Trade Connect » How to Successfully Export Halal Meat to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE

The export of Halal meat from Poland and the European Union to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region – especially to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – continues to grow in demand. These high-potential markets require strict compliance with religious, health, veterinary, and customs regulations. Companies interested in exporting to GCC countries must be well-prepared and work with experienced partners to ensure success.

Halal meat is more than just a food product – it is a product of religious and cultural importance. Animals must be healthy and slaughtered by a Muslim, without stunning, while invoking the name of Allah. The slaughterhouse must be Halal-certified by a recognized body accepted by the importing country’s authorities, such as SFDA in Saudi Arabia, MoPH in Qatar, and ESMA in the UAE.

Before shipping, both the exporter and the processing plant must be registered and approved by the respective authority. In Saudi Arabia, the SFDA maintains a list of approved establishments. In Qatar and the UAE, similar requirements apply. Exporters must also provide a complete set of documents, including:

A valid Halal certificate issued by an approved body,
A veterinary health certificate from the national authorities,
A certificate of origin,
Correct product labeling in Arabic (and English in Qatar and the UAE), including product name, weight, production and expiration dates, batch number, country of origin, and Halal logo.

Logistics also play a key role. Whether shipping frozen or chilled Halal meat, exporters must ensure full cold chain compliance from the plant to the final destination. Any delays, customs issues, or improper documentation may lead to rejected shipments or financial losses. Air and sea freight options are commonly used, depending on the product type and buyer preferences.

Unfortunately, many companies make costly mistakes – using unrecognized Halal certificates, shipping from unapproved facilities, or failing to meet Arabic labeling standards. To avoid these issues, it’s essential to cooperate with a professional export partner who understands the local laws and buyer expectations in GCC countries.

Trade Connect is your reliable partner for exporting certified Halal meat to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. We work only with approved slaughterhouses and EU-certified processing plants from countries like Poland, Romania, the Netherlands, Greece, and Mongolia. Our team handles all export documentation, Halal certification, refrigerated transport, and importer coordination to ensure that each shipment is delivered smoothly and legally.

Exporting to the Gulf region can be a powerful driver of business growth – if done properly. With Trade Connect, you gain a partner who understands every step of the process and ensures that your Halal meat reaches the Middle East market safely and compliantly. Trust a team that knows the GCC inside and out.

How to Successfully Export Halal Meat to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE – Certification, Labeling, and Logistics