UAE: New halal 'beer' inspired by 1,000-year-old recipe offers energy boost without processed sugar
A unique halal-brewed beverage inspired by an ancient Arabian Peninsula drink that dates back thousands of years was launched by a Russian expat in the UAE.
The new product, developed by Midtown Factory under the brand name Majlis, is crafted using a proprietary brewing method that guarantees it remains alcohol-free while preserving the traditional drink's authentic taste and complexity.
Igor Sergunin, the innovator behind Majlis Premium Arabian Ale and CEO of Midtown Factory, explained the inspiration behind the drink: 'We started the products as it has historical significance. Nearly a few thousand years ago in the Arabian Peninsula, people brewed this product, which was non-alcoholic and believed to help with digestion. It took them two to three days to brew, and travellers consumed this as it kept their energy levels up for a long time.'
Majlis' brewing process follows the same traditional method but with controlled yeast to ensure the beverage remains halal. 'The ingredients are the same — malt, water, yeast, and hops, which together produce essential vitamins like B1, B6, B15, C, and D. With the right technology, we ensure all our products are halal,' Sergunin added.
The company has earned Halal certification from UAE authorities after rigorous testing of their products, Sergunin confirmed.
The company has received Halal certification from UAE authorities after rigorous testing. 'We have passed the Halal certification from the UAE authorities, which have tested our product,' said Sergunin.
Unlike conventional brewing techniques that remove alcohol, Majlis uses a unique approach that keeps the beverage alcohol-free from start to finish, ensuring it meets halal standards.
'Crafted with care and following halal guidelines, Majlis uses proprietary technology that ensures the process remains alcohol-free throughout. This method maintains the integrity of halal principles while preserving the authentic taste and complexity of a brewed beverage,' Sergunin explained.
His inspiration for Majlis was born out of concern for his children's health. 'I got the idea when shopping for drinks for my children. When I checked the ingredients, I found most of them were processed and not healthy. So I decided to create drinks that would be beneficial for everyone,' he said, noting that they worked closely with nutritionists to perfect the recipe.
Sergunin also highlighted that Majlis drinks contain no processed sugar. 'The sugars in our drinks come from natural sources,' he added.
The beverage is available in five distinct tastes, though he refrains from calling them 'flavours.'
Explaining why they revived the recipe, he said: "The drinks originated in this region, and the UAE is the perfect place to expand globally with its diverse population,' he explained.
Majlis is also positioned as an alternative to traditional energy drinks, offering sustained energy. 'Our drinks provide you with long-lasting energy,' Sergunin said.
The brand name, Majlis, reflects the idea of gathering, not partying. 'Majlis means 'gathering.' It's about coming together and enjoying our halal-brewed drinks,' he concluded.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
2 days ago
- Arabian Post
Oil Prices Rise on OPEC+ Supply Restraint and Geopolitical Tensions
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Oil prices strengthened sharply as OPEC+ agreed to a modest increase in production, falling short of some market expectations, while escalating geopolitical tensions in Ukraine and Iran added further upward pressure. West Texas Intermediate crude futures climbed 2.8%, settling near $63 per barrel, reflecting a cautious market balancing supply concerns against demand uncertainties. The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies approved a production boost of 411,000 barrels per day for July, a figure that surprised some analysts who anticipated a larger output increase. This decision followed extensive negotiations marked by dissent from several members, including Russia, which has historically played a pivotal role in the alliance's supply management. The group's choice to limit production growth indicates a strategic effort to maintain price support amid a volatile global economic outlook. ADVERTISEMENT Within the alliance, certain countries advocated for a pause in the output hike, citing lingering uncertainties in global demand recovery and concerns over market oversupply. This internal division has led financial institutions to offer contrasting forecasts on OPEC+ policy direction for the coming months. Some banks now expect additional gradual supply increases to ease pressure on energy markets, while others warn of a more restrained approach to sustain price levels. Market participants are also closely monitoring the geopolitical landscape, which has become a significant factor influencing oil prices. The conflict in Ukraine continues to disrupt supply chains and has led to concerns over potential shortages in European energy markets. The war has prompted a reconfiguration of energy trade flows, with European countries seeking alternatives to Russian crude and refined products amid sanctions and supply restrictions. Meanwhile, escalating tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear programme and regional activities have heightened fears of disruptions in the Middle East, a region critical to global oil supply. The possibility of renewed sanctions or military confrontation has contributed to risk premiums embedded in crude prices. Iranian officials have issued statements warning against external interference, further adding to the geopolitical uncertainties that traders are factoring into their decisions. The market's response to these developments reflects a complex interplay between supply management by OPEC+ and external geopolitical risks. While the alliance's measured increase in output signals a cautious optimism about demand recovery, the persistent threats to supply continuity underscore the fragility of the current energy market balance. This dynamic has led to increased volatility in oil prices as traders weigh the prospects of tighter supply against potential disruptions. Analysts note that global oil inventories remain a critical indicator of market health. Recent data show stocks in key consuming regions have fluctuated, influenced by varying rates of economic activity and shifts in fuel consumption patterns. The International Energy Agency has highlighted that while demand has strengthened, it faces headwinds from inflationary pressures and a slower-than-expected economic rebound in several major economies. ADVERTISEMENT Energy firms and investors are responding to the evolving scenario by adjusting their strategies. Some producers are exercising caution in ramping up output, mindful of price swings and regulatory challenges. Investment in exploration and production continues to be scrutinised in light of global energy transition policies and commitments to reduce carbon emissions, factors that could constrain long-term supply growth. The global energy market is also observing shifts in trade flows as refiners and consumers adapt to changing supply sources. Countries in Asia and Europe are recalibrating their crude procurement strategies to mitigate risks and capitalise on price movements. This realignment is creating new patterns of demand that could influence OPEC+ decisions and broader market trends going forward. Despite these complexities, market analysts caution that the oil market remains sensitive to any significant geopolitical escalation or unexpected shifts in production policies. The interplay between supply discipline by producing nations and geopolitical developments will continue to be key drivers of price direction. The potential for further volatility remains high as global economic conditions evolve and political uncertainties persist. Financial institutions remain divided on how aggressively OPEC+ will pursue production hikes in the coming months. Some expect a gradual easing of supply constraints if demand shows sustained improvement, while others predict continued restraint to maintain price support amid ongoing global uncertainties.
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Al Etihad
Musk says to remain 'friend and advisor' to Trump
30 May 2025 23:03 Washington (AFP)Billionaire Elon Musk said on Friday he would remain a "friend and advisor" to Donald Trump, as the US president hosted an Oval Office farewell for the man who led his turbulent cost-cutting drive."I look forward to continuing to be a friend and advisor to the president," Musk told reporters after Trump handed a golden key as a gift to the departing leader of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).Musk, clad in a black T-shirt and jacket and wearing a baseball cap as he stood next to the seated Trump, said he would keep supporting the team that is "relentlessly pursuing a trillion dollars in waste" in reductions that will "benefit the American taxpayer." He complained about how he has been portrayed, saying: "We became, like, essentially the DOGE bogeyman, where any cut anywhere would be ascribed to DOGE."Musk, the world's richest person, has said he is stepping back from his role at the White House to focus on his companies, which include Tesla, SpaceX and social media platform was immediately asked about the report. He did not reply directly and instead denounced The New York Times over its previous coverage of Russian interference in the 2016 election before moving to the next under Musk's guidance has slashed billions of dollars in government spending, much of it already approved by Congress, including eviscerating the main US agency delivering foreign aid."We're totally committed to making the DOGE cuts permanent and stopping much more of the waste in the months that come," Trump said that Musk "is really not leaving" as DOGE is working on further priorities such as "modernization" of the tax-collecting Internal Revenue Service, whose ranks have been said of Musk: "I have a feeling it's his baby, and I think he's going to be doing a lot of things." Pointing to Musk's Starlink satellite internet service, Trump said: "Frankly, I don't think he gets credit for what it's done, but he's a very good person."
Arabian Post
5 days ago
- Arabian Post
Sberbank Unveils Bitcoin-Linked Bonds Amid Regulatory Shift
Sberbank, Russia's largest lender, has introduced structured bonds tied to Bitcoin's performance, offering investors exposure to cryptocurrency price movements without direct ownership. These bonds, denominated in rubles and compliant with Russian law, are currently available to qualified investors through over-the-counter markets, with plans for future listings on the Moscow Exchange. The initiative follows the Bank of Russia's recent decision to permit financial institutions to offer crypto-linked financial instruments to accredited investors. Under the new guidelines, banks can provide derivatives, securities, and digital financial assets whose returns are linked to cryptocurrency prices, provided there is no actual delivery of the underlying crypto assets. This move aims to offer regulated exposure to digital assets while mitigating associated risks. Sberbank's Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board, Anatoly Popov, stated that the bank's new product provides a convenient and secure way for investors to gain exposure to cryptocurrency assets without direct ownership, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements on Russian infrastructure. The structured bonds are designed to cater to investors seeking returns linked to cryptocurrency dynamics within a regulated framework. ADVERTISEMENT In addition to Sberbank's offerings, the Moscow Exchange has announced plans to launch a cash-settled Bitcoin futures contract on its derivatives market in June. The SPB Exchange has also outlined intentions to introduce cryptocurrency-linked futures trading, signaling a broader acceptance of crypto-related financial products within Russia's regulated financial markets. The Bank of Russia's decision to allow crypto-linked financial instruments comes amid increasing interest in digital assets among Russian investors. The central bank reported a 51% increase in crypto asset inflows by Russian residents in the first quarter of 2025, totaling 7.3 trillion rubles . To manage potential risks, the central bank has mandated that banks and credit institutions fully back these products with capital, apply conservative risk assessments, and set individual exposure limits. Sberbank's move to offer structured bonds tied to cryptocurrency price movements represents a significant step in bridging traditional finance with digital assets in Russia. By providing regulated investment products linked to cryptocurrencies, the bank aims to meet growing investor demand while adhering to the country's cautious regulatory stance on digital assets.
