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Editorial note: Market figures cited in this article are estimates based on publicly available industry reports and may vary by source. HalalExpo.com aims to present the most current data available but readers should verify figures for business decisions. Sources include the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report, DinarStandard, and national halal authority publications.
Saudi Arabia's halal market is one of the most lucrative in the world: a population of 35 million with one of the highest per-capita halal spending rates globally, a $150B+ food import market, and Vision 2030 driving ambitious domestic halal industry development. The Kingdom imports over 70% of its food needs, making it one of the most accessible major markets for certified halal exporters — if you understand the certification and regulatory landscape.
The Saudi International Halal Expo (SIHE) in Riyadh is the gateway. Held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC), the expo brings together international halal manufacturers, Saudi importers and distributors, government procurement agencies, and certification authorities under one roof. For any brand targeting Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC, this is the most concentrated, highest-intent buyer event in the region.
This guide covers everything you need to know to exhibit effectively at SIHE 2026 — from booth costs and application process to certification requirements and GCC market entry strategy.
The Saudi International Halal Expo is held in Riyadh at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC), one of the largest and most modern exhibition facilities in the Middle East. The 2026 edition is scheduled for October 2026, continuing the expo's established autumn timing that positions it squarely in the pre-Ramadan buying cycle — the single most commercially significant procurement window for food and consumer goods across the GCC.
Key facts about the Saudi International Halal Expo:
The expo's direct government backing distinguishes it from commercially-run events. This means stronger buyer quality, more credible regulatory engagement, and higher likelihood of government procurement contacts at your stand.
Understanding the market context is essential before committing your exhibition budget. Saudi Arabia presents a genuinely exceptional opportunity for halal exporters for several structural reasons.
Import dependency: Saudi Arabia imports more than 70% of its food requirements. Unlike self-sufficient markets where you compete with domestic production, Saudi Arabia is structurally dependent on international suppliers across most food categories — from dairy and meat to packaged goods and ingredients. This is not a temporary condition; it reflects geography, climate, and the Kingdom's economic structure.
Halal cosmetics and pharmaceuticals growth: The Saudi halal market is not just about food. Halal cosmetics have become a significant and rapidly growing category as Saudi consumers increasingly demand certified halal formulations across skincare, haircare, and colour cosmetics. The halal pharmaceutical sector is earlier stage but gaining momentum as Vision 2030's healthcare localisation agenda takes hold.
Vision 2030 halal industry targets: Vision 2030 explicitly targets the development of a domestic Saudi halal industry, including investment in halal-certified manufacturing zones, export promotion for Saudi halal products, and the establishment of Saudi Arabia as a global halal certification reference point. This creates both opportunity (government support for halal industry development) and nuance (some categories will face growing local competition as domestic production scales).
Demographics: More than 60% of Saudi Arabia's population is under 35. This young, digitally native, and increasingly affluent consumer base is driving demand for premium halal products across food, beauty, and lifestyle categories — and this demographic is more brand-aware and willing to switch to international brands than previous generations.
The combination of import dependency, young demographics, and government policy support makes Saudi Arabia one of the most structurally attractive halal export markets for the next decade.
Saudi Arabia's halal certification landscape is more complex than most markets, and getting this right before your expo appearance is non-negotiable. Buyers at SIHE will ask for your certification documentation on the spot.
SFDA Halal Mark: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has been developing its own national halal mark, which is required or strongly preferred for certain food categories in Saudi Arabia. The SFDA Halal Mark is aligned with the GSO 2055 standard — the Gulf Cooperation Council's unified halal standard that covers slaughtering, processing, and food production requirements.
GSO 2055 Standard: The GSO 2055 standard is the baseline certification requirement across all six GCC states. Products entering Saudi Arabia must meet GSO 2055 requirements. The practical implication is that your certifying body must be accredited to certify against GSO 2055, or your certificate must be accepted as equivalent by the Saudi authorities.
ESMA Equivalency: The UAE's ESMA (Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology) certification under the UAE.S 2055-1 standard is widely accepted across the GCC, including Saudi Arabia, as a GSO 2055 equivalent. If you already hold ESMA certification for UAE market entry, this significantly simplifies your Saudi compliance pathway. However, always verify current SFDA guidance at the time of application, as regulatory positions can evolve.
Which foreign certifications are recognised:
Bring your original halal certificate, a copy of your certifying body's accreditation documentation, and your halal production procedure documentation to the expo. Serious Saudi buyers will want to see the complete certification chain, not just the logo on the packaging. Cross-reference your certifying body against our global halal certifier directory to confirm its recognition status.
Applying to exhibit at the Saudi International Halal Expo follows a structured process. Here is what to expect:
Complete the online exhibitor application through the SIHE official portal. You will need to specify your company details, product categories, country of origin, and preferred booth size. Applications for SIHE 2026 typically open 6–8 months before the event, placing the opening window around March–April 2026.
