Muslim lifestyle event highlights $3 trillion market opportunities

The recent MLE Connect 2017 Muslim lifestyle event at 155 Bishopsgate, in London, was the UK’s biggest B2B conference discussing the Muslim lifestyle sector, according to organisers. Retailers such as Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Nationwide joined entrepreneurs and 200 businesses represented at the event. Delegates also came from abroad, from the UAE, Turkey, Malaysia and Iran. The one-day conference featured seminars, panel discussions, including on the topics of halal food, modest fashion, marketing, finance and international trade. It is the second consecutive year the event has been held and organisers estimate the global expenditure on Muslim food and lifestyle sectors now stands at £2.3 trillion (US$3m) by 2021. Tahir Mirza, founder and director of MLE Connect, the Muslim lifestyle economy cannot be underestimated or ignored. “The UK is in a perfect position to capitalise and we strongly feel 2017 is a year of opportunity for those who embrace the sector and adjust their offering accordingly,” Mirza adds. “The opportunities that exist for all businesses, regardless of religion, are too big to miss. “We have a plethora of success stories in the UK who are already making their mark and we hope that this event has given food for thought for businesses across the UK on their next move.” Guest speakers at MLE Connect 2017 event featured Shelina Janmohammed, vice-president of marketing consultancy Ogilvy Noor; CEO of Alchemiya, Navid Akhtar and CEO of Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre, Mr Abdulla Al Awar, who delivered the keynote.   Photo credit: Eighty20 Marketing