The UK’s biggest-ever Muslim lifestyle event to take place in October

The UK’s biggest showcase of the trillion pound Muslim consumer market is expected to attract thousands of visitors and hundreds of businesses from across the world.

The Muslim Lifestyle Expo 2016 (MLE2016) takes place for its second consecutive year in October aiming to attract record numbers following its successful debut in 2015.

MLE2016 has been designed to provide a unique marketing platform for brands and businesses to engage with the Muslim consumer by bringing together a number of sectors under one platform over a two-day exhibition.

This year’s showcase has moved to EventCity in Manchester and will feature over 100 exhibitors from sectors including fashion, food & drink, travel, media, Islamic finance, and health & beauty. Manchester Art Gallery will also take part by providing a workshop on Islamic arts and showcase Islamic artefacts over the weekend.

The interactive Expo will also feature a live catwalk showcasing international modest fashion and comedy by British Muslim comedians like Aatif Nawaz and BBC Three’s very own Guzzy Bear.

A live food demo theatre, sponsored by AHDB, will feature top chefs alongside a health zone and kids zone. Thought leaders will highlight the growth of the Muslim lifestyle markets and share business insights at the MLE Connect seminars.

Over 10,000 visitors are expected this year with exhibitors from across the world including USA, Turkey, Germany, Russia, Austria and Malaysia.

The Muslim consumer market is now one of the biggest in the world growing at nearly double the rate of the global economy.

According to a report by Thomson Reuters, the Muslim consumer spending on food and lifestyle products and services has been estimated to reach £1.3 trillion in 2014 and is projected to reach £1.9 trillion in 2020.

Tahir Mirza, founder of the Expo says, “We are delighted to be back for a second year and look forward to once again connect businesses and brands with consumers from across the world.

“MLE exists to build the bridge between the businesses and organisations to reach the Muslim consumer and also to change the narrative in regards to Muslims with our contemporary brand.

“With a growing, affluent and brand loyal consumer market on our doorstep, it makes commercial sense for brands to use MLE2016 to reach this demographic”

“The targeted marketing platform which MLE2016 provides will enable businesses of all sizes to reach wider consumer audiences as well as grow their brands both nationally and internationally.”

Rauf Mirza, Director of the Muslim Lifestyle Expo, said: “The exhibition is aimed at being a family-friendly and culturally diverse event to promote the positive and vibrant aspects of British Muslims.

“Our aim is to showcase the value of the global Muslim lifestyle movement in a contemporary, dynamic, fun and enjoyable way. MLE will be an inclusive event for all and welcomes people from all faiths and backgrounds.”

MLE2016 has attracted Turkish Airlines as the main sponsor and Human Appeal International as the chosen Charity Partner. MLE will also partner with brands such as MyLahore, AHDB and global organisations such as the Islamic Fashion & Design Council. 

Last year’s inaugural event at Ricoh Arena, attracted 7,000 visitors and from across the UK and 90 exhibitors from countries including Malaysia, Norway, Turkey, USA and Singapore.