Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed THE GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI ANNOUNCES 'HALAL LIVING' EXHIBITION

A world of choice on offer at the Dubai World Trade Centre 15th-17th May 2008

Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Halal Living, the world's first Halal consumer lifestyle event, will open its doors to the public on 15th May 2008 until the 17th May 2008 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

HE Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), said, "The Halal Living event falls in line with Dubai Government's Strategy in 2015 for the Emirate to provide a working environment that attracts knowledge workers and retains expertise. This falls in line with one of the five strategic areas of focus in Dubai's strategy. The Halal Living event provides an alternative option of lifestyle for the people living, working and visiting Dubai. Halal is a topic that is very close to the hearts of Muslims. Living in a way that is Halal is something that permeates all facets of our lives."

For many years Dubai has led the region with its projects and initiatives. From building the world's largest man-made harbour during the 1970's and constructing what is set to be the world's tallest tower today, to allowing non UAE nationals the right to own freehold property, the city has long since demonstrated to the world its forward thinking attitude and has established itself as the regional hub for business and tourism.

Having continued to receive worldwide attention through its top class sporting events and groundbreaking mega construction projects, Dubai is the natural home for the Halal Living consumer lifestyle event, the first event of its kind. According to the Financial Times, the Halal market is currently estimated at US$580 billion and is expected to exceed US$1trillion by 2010. The three day Halal Living consumer event, will be a showcase for companies across the region and beyond that offer Halal choices in their products from such diverse areas as finance, education, fashion, health and home.

HE Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman continued, "For many years Dubai, the UAE and the GCC has invited and welcomed individuals and families from across the globe to make the region their home, and to share in the success of, our rapidly growing cities. All our visitors and new residents quickly discover that our communities are vibrant mixes of nationalities and cultures and the upcoming Halal Living event will give us a great opportunity to represent our region and showcase our culture."

"For us as Muslims the concept of Halal is well known and is a key part of our religious identity but the concept of a Halal lifestyle is one that is open to all. For many non-Muslims, especially those seeking for choices in lifestyle, a Halal lifestyle is an attractive one for a number of reasons and the Halal Living event will exhibit the choices and options that are available in Dubai for all those seeking a Halal lifestyle."

For the majority of non-Muslims, the term "Halal" is very well recognised but often misunderstood. One of the Halal Living consumer lifestyle event's central aims is education for its attendees and it will be an event open to all members of our global community.

The Halal Living event will run from the 15th until 17th of May 2008 in the Za'abeel Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre and is being supported by DIFC Conferences.