From Beirut, Hayek Hospital’s Vegan Vision Educates, Prevents, and Inspires the World
Hayek Hospital in Beirut, the world’s first fully vegan hospital, has become a hub for education and a living example of how healthcare can evolve beyond treating symptoms to tackling root causes. Within its walls, medicine and nutrition converge, offering not only care but also a vision of prevention and compassion. This commitment is reflected in initiatives that highlight the link between food and disease. On World Heart Day and World Day Of The Sick, the hospital reminds visitors and patients of the dangers of animal-based products. Such actions show that Hayek Hospital is not content with treating illness; it is determined to challenge its causes and inspire change.
Skinload, the UAE’s Homegrown Vegan Beauty Pioneer, Launches Inclusive Shades in Saudi Arabia
Skinload, the UAE-born vegan skincare and cosmetics brand, has announced its entry into Saudi Arabia along with the launch of five new BB cream shades designed to reflect the diverse complexions of Middle Eastern consumers. This milestone highlights the growing demand for ethical and inclusive beauty across the region. The new shades were shaped by customer feedback and represent a commitment to inclusivity, as highlighted in Skinload’s LinkedIn announcement, where the brand emphasized its mission to listen to its community and celebrate diversity in vegan beauty.
Saudi Arabia’s Non‑Dairy Ice Cream Industry: Growth Drivers and Future Potential
The non‑dairy ice cream industry in Saudi Arabia has developed into a distinct segment within the frozen dessert market. Once considered niche, it has now achieved measurable growth and continues to expand. According to the latest IndexBox report, the market has doubled its share since 2020 and is projected to maintain double‑digit growth rates over the next decade. This reflects rising consumer demand for dairy‑free alternatives, supported by demographic factors, health considerations, and evolving product innovation.
Animal‑Free and Vegan‑Labeled Supplements Gain Visibility in MENA Markets
Over the past five years, the dietary supplement market in the Middle East has undergone a noticeable transformation. According to Mintel, new product launches increasingly highlight “dietary‑compatible supplements,” those carrying vegan or no animal-ingredient claims. This steady rise reflects a broader shift in consumer expectations, where animal‑free and vegan‑labeled options are becoming more visible across the region’s pharmacies, e‑commerce platforms, and wellness stores.
Captivity Under Scrutiny: Reports of Neglect and Rescue in Zoos Across the Middle East and North Africa
Across the Middle East and North Africa, zoos and circuses have long been presented as places of leisure, education, or cultural tradition. From Gaza’s Rafah Zoo to Egypt’s Giza Zoo, from Lebanon’s roadside collections to Riyadh Zoo in Saudi Arabia, and from Al Ain Zoo in the UAE to Rabat Zoo in Morocco, these institutions are part of the region’s history. Yet recent rescues and investigations reveal a different reality: lions starving in Gaza, cubs like Sara suffering neglect in Lebanon, fatal attacks in Egyptian zoos and circuses, and disturbing reports during Giza Zoo’s 2026 reopening. These cases show that captivity itself creates harm, regardless of modernization or welfare claims, and that rescue remains the only meaningful response.
Plant‑Based Dining Normalized at Swiss International Scientific School Dubai
At the Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, one of the largest international schools in the UAE, plant‑based cuisine has become a normalized part of daily life. The catering provider, Swiss Canonica, operates a six‑week rotating international menu where vegan main dishes are featured every day, alongside starters, Chef’s Specials, and desserts.
Vegan Beauty Expands in the GCC: AXIS‑Y Introduces the “Climate of You” Philosophy
Vegan beauty is expanding across the Gulf, and AXIS‑Y’s arrival marks a defining moment in this movement. Certified as 100 percent vegan and cruelty‑free, the Korean skincare brand is bringing its signature “Climate of You” philosophy to Kuwait and Bahrain, two markets where demand for ethical cosmetics is rapidly growing. This philosophy, which emphasizes skincare tailored to environmental and lifestyle conditions, resonates strongly in the GCC’s unique climate and reflects a broader shift toward compassionate, plant‑based living in the region.
Saudi Arabia Vegan Sauces, Dressings and Spreads Market Outlook 2026–2035: A Taste of the Future
Saudi Arabia’s vegan sauces, dressings, and spreads market is entering a dynamic growth phase, with forecasts pointing to a high single‑digit to low double‑digit compound annual growth rate through 2035. Imports continue to dominate the sector, supplying between seventy and eighty‑five percent of consumption, while premium clean‑label products already capture a significant share of retail value, estimated at up to forty percent.
Growth Outlook 2026: Middle East & Africa Plant-Based Market at USD 390M, Rising to USD 560M by 2031
The Middle East and Africa market for plant-based meat and dairy alternatives is projected to reach USD 560.5 million by 2031, growing at a 6.21 percent CAGR. This trajectory reflects structural changes in food systems, government strategies, and rising health awareness across the region, with notable momentum in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. Insights from the latest Mordor Intelligence report highlight how these dynamics are shaping the industry’s future.
