CAIRO – Responding to demands of the Gulf Emirate luxurious residents, a Dubai company has announced the launch of the world’s first ever “halal” fizzing wine that includes a “24-carat edible gold leaf” with zero alcohol.

Lussory Gold is “an alcohol-removed halal sparkling wine” – and that the gold leaf “rises and falls in rhythm with the wine’s bubbles,” Lootah Premium Foods was quoted by Emirates 24/7 newspaper.

The wine, from the vineyards of La Mancha, Spain, is “made in the exact same way as regular wine or champagne,” the food and drink firm said.

“Lussory is a 100 per cent halal product with 0.0 per cent alcohol content.”

Islam takes an uncompromising stand in prohibiting intoxicants. It forbids Muslims from drinking or even selling alcohol.

The general rule in Islam is that any beverage that gets people intoxicated when taken is unlawful, both in small and large quantities, whether it is alcohol, drugs, fermented raisin drink or something else.

A British study released in November 2010 found that alcohol is a more dangerous and lethal drug than heroin or crack cocaine.

Alcohol is blamed for the death of 195,000 people in the 27-nation European Union every year and more than 10,000 deaths were due to alcohol-related road accidents, with young people especially at risk.

It is also blamed for 7.4 percent of all ill-health and premature death in the EU, a 2006 EU-commissioned report said.

Releasing the new product, the Dubai company hopes to tap into a huge market.

“We have experienced great demand for first-class halal champagne from our consumers and clients, wishing to offer a premier experience at weddings, birthdays or corporate events,” Tony Colley, General Manager of Lootah Premium Foods, said.