors, outlines trends and provides strategic insights that will enrich the knowledge of entrepreneurs and companies keen to invest in the Islamic economy and capitalize on its promise of enduring growth and prosperity,” DAFZA’s Assistant Director General Amna Lootah said.

An earlier report, State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2019/20, pegged the value of the global Islamic industry at $2.2 trillion in 2018 – 12 percent of which is from the food, pharmaceutical and lifestyle sectors.


Two Saudi cybersecurity firms plan Tadawul listings within two years 

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Two Saudi cybersecurity firms plan Tadawul listings within two years 

RIYADH: Two Saudi cybersecurity companies, Cyber and Infratech, plan to list a portion of their shares on the Saudi Stock Exchange, or Tadawul, between 2026 and 2027, according to the companies’ chairmen, who spoke to Al-Eqtisadiah. 

Abdulrahman Al-Kenani, founder and CEO of Cyber, said: “The company is currently planning to acquire certain entities, which will be disclosed in the coming period, in addition to preparing for a public offering through the Tumooh program on the stock market within the next two years at the latest.” 

Al-Kenani explained that the financial, healthcare and services sectors are witnessing continuous cyberattacks as Saudi Arabia expands its digital transformation, accompanied by a rise in the frequency of such incidents. He added that this phenomenon is not limited to the Kingdom but is a global issue. 

The CEO added: “The company is working with several Saudi airports and vital sectors, in addition to collaborating with major international companies to provide cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.” 

Infratech plans 4 R&D centers abroad 

Ayman Al-Suhaim, CEO of Infratech, stated: “The size of the information technology and cybersecurity market in Saudi Arabia has reached approximately SR87 billion ($23.2 billion), of which SR15.7 billion are allocated to the cybersecurity sector. This includes consulting, managed services, governance, risk management, and cybersecurity within the industrial sector.” 

He said the company has a strategic plan covering the period from 2026 to 2028, which includes establishing a firm in the first quarter of next year to finance cybersecurity and artificial intelligence products, as well as launching four research and development centers in the US, Russia, China and Eastern Europe. 

The plan also includes investment in cloud storage, overseas ventures, and the expansion of operations and investments in data centers. 

Al-Suhaim said the company intends to go public in 2027, noting that it operates across multiple cybersecurity domains serving sectors including energy, defense, aviation and government services. 

The Tumooh program for small and medium-sized enterprises in Saudi Arabia is one of the support initiatives offered by the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, or Monsha’at. It aims to drive SME growth by strengthening capabilities, improving performance and accelerating expansion. 

The initiative seeks to help fast-growing SMEs prepare for initial public offerings in the financial markets. To date, the program has facilitated the listing of 24 companies on the Nomu Parallel Market out of more than 2,500 firms registered under the scheme.