Doha To Host Halal Expo 2026, A Global Platform For Islamic Products

Doha, Qatar: Dar Al Sharq Group and Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) yesterday signed an agreement to host the Halal Expo – International Exhibition and Conference on Islamic Products, scheduled to take place from September 7 to 9, 2026.

The agreement was signed by Dar Al Sharq Group, represented by Al Sharq Media Management and its Chief Executive Officer, Abdul Latif Abdullah Al Mahmoud, and Qatar Business Events Corporation, represented by Chief Executive Officer of DECC, Jose Vicente.

Also present at the signing ceremony, held at the headquarters of Dar Al Sharq Group, were Deputy CEO of Dar Al Sharq Group and Editor-in-Chief of Al Sharq newspaper Jaber Al Harmi, the official media partner of the event, and Commercial and Business Development Director at DECC, Alexios Zeliotis.

Speaking at the event, Al Mahmoud said that the Group is moving forward with organising and managing major exhibitions. He explained that this exhibition, scheduled to be held in September 2026, will be the second after the Kids' Expo, as part of the Group's expansion strategy aimed at strengthening its presence in organising such large-scale events. “This comes particularly at a stage that aligns with the global recovery process from the COVID-19 crisis, which had caused a worldwide economic slowdown,” said Al Mahmoud.

He emphasised the significance of the Halal Expo, describing it as a globally influential event, which motivated Dar Al Sharq to host it in Doha in coordination with its partners.

“The current period is the most suitable time for markets to open up to halal products and services, which today represent a vast segment of market demands, even in non-Islamic countries. This has contributed to promoting the exhibition both regionally and internationally,” said Al Mahmoud.

He further highlighted Dar Al Sharq's commitment to presenting the exhibition in a manner that reflects the distinguished reputation of Qatar, a country accustomed to hosting major global events.

Al Harmi said that the signing of the agreement to organise the first edition of the Halal Expo in Doha adds to Dar Al Sharq's track record of successfully hosting conferences over the past years.

He stressed that the Halal Expo is among the most prominent exhibitions in terms of attracting participants and visitors, given the wide range of goods and services it offers that cater to various segments of society.

Al Harmi anticipated strong participation in the exhibition, which will be held in Doha a year from now, with diverse sectors and companies from different fields eager to enter the Qatari market through this platform or to use Doha as a gateway to other markets in the Middle East and North Africa.

He explained that Dar Al Sharq's organisation of the Halal Expo demonstrates the Group's substantial capabilities in all areas, including management and media, which have strengthened its presence in the media landscape both locally and regionally.

Al Harmi further affirmed that Dar Al Sharq will dedicate all its resources to providing outstanding media coverage of the exhibition, allocating significant space in its newspapers as well as on its digital platforms, including websites and social media channels with millions of followers. This, he said, will help promote the event quickly, attract attention both within and outside Qatar, and present it to readers and audiences in a manner that reflects the esteemed position Qatar enjoys politically, socially, and in sports.

Al Harmi also pointed out that the first edition of the Halal Expo will add to Doha's list of achievements across all sectors, making it the leading organiser of conferences and exhibitions worldwide. He expressed his expectation that the exhibition would attract large numbers of visitors to discover the wide array of products and services showcased.

Speaking on this milestone, Executive Director of Al Sharq Media Management and Director of Halal Expo Eizeldin Abdulrahman, highlighted that Dar Al Sharq is preparing to organise one of the world's most influential exhibitions in the halal sector. He noted that the Halal Expo brand already has a strong global presence, with editions held in Malaysia, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and several other countries across Asia and Europe.“Through Halal Expo 2026, Qatar is positioning itself as a hub for the halal industry, bringing together international leaders, innovators, and investors under one roof to explore opportunities and shape the future of this fast-growing global market,” said Abdulrahman.

CEO of Dar Al Sharq Group, Abdul Latif Abdullah Al Mahmoud and CEO of DECC, Jose Vicente exchanging documents after signing the agreement.

Vicente said:“The Halal Expo is an initiative we have long awaited, and it stands as one of the ground-breaking contributions from the Dar Al Sharq Group.”

He said that the exhibition provides a much-needed platform to bring together producers, traders, and consumers under one roof.

“Until now, there has been no dedicated reference point for this vital sector in the country, and we are happy to see Dar Al Sharq Group choosing to launch such an important event at our venue. I am confident that the market will respond positively and that this exhibition will become a key reference for the halal sector in Qatar,” said Vicente.

He said:“As DECC, located in West Bay, one of Doha's most prestigious areas, we are proud to host and provide services for this event. Our team is working closely with Al Sharq's team to ensure its success, and we remain committed to offering them all the support and services they may require now and in the future.”

He said that Dar Al Sharq Group holds a special place in our history. They organised the very first exhibition ever hosted at DECC-the Civil Defense Exhibition in November 2015.

“As we approach the 10th anniversary of our exhibition center, I am proud to say that Dar Al Sharq Group was our first client, and our partnership continues to grow stronger. This year, for example, we are hosting the Kids' Expo with them for the second time, a reflection of the enduring collaboration between us,” said Vicente.

He added:“We deeply value this trusted relationship and look forward to organising more events across diverse sectors with Dar Al Sharq Group in the future. DECC will always be committed to supporting them and to contributing to the success of their initiatives for Qatar and its people.”

The upcoming Halal Expo will serve as a unique meeting point for manufacturers, producers, government representatives, private sector stakeholders, and entrepreneurs. It is designed to foster business partnerships, encourage knowledge-sharing, and promote innovation across the halal economy.

Target sectors at Halal Expo 2026 include halal food & beverages, pharmaceuticals & medical products, cosmetics & personal care, Islamic finance & insurance, tourism & e-commerce, and logistics & transportation. Complementing the exhibition, a high-level conference will address pressing economic issues related to the global growth of the halal market and explore strategies to enhance trade flows between exporting and importing nations.

With its international reach, Halal Expo 2026 is expected to attract key industry leaders, decision-makers, and investors, reinforcing Qatar's role as a global hub for the halal economy.

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