The Chamber organizes a workshop on the “Bahraini Halal System” with the participation of “Municipalities” and “Gulf Accreditation”

Heba Mohsen

The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized a workshop on the Bahraini Halal system at its headquarters in Manama, in the presence of the Director of the Animal Health Department at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture, Dr. Fajr Al-Saloum, the technical advisor to the system, Ali Al-Haiki, the director of the Halal file at the Gulf Accreditation Center, Abdulaziz Al-Saab, and a number of members of the chamber and owners of companies and factories.

During the workshop, the implementation of the Halal system was announced on December 13, 2025, with a pilot launch on November 1, as the Chamber is a key partner in the project to enhance the competitiveness of national products and enable them to enter regional and global markets, especially the Saudi market, which requires “Halal” and “HACCP” certificates. It was also noted that there are 187 slaughterhouses in the Kingdom, of which 126 are accredited and 19 are not.

The Chamber works to spread the culture of halal among merchants through seminars and training programs to introduce them to international standards and ensure that products adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety, which enhances consumer confidence and increases export opportunities.

The system aims to support the national economy, open new markets for Bahraini products, and facilitate their export to countries that require halal certificates, in addition to protecting consumers and ensuring the quality of food, cosmetic and medical products, with the establishment of specialized laboratories in Bahrain.

Dr. confirmed. Fajr Al-Salloum said that the new system is in line with the government’s program and the sustainable development goals, noting that Resolution No. (60) of 2024 issued by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister concerns the halal food directives, and gives a period of time to establish and prepare the system.

She announced that the official launch will be next December, stressing that applying the standards will not add any cost to the consumer or importer, as exporting companies bear responsibility for adhering to the required standards.

She also explained that the decision currently concerns food products, and will be expanded to include cosmetics and medicines later, with specific fees for procedures related to accreditation and certificates.

Dr. explained. Fajr Al-Salloum said that the Ministry seeks mutual recognition of halal certificates between the Gulf countries through future agreements, stressing that the halal certificate is mandatory, while the halal mark is optional.

She indicated that subsequent meetings would be held to respond to merchant inquiries and clarify the regulatory aspects of the system.

For his part, MP Ahmed Al-Saloum confirmed that the Halal System Project represents a fundamental partnership between the Chamber and the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture, in response to the requests of merchants wishing to export their products to markets that require Halal certificates.

He explained that the decision, which will come into effect on December 13, will enable all companies registered in Bahrain to issue halal certificates locally, noting that Bahrain now has the ability to inspect food and cosmetic products in accordance with international standards. Al-Salloum added that the certificate is not limited to Islamic countries only, but extends to markets that require these requirements for import and export, pointing out that the presence of a national center for issuing certificates strengthens Bahrain’s position as a regional center in this field.

Regarding the tourism sector, he explained that applying halal standards in restaurants and hotels will support halal tourism and attract visitors looking for experiences that are in line with their values. Al-Salloum concluded by stressing that Bahrain seeks to be a leading destination in the field of halal tourism, while providing all requirements to ensure the confidence of consumers and visitors.