Tatarstan opens a window to the United Arab Emirates

We are pleased to share exciting news and another major achievement for the Halal Standards Committee of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan. Our organization has been accredited by the Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC) in Dubai.

The certificate was personally presented to the Chairman of the Committee, Abbyas Hazrat Shlyaposhnikov, by Ms. Amina Ahmed Mohammed, Director General of the Emirates International Accreditation Centre.

Also present at the awards ceremony were employees of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency (TIDA) – Deputy Director Marina Epifantseva, specialist Rimma Ishkulova, representatives of certification bodies from Moscow, and businessmen planning to supply their products to the Emirates. The event was graced by the presence of friends of the Committee from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The Committee’s extensive work would not have been successful without the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Ministries of Agriculture of both Russia and Tatarstan, and the agencies and structures that contributed to this enormous undertaking. The administration of the Raisa of the Republic of Tatarstan also provided significant support. Their assistance was invaluable,” noted Abbyas Hazrat Shlyaposhnikov.

The International Accreditation Center (EIAC) in Dubai accredits Halal conformity assessment bodies worldwide. Throughout 2025, EIAC conducted extensive work, including reviewing the quality management system, auditor competencies, technical auditor competencies, documentation, and organizational systems within the Committee. Over the course of two weeks, field visits were organized to assess the competence and necessary skills of the Committee’s personnel in production.

What does this mean and why is it necessary?

EIAC accreditation is official recognition of a certification body’s competence at the international level. It confirms that the procedures and standards used by the Committee for certification comply with international halal standards.

For manufacturers and businesses, this represents significant export opportunities. Obtaining a certificate from a Committee recognized by EIAC provides an opportunity to enter the market of the United Arab Emirates, where halal product requirements are particularly stringent.

The UAE example clearly demonstrates that before entering a foreign market, it is crucial to thoroughly study the specifics of the country’s domestic market and ensure that products fully comply with national and religious norms. The Halal Standards Committee of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tajikistan provides consulting support and provides businesses with all the necessary information, helping to increase their chances of successfully entering international markets.

For consumers, EIAC accreditation is a guarantee that a product bearing the Halal label from the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tajikistan has been tested and recognized internationally, including in the UAE.

Why is this important now?

More and more people around the world are choosing halal products as a sign of purity, quality, and safety. Tatarstan and Russia as a whole have enormous potential in this market, and EIAC accreditation is another opportunity to fully utilize this potential.

In which categories has the Committee been accredited?

Our organization has been accredited in the “Food and Processing Industry” cluster in the “Food Production” category. This includes:

Processing of perishable animal products. Production of animal products, including fish and seafood, meat, eggs, dairy, and fish products.
Processing of perishable plant products. Production of plant products, including fruits and fresh juices, vegetables, grains, nuts, and legumes.
Processing of mixed animal and plant products. Production of mixed animal and plant products, including pizza, lasagna, sandwiches, dumplings, and ready-to-eat meals.
Processing of environmentally resistant products. Production of food products from any source that are stored and sold at ambient temperature, including canned goods, cookies, snacks, butter, drinking water, beverages, pasta, flour, sugar, and table salt.
Animal slaughter. Carcass processing, including slaughtering, cutting, cleaning, and packaging.

Also in the “Biochemicals” cluster in the “(Bio)chemicals Production” category. This includes:Microbiology, production of food and feed additives, vitamins, minerals, biocultures, flavorings, enzymes, and processing aids.

We are pleased that our serious approach, transparency, and professionalism have been highly recognized by our international colleagues.

A little about the United Arab Emirates

The UAE is a country in the Middle East, on the shores of the Persian Gulf, founded in 1971. The country consists of seven emirates, the largest and most famous of which are Abu Dhabi (the capital) and Dubai. According to official data, the population is approximately 10 million, of which only 10-15% are Emirati citizens; the majority are foreign workers and specialists.

The UAE’s main religion is Islam, primarily Sunni. Religion has a strong influence on local laws, culture, and traditions.

The United Arab Emirates is distinguished by its rapid economic development. The country achieved its strong economic growth thanks to its natural resources – oil and gas. Currently, the country is trying to move away from its dependence on raw materials, and the government is actively developing tourism, finance, and technology trade.

The UAE’s economy is the second largest in the Arab world after Saudi Arabia. According to official data from the UAE Ministry of Economy, the most promising investment sectors are agriculture, education, manufacturing, and tourism.

Export Relations with the United Arab Emirates

In 2024, mutual trade between Russia and the UAE exceeded $9.5 billion. According to officials, this volume is expected to double by 2030.

Agricultural products were Russia’s largest export to the UAE in 2025. Goods worth a total of $4.3 billion were shipped to various Middle Eastern countries, but a significant portion went to the UAE. Agricultural products exported include wheat (the majority of exports), lentils and other legumes, dairy products, and meat.

Halal Products Supplied from Russia

Russia exports products that meet halal standards to the UAE. The main halal export is poultry. Halal beef, lamb, and dairy products are also supplied to the UAE market. In addition to fresh meat, processed meat products and semi-finished goods are also exported.

It is worth noting the growing trend in export relations between the countries. Compared to 2024, in 2025, the total volume of Russian halal exports (including Saudi Arabia and Iran) increased significantly, reaching approximately $31.2 million. Today, the UAE is one of the key markets for Russian halal supplies.

Halal Product Supplies from Tatarstan

In 2025, the Republic of Tatarstan exported $45 million worth of halal agricultural products to various countries, including the UAE. Major halal exporters include Agrosila JSC, Uva-Moloko (MLK-Group LLC), and Akulchev Trading House LLC.

Tatarstan’s halal exporters most often ship meat and meat products (poultry, beef, and semi-finished products), dairy products (butter, cheeses), and confectionery (halal sweets and desserts) to foreign markets.

 

The following sources were used in creating this material:
Russian Export Center, RBC portal
TASS News Agency, Interfax News Agency
Data from the website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Tatarstan
abc.az portal, information resources
Press Service of the Halal Standards Committee of the Muslim Spiritual Directorate of the Republic of Tatarstan