Religious Board of Muslims of Russian Federation Delegation on Makkah Halal Forum 2026 19.02.2026 09:23The third international exhibition and forum, "Makkah Halal Forum 2026," was held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia , bringing together leading global experts, producers, and consumers of halal products and services from over 75 countries. Organized under the personal patronage of His Excellency Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, Minister of Commerce of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the events were attended by a delegation from the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation, led by Mufti Abdul Malik hazrat Asainov, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Mordovia.
Key events of the Forum, meetings held, and the results of the work of the delegation of the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of the Russian Federation, in comments from Aidar Gazizov, Advisor to the Chairman of the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of the Russian Federation on the development of the halal industry and General Director of the International Center for Social and Cultural Affairs "Halal":
"On the eve of the holy month of Ramadan, when every Muslim prepares for a special time of intense worship and strict fasting, our delegation once again participated in the Makkah Halal Forum 2026. This exhibition, although only held for the third time, has already taken a special place in our calendar, as in the sacred lands of Saudi Arabia, we have the opportunity to begin our visit each year with the lesser pilgrimage of Umrah, thus fulfilling our duty to the Almighty.
During the three days of the Forum, we held several productive meetings with leaders and key players in the international halal industry. The first was with Vasil Gabtelgayazovich Shaikhraziev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan and Chairman of the National Council of the World Congress of Tatars. The discussion focused on the further development of bilateral cooperation in increasing the production and sale of halal products, as well as preparations for upcoming events, the most important of which is undoubtedly the 16th International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum."
A warm meeting was held with representatives of the Gulf Accreditation Center (GAC). Cooperation with this accreditation body has been ongoing for nearly 10 years and was cemented by a Memorandum of Cooperation signed last May by the spiritual leader of Muslims in Russia, Mufti Sheikh Rawil Gainutdin, and the head of the GAC, Dr. Moteb Al-Mazany. During the meeting, the parties discussed joint initiatives in harmonizing certification requirements, training qualified personnel, and developing the export potential of Russian halal products in the Gulf.
Also, as part of the Makkah Halal Forum 2026, we held a constructive meeting with our dear brother, long-time ally of Russian Muslims, and Chairman of the OIC Institute for Standardization and Metrology (SMIIC), Ihsan Övüt. The main topic of discussion was the further integration of SMIIC standards into the work of the Halal International Center for Standardization and Metrology (IUCN) and the Eurasian Halal Union (EHU), and their adoption as a basis for further development of domestic halal standards.
We consider the highlight of the exhibition to be the meeting with representatives of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and the head of the Saudi Halal Center, Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Rashoodi. As the world's leading importer of halal products, Saudi Arabia views Russia as a key partner in this field. Our meeting continues a long-standing cooperation that began in 2016-2017 with the first deliveries of Russian halal products to the Saudi market. Specifically, these talks focused on further steps to implement joint initiatives outlined at the meeting between the head of the Saudi Halal Center and the Chairman of the Muslim Spiritual Board of the Russian Federation, Grand Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, held last May at the Moscow Cathedral Mosque.
We've come a long way to gain recognition and accreditation from reputable organizations in most Muslim countries. Today, our goal is not simply to confirm this status, but to translate it into practical application: building seamless logistics and certification chains so that Russian manufacturers can feel confident in any market.
"I take this opportunity, on behalf of the entire team of the Halal Center for Social and Social Development and myself, to congratulate all Muslims on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan! As we enter this blessed time, we prayerfully ask the Almighty for support in all endeavors, for fortitude and strength to withstand trials, and for goodness and peace to you and your families," concluded Aidar Gazizov.