Supporting documentation required at application stage typically includes:
Once your application is approved, you will receive a space allocation offer. Booth costs at SIHE 2026 are broadly in the following ranges based on previous editions and regional pricing:
| Booth Type | Size | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Shell Scheme — Standard | 9 sqm (3m x 3m) | USD 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Shell Scheme — In-Line | 12–18 sqm | USD 5,000 – 9,000 |
| Premium / Corner Position | 18–36 sqm | USD 9,000 – 15,000 |
| Custom Pavilion / Branded Space | 36 sqm+ | Contact organiser |
Note: All costs are estimates based on regional benchmarking. Official SIHE 2026 rates will be published when exhibitor registration opens. Government-linked national pavilion programmes (organised by export promotion agencies such as MATRADE, ITPC, KOTRA, or equivalent) often offer exhibitor slots at subsidised rates — always check with your country's trade promotion body before booking directly.
Shell scheme booths come with standard furniture, partition walls, and basic power. Custom stand designs require submission to the organiser typically 6–8 weeks before the event. RICEC has an approved contractor list; Saudi-registered stand builders are required for space-only bookings.
Saudi Arabia's e-visa system has simplified travel significantly for most nationalities. Apply for your Saudi business visa at least 6–8 weeks before the event. Freight for product samples should be managed by a freight forwarder with Saudi customs clearance experience — SASO conformity documentation is required for certain product categories at the border.
The Saudi International Halal Expo is most valuable when treated as a market entry platform, not just a lead generation event. Here is how to structure your GCC market entry around an SIHE appearance.
Saudi distributors and agents: Saudi Arabia's distribution landscape is dominated by large family-group distributors who hold exclusive or semi-exclusive rights across multiple categories. Meeting these distributors at SIHE — where they come specifically to source — is significantly more efficient than cold outreach. Come to the expo with a clear Distributor Partnership Programme document that covers: your product range, current certification status, export pricing in USD/SAR, minimum order quantities, and the marketing support you will provide to your distribution partner.
Halal labelling regulations in KSA: Products entering Saudi Arabia must comply with Saudi labelling regulations which include: Arabic language labelling (mandatory), SFDA-compliant nutritional information, halal logo from a recognised body, country of origin, and manufacturing/expiry dates in Hijri or Gregorian calendar format (both are accepted). Packaging that is fully compliant with Saudi labelling requirements signals to buyers that you are serious about the market — not just testing it.
Regional ripple effect: A Saudi distributor relationship often provides a gateway to the wider GCC. Many Saudi distributors operate across the Gulf states, and a listing in Saudi retail can accelerate acceptance in UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. Structure your Saudi market conversations with this regional expansion potential in mind. See our Saudi Arabia halal market profile for detailed market data and certification guidance.
The difference between a profitable SIHE appearance and an expensive marketing exercise comes down to preparation. These five principles separate the brands that generate real pipeline from those that collect business cards.
1. Pre-schedule at least 10 meetings before you arrive. SIHE's buyer quality is high, but walk-up traffic alone will not fill your pipeline. Contact Saudi importers and distributors relevant to your category 4–6 weeks before the expo. Use LinkedIn, trade directories, and our halal business directory to identify and approach relevant companies in advance.
2. Localise your materials into Arabic. Exhibitors who present bilingual (English and Arabic) product catalogues, datasheets, and company brochures consistently report higher buyer engagement at Saudi events. A Saudi buyer receiving a fully Arabic product brochure signals that you have committed to the market — not just testing it.
3. Bring sample products for hands-on demonstration. In food and beverage categories, on-stand sampling drives conversations and differentiation. Ensure your samples meet Saudi import requirements and have been cleared through customs properly — do not rely on hand-carrying samples in personal luggage for professional quantities.
4. Attend the regulatory sessions. SIHE typically includes a programme of government and regulatory sessions covering SFDA updates, Vision 2030 halal industry initiatives, and GCC standards harmonisation. These sessions are intelligence-gathering gold and often attended by the same officials your buyers report to.
5. Follow up within 48 hours of each meeting. Saudi business culture values relationship building and follow-through. A personal email follow-up — not a mass template — within 48 hours of a meeting is the single highest-ROI activity of your post-show week. Reference something specific from your conversation to demonstrate genuine interest.
You do not need SFDA halal certification specifically to apply for an exhibitor space. However, you must hold a valid halal certificate from a recognised certification body to be accepted as an exhibitor. For many regulated food categories, your products will need SFDA market authorisation before they can be sold commercially in Saudi Arabia — exhibiting demonstrates market entry intent, but commercial sales require full regulatory approval. Visit the certifier directory to check if your body is recognised.
Yes. Both JAKIM (Malaysia) and MUI (Indonesia) are among the most widely recognised halal certification bodies globally and are consistently accepted across GCC markets including Saudi Arabia. Products certified by JAKIM or MUI are generally compliant with GSO 2055 requirements. You may still need additional Saudi-specific documentation (SFDA product registration, SASO conformity) depending on your product category, but the halal certification itself will not be a barrier.
The Saudi International Halal Expo 2026 is scheduled for October 2026 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Exact dates will be confirmed by the organiser. Check the SIHE 2026 event listing on HalalExpo for confirmed dates, booth packages, and registration links as they are published.
Food and beverages — particularly packaged goods, dairy, meat and poultry, and confectionery — represent the highest volume and most active buyer traffic at SIHE. Halal cosmetics and personal care is the fastest-growing category. Halal pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals are emerging sectors with strong government interest but earlier-stage commercial activity. Modest fashion and Islamic financial services are also represented but attract a different buyer profile. See the full Saudi International Halal Expo event page for the current exhibitor category breakdown.
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