UAE’s Halal and Islamic Finance Push: Why ASEAN Businesses Should Pay Attention

The UAE’s bold national strategy to grow its Islamic finance sector and halal manufacturing capabilities is more than just a domestic policy play—it’s a direct call to international partners, including Southeast Asia, to engage more deeply in the global halal economy.

According to Arabian Business, the UAE now holds AED595.3bn (US$162bn) in Islamic bank deposits and has set an ambitious target to quadruple halal exports to AED315bn (US$86bn) by 2031. These numbers are not just impressive—they signal a structural pivot towards becoming the world’s premier halal and Sharia-compliant financial hub.

For ASEAN companies, especially those in halal-certified F&B, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and logistics, this presents a timely opportunity.

What’s in it for ASEAN?

1. A gateway to MENA markets via a trusted hub.

With Dubai and Abu Dhabi positioning themselves as global trade nodes, ASEAN businesses can leverage the UAE’s regulatory infrastructure and logistics strength to reach North Africa, the GCC, and even Europe.

2. Strong alignment with ASEAN’s halal and Islamic finance expertise.

Countries like Malaysia and Indonesia already boast mature halal ecosystems and Islamic banking sectors. Strategic partnerships, joint ventures, or tech-transfer agreements with UAE entities can unlock growth for both sides.

3. Demand is outpacing supply.

Bonafide Research projects the UAE halal F&B market to exceed US$31.2bn by 2029. This demand spans beyond food—it includes cosmetics, supplements, and fashion. ASEAN exporters and manufacturers can bridge this supply gap.

4. Sukuk financing to fund ASEAN-Gulf ventures.

With Nasdaq Dubai hosting nearly US$96bn in listed Sukuk, UAE offers a mature platform for Islamic capital market products—ideal for ASEAN firms looking to finance regional expansion ethically and efficiently.

Next Steps for ASEAN Businesses

• Explore UAE’s free zones and halal certification pathways to speed up market entry.
• Consider Sukuk or Islamic venture financing for regional projects with a Sharia-compliant mandate.
• Partner with UAE-based distributors or co-manufacturers for halal product development and export.
• Participate in bilateral trade missions and halal expos to build visibility and trust in the market.
  

The UAE is not just building a halal economy for itself—it is inviting the world to co-develop and co-scale. For ASEAN, which has the world’s largest Muslim population base and rising halal innovation clusters, this is a corridor worth walking.

And the time to walk it is now.