Saudi Arabia’s Vegan Snack Market: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
According to the latest market analysis by IndexBox, the Saudi Arabian vegan snack pack sector is expanding at an annual rate of 20 to 25 percent, making it one of the fastest‑growing categories in the region’s food industry. This growth is driven by a youthful population, increasing health awareness, and the rising demand for convenient plant‑based options. While imports currently account for the majority of market value, local producers are gradually establishing their presence and reshaping the competitive landscape.
Vogaya: Dubai’s Luxury Vegan Handbags Redefining Fashion
Luxury is no longer defined by extravagance or excess. Around the world, consumers are rethinking what it means to own something truly refined. They are asking whether beauty can exist without harm, and whether elegance can be measured not only by design but also by values. Vogaya, a Dubai-born brand founded by Elke Steijns, is part of this transformation. With handbags crafted from coffee grounds and bamboo, Vogaya represents a new era of conscious luxury. As Steijns puts it: “Kindness is the new status symbol.”
Interview with Yal Solan and Samer Beyhum, the creative duo behind Alternative Kitchen
We recently had the chance to interview Yal Solan and Samer Beyhum, the creative duo behind Alternative Kitchen.Yal, a Lebanese singer‑songwriter, multidisciplinary artist, and vegan activist, and Samer, a filmmaker, educator, and vegan chef, co‑founded this platform to highlight Levantine cuisine through plant‑based recipes, giving a nod back to our culture while carrying the environmental and ethical advocacy it represents. Together, they use recipes, podcasts with guests, and live cooking events to make vegan living accessible and culturally rooted, while also tackling broader issues such as consumerism, gender dynamics, and environmental justice. In this interview, they share how their journeys and creativity converge to position food as a cultural and ethical statement, a silent rebellion that challenges traditions, opens new paths for compassion and justice, and inspires a shift toward a kinder, more sustainable future.
Saudi Arabia’s Vegan Collagen Sector: Navigating Demand and Barriers
The Saudi vegan collagen sector is entering a dynamic growth phase, with annual expansion projected at 15 to 20 percent through the early 2030s. This momentum is driven by the rise of plant‑based lifestyles and the growing influence of clean beauty trends, which have become central to consumer choices in the Kingdom. Young, health‑conscious consumers are shaping demand, particularly in urban centers such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Global Calls to Ban Live Animal Transport Gain Urgency After Oman Tragedy
Animal welfare organizations worldwide are intensifying their demands for a ban on live animal maritime transport. Governments in New Zealand and Britain have already outlawed the practice, while Australia has legislated a complete phase‑out of live sheep exports by May 2028. Advocacy groups insist that the Middle East must urgently follow suit, ending a system that subjects millions of animals to suffering and death at sea. This renewed pressure comes in the wake of a devastating incident off the coast of Oman in late May 2026.
Cheese Without Cows: Lebanon’s Plant‑Based Innovation in Dairy Alternatives
Lebanon’s culinary traditions are rich with dairy, from labneh and kishik to creamy desserts. Yet growing health concerns and ethical implications are reshaping the market, encouraging consumers to explore alternatives that align with wellbeing and compassion. Lebanese producers are responding to this shift by pioneering plant‑based cheese and milk alternatives, some of which are V‑Label certified. To showcase this transformation, we have prepared a selection of leading brands and their innovative products, highlighting how local producers are redefining dairy with healthier, ethical, and sustainable options.
A Turning Point for Animal Welfare: Egypt Aligns with Global Standards on Stray Management
Egypt has announced a landmark shift in animal welfare and public health. The Ministry of Agriculture has unveiled a unified national strategy for managing street animals, prohibiting poisoning, mass culling, and unauthorized relocation. For the first time, sterilization, rabies vaccination, and the Trap‑Neuter‑Return (TNR) program are formally recognized as the country’s sole scientific method for controlling stray populations.
Lebanon’s Dairy Campaign, Health Risks, and the Rise of Plant‑Based Alternatives
The Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture has promoted local dairy production and encouraged its consumption through national campaigns. While these initiatives have sought to boost the sector, dairy consumption in Lebanon and across the wider region nevertheless raises serious health concerns. The realities of dairy production also raise ethical questions about animal treatment that contrast with the cheerful imagery used in promotional campaigns. In light of these implications, several Lebanese producers are now offering plant‑based cheese alternatives, some of which are V‑Label certified, providing consumers with safe, transparent, and ethical options that directly address these concerns.
Dailish Expands to the UAE with Golden Prestige Vegan Skincare
The UAE has welcomed a new player in the ethical beauty space as Korean skincