Gulf retailers need to reach out to Muslim consumers and carve a niche in the lucrative halal industry.

For years Nasralla avoided the internet, scared she may stumble across explicit content, considered haram. Yet that changed when she began using ImHalal.com, the world’s first Islamic search engine that only displays results deemed halal and therefore suitable for Muslim users. ImHalal.com exemplifies the innovative nature of the burgeoning halal industry. It is also indicative of the fact that the concept of halal is changing; it is no longer only about food but has expanded to include cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, insurance, real estate fashion, travel and hospitality, as well as to the ancillary services associated with halal products and services such as logistics, finance and traceability. Full story