The Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) organized the Foundation Training Course for Preparing Shariah Auditors According to OIC/SMIIC Halal Standards in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, on 6–7 September 2026.

The two-day training course was attended by around 30 participants from the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs in the Sultanate of Oman, in addition to representatives from the Food Safety and Quality Centre.

The training was delivered by Dr. Mohammed Ali Alsheikh, Specialist at SMIIC, and focused on the Shariah-related aspects of halal standards issued by OIC/SMIIC. The course aimed to introduce participants to the main Islamic principles and Shariah foundations reflected in OIC/SMIIC halal standards, and to strengthen their understanding of the role of Shariah auditors in halal conformity assessment activities.

The programme covered key concepts related to halal requirements, the importance of compliance with Islamic rules in halal products and services, and the relationship between Shariah principles and technical requirements within the OIC/SMIIC standardization framework. It also highlighted the importance of qualified Shariah auditors in supporting credible halal certification, enhancing consumer confidence, and contributing to the development of a reliable halal quality infrastructure.

This course forms part of SMIIC’s efforts to build technical and Shariah-related capacities among relevant institutions in OIC Member States, and to support the effective implementation of OIC/SMIIC halal standards in cooperation with national stakeholders.