In line with the Halal Institute’s commitment to raise awareness and promote the halal concept and its opportunities, during the month of May, we organised and were partners in the following initiatives:
– CIHAR GOLD MEDAL 2022: MRS. MARÍA ISABEL ROMERO ARIAS
On 1 May 2023, the Spanish-Arabic Intercultural Circle (CIHAR) agreed through its Board of Directors to award the CIHAR Gold Medal 2022 in the category of individuals to Ms. Mª Isabel Romero Arias, Director of the Las Fuentes Foundation.
This award responds to a constant work based on the enhancement of the Andalusian heritage and the historical role it has played in coexistence and socio-cultural and scientific progress.
– WEBINAR ESPAÑA ANTE EL TURISMO HALAL
Organised on 12 May 2023, by the Spanish Business Council of the United Arab Emirates, Halal Trade and Marketing Centre and the Halal Institute.
We were able to count on the interventions of a large panel of experts who explained in detail different points and perspectives to be taken into account, both to attract the Muslim tourist.
Some of these experts were:
Ms. Marta Fernández, Directora, Spanish Business Council
Spain-GCC Tourism: Situation, Perspectives and Opportunities:Daniel Rosado, Director, Spanish Tourism Office Abu Dhabi
Halal Certification/Muslim-Friendly: Key to Attracting Muslim Tourists: Muhammad Escudero, CEO of Instituto Halal
Halal Tourism: An Opportunity for Spanish Companies: Tomás Guerrero, CEO of Halal Trade and Marketing Centre, Dubai Government
Round Table: Spanish Tourism Companies in the Conquest of the Halal Market: Jesús Rodríguez, Director of Strategic Consulting, Savills Spain – Herminio Haro, Director of Revenue Strategy, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group – Jaime Castañeda, CEO, Sushi 99 Dubai y Abu Dhabi – Dr. Muhsen Samaan, Medical Director, Barraquer UAE.
– WEBINAR: OPPORTUNITIES IN UAE FOR THE SPANISH POULTRY SECTOR 2023.
Organised on 11 May by ICEX Spain Export and Investment, together with the Economic and Commercial Office of Spain in Dubai, and in collaboration with the Spanish Interprofessional Association of Poultry Meat (AVIANZA), its objective was to present the prospects and opportunities for the poultry sector in the UAE.
In addition, during the course of the event, the “Halal Guide for the Promotion of Spanish Poultry Exports to GCC countries” was presented, prepared by the Halal Trade and Marketing Center with the support of ICEX.
The main conclusions reached were as follows:
- Growing demand: The UAE shows a continuously increasing demand for poultry products due to population growth and the rise in tourism.
- High quality and food safety: The Spanish poultry sector stands out for its focus on quality and food safety.
- Halal certifications: The UAE requires halal certification as an essential requirement to access this market.
- Events and trade fairs: Participating in specialized events and trade fairs in the sector represents an excellent opportunity to establish business contacts, showcase products, and promote the Spanish brand.
– MEETING WITH THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
On May 15th, a meeting took place in Córdoba between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, and representatives from the Junta Islámica, the Halal Institute, and the Las Fuentes Foundation. During this meeting, the global growth of the halal market and Spain’s strategic position in this market were highlighted.
The minister expressed his support for halal certification as an expansion tool for Spanish companies at a global level. The Halal Guarantee Mark of the Junta Islámica was recognized for its strong international positioning, standing out for its quality and trajectory. Additionally, the support and recognition of the Alliance of Civilizations for its work in promoting understanding and cooperation between cultures were emphasized.
It was announced that Córdoba will host a forum on combating anti-Semitism and Islamophobia under the Alliance of Civilizations in October during Spain’s presidency of the Council of the European Union. The importance of the EU Agriculture Ministers Summit, to be held in September at the Córdoba Congress Palace, was also highlighted, emphasizing its significance for both Europe and the city.