Tariq Halal CEO Tariq Sheikh Receives Prestigious Avicenna Medal from Prince Philipp of Liechtenstein

Tariq Sheikh, Chairman and Founder of Tariq Halal, has been awarded the prestigious Avicenna Medal during a distinguished ceremony held at the historic House of Lords within Westminster Palace. The honour was presented by His Highness Prince Philipp of Liechtenstein, with Her Highness Princess Isabel also in attendance, recognising Sheikh’s outstanding contribution to the halal meat industry and his long-standing commitment to philanthropy and community development.

The ceremony marked a significant moment in a career defined by vision, perseverance, and transformative leadership. Receiving the Avicenna Medal places Tariq Sheikh among a select group of global leaders recognised for driving meaningful change within their industries while making a positive impact on society.

Born in Pakistan in 1961 and relocating to the United Kingdom at the age of four, Sheikh’s journey reflects resilience and determination. He began his career in the fast-food industry, where his leadership abilities quickly became evident. By the age of 19, he had progressed to the role of area manager, gaining invaluable experience in operations, quality control, and customer service.

In his thirties, Sheikh founded Tariq Halal Meat with a clear mission to redefine the traditional halal butcher model. His innovative approach introduced premium retail environments that combined modern design, strict hygiene standards, and advanced technology. This vision reshaped consumer expectations and set new benchmarks within the halal sector.

Under his leadership, Tariq Halal has grown into a network of over 30 stores, supplying high-quality halal meat to retailers, wholesalers, and franchise partners across the UK and Europe. The brand’s availability in over 300 Sainsbury’s stores, alongside its expansion into the United Arab Emirates, reflects Sheikh’s commitment to making premium halal products accessible to wider global markets.

Beyond business growth, Sheikh is widely recognised for his philanthropic efforts. He actively supports organisations including the Prince of Wales’s British Asian Trust, the British Heart Foundation, and the Cancer Foundation. His dedication to encouraging entrepreneurship among young people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds further underscores his commitment to empowering future leaders.

Accepting the award, Tariq Sheikh said:

“My vision was to elevate the halal meat experience by offering more — quality, innovation, and a sense of pride in what we provide. Today, with over 30 stores and a presence not just across the UK but beyond, I’m proud of what we’ve built. Introducing British meat to the Middle East and positioning it competitively on the global stage has been a defining achievement. Receiving the Avicenna Medal is a profound honour that I share with my team, our customers, and everyone who has supported us along the way. I am deeply grateful to His Highness Prince Philipp and Her Highness Princess Isabel for this recognition.”

The ceremony’s setting at the House of Lords added to the occasion’s significance, symbolising the international reach and lasting impact of Sheikh’s achievements. The presence of royalty and distinguished guests highlighted the intersection of leadership, innovation, and global influence that continues to define Tariq Sheikh’s legacy.