The halal scanner for shoppers across the Gulf and Middle East
Supermarkets in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman stock a heavily imported range, and halal marks come from dozens of different certifiers. SafaScan checks the ingredients themselves so the verdict does not depend on which logo happens to be on the pack.
The GCC Standardization Organization's GSO 2055 series sets the regional halal standard, implemented in the UAE through the Emirates halal scheme (ESMA / MOIAT) and in Saudi Arabia through the SFDA and the Saudi Halal Center. Certifier recognition varies by country.
Common local terms: halal · haram · mashbouh · شهادة حلال · علامة حلال · Languages: Arabic, English
Why Gulf shoppers use SafaScan
European, American and Australian products dominate Gulf supermarkets. SafaScan reads their original ingredient statements, not just the Arabic overlay sticker.
Vanilla extract, flavour solvents and some confectionery glazes are the most common issues in imported desserts and baked goods.
One app for the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman, plus the wider region.
What to watch on the shelf
- An Arabic-language sticker is not a halal certificate — look for a recognised certifier mark or check the ingredients.
- Hard European cheeses use animal rennet by law and are not halal even when sold in halal-majority markets.
- Imported gummies, marshmallows and desserts are the most frequent gelatin risk.
Frequently asked
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman, and the wider Middle East. SafaScan reads international barcodes, so it works with imported stock throughout the region.
No. Official certification remains the authority. SafaScan is an ingredient-level check for products where certification is absent, unfamiliar, or unclear.
Popular halal verdicts
- Are marshmallows halal?
- Is candy halal?
- Is cheese halal?
- Is gelatin halal?
- Is whey halal?
- Is glycerin halal?