Bahrain poised in $380billion Halal boom

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain could emerge as a key player in the booming halal food economy, as a new market analysis forecasts the Middle East and North Africa’s halal sector to grow to $380 billion by 2030.

The projection, released in a report by BCC Research, cites a compound annual growth rate of 7.1 percent from 2025 to 2030. The study highlights Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt as leading hubs, but notes that the wider GCC region, including Bahrain, is part of a strategically positioned bloc amid rising demand.

Growth Drivers

The findings show that a growing Muslim population, surging interest in ethical and clean eating, and a regional e-commerce explosion are accelerating market expansion.

According to the study titled 'Halal Food Regional Market Analysis: Middle East and North Africa,' by BCC Research, halal food is becoming more accessible through digital platforms, while Gen Z and millennial consumers increasingly turn to social media for halal lifestyle guidance. This shift is reshaping food choices across the region and driving demand for halal-certified products.

Investment Wave

The report identifies robust government and private sector investment as a major catalyst. Governments are easing approval processes, and institutions such as Saudi Arabia’s Halal Products Development Company (HPDC) are fuelling ecosystem growth and localisation.

HPDC, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, supports international companies entering the Kingdom’s halal market and is investing in local production to position Saudi Arabia as a global halal hub.

Bahrain Among Covered Markets

The report includes Bahrain among the GCC countries analysed, reflecting its role in the broader halal ecosystem. As the region witnesses rising investment and demand, Bahrain stands to benefit from shifts in food production, regulation, and trade linked to halal-certified products.

Product and Market Segments

The halal market is segmented by product type, including meat, dairy, grains, and produce, and by distribution channel, with growth expected across both online and retail formats.

Meat and meat products will continue to dominate the market through 2029, the report said, with Saudi Arabia alone expected to reach a market value of $72.7 billion.

Strategic Forecast

The MENA halal food landscape offers a pathway for countries such as Bahrain to position themselves as value-adding participants. The report signals a shift in trade patterns and food security priorities that could favour proactive GCC countries.

The halal food boom could offer Bahrain new trade and investment pathways if aligned with emerging consumer and regulatory trends.