11TH WORLD HALAL SUMMIT AND HALAL EXPO 2025

Türkiye has once again demonstrated the momentum it has gained in its halal economy in recent years to the international community with the 11th World Halal Summit (WHS) and the OIC Halal Expo. Held under the patronage of the Presi dency, the event positioned Istanbul not only as a center for exhibitions and summits, but also as a meeting point for the halal sector in economic, diplomatic, and commercial terms. The increasing number of participating countries each year, high-level state representation, and a globally expanding business network are strengthening Türkiye’s leadership capacity in this field.

The opening program began with a speech by Minister of Trade Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat and turned into a high-profile platform attended by ministers and deputy ministers from approximately 20 countries. The high-level participation of countries such as Nigeria, TRNC, Afghanistan, Oman, Iran, and Pakistan confirmed Türkiye’s coordination power in the halal ecosystem on an international scale. Messages sent by our President and Vice Presidents, along with the statement of support from the Prime Minister of Senegal, increased the diplomatic importance of the summit. In addition, the Nigerian State Ministry’s positive comments about the organization strengthened the global visibility of Türkiye’s vision for partnership and cooperation in the halal sector.

One of the most notable developments this year was the cooperation agreement signed between the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and the Turkish Halal Accreditation Agency. This agreement reinforced Türkiye’s international credibility in the f ield of halal standards and demonstrated that the summit was a platform that produced concrete results.

BUSINESS FORUMS WITH INCREASING DIPLOMATIC AND ECONOMIC INTENSITY

The high-level bilateral business forums organized in collabo ration with DEIK as part of the summit once again highlighted the diplomatic significance of the event. The Türkiye–Oman, Türkiye–Saudi Arabia, Türkiye–Yemen, Türkiye–Palestine, Tür kiye–Tunisia, Türkiye–Afghanistan, and Türkiye–Syria Business Forums opened the door to new partnerships in many areas, including trade, investment, energy, food security, logistics, industrial production, digitalization, and financial technologies. Discussions held in forums clearly demonstrated the determi nation of countries to develop joint projects with Türkiye, while also strengthening DEIK’s role in business diplomacy. Contacts made throughout the summit brought to the agenda not only the deepening of existing relations, but also the creation of new business models and sectoral matches.

SECTORAL WEALTH AND ISTANBUL’S GLOBAL APPEAL

Helal Expo 2025 addressed the rapidly growing halal sector within a multidimensional framework. Sectoral sessions organized under headings such as halal food, medicine, cosmetics, finance, tourism, logistics, and digital verification systems were the stage for important discussions evaluating global trends and future projections.

This year also saw events such as the Eurasia Tourism and Health Fair, the Ambassadors Tourism Diplomacy Forum, and the Conservative Fashion Industry Presentation take center stage. Presentations in the conservative fashion sector, in particular, attracted the attention of hundreds of international designers and buyers, highlighting Türkiye’s potential in the f ields of fashion and manufacturing. The Global Seller Summit, with the participation of international e-commerce platforms, brought a new dynamism to the fair.

The broad participation profile, stretching from Asia-Pacific to Africa, the Gulf to Europe, enabled the B2B meetings held at the fair to turn into concrete business connections. This diversity was a critical factor in Istanbul becoming the natural center of the halal economy.

12TH WORLD HALAL SUMMIT AND HALAL EXPO 2026 – NOVEMBER 25–28, ISTANBUL

The diplomatic and commercial successes achieved in 2025 are laying a strong foundation for the 2026 event. The 12th World Halal Summit and Halal Expo will take place at the Istanbul Fair Center on November 25–28, 2026, with the goal of being the most comprehensive halal economy gathering to date.

The 2026 event aims to shape the future of the global halal economy with broader country participation, larger exhibition areas, increased B2B meeting capacity, new technology themes, regional pavilions, and strategic business forums. Given Türkiye’s leadership in certification, logistics, and pro duction capacity, the 2026 event will not only be an exhibition but also a global vision meeting.

OMNEX OMAN 2026 – A NEW ERA OF COOPERATION

The first international event of 2026 will be the OMNEX International Trade Fair and Türkiye–Oman Business Fo rum, to be held in Oman on February 2–4. Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry of Oman, the Oman Chamber of Commerce, and the DEIK Türkiye Oman Business Council, the event has the potential to take economic relations between the two countries to a new level.

Türkiye will be represented as the guest of honor at OMNEX, where high-level contacts will be made in sectors such as defense, health, energy, food, construction, infrastructure, and logistics. The diplomatic atmosphere, strengthened by our President’s visit to Oman and the Sultan’s visit to Türkiye, is transforming this platform into a strategic ground where joint projects can take shape.

A STRATEGIC INVITATION TO SHAPE THE FUTURE

Both Helal Expo 2026 – Istanbul and OMNEX 2026 – Oman offer unique opportunities for international investors, institu tions, and the business community. All stakeholders are invited to shape the future of Türkiye’s halal economy, establish new commercial ties, and forge strong partnerships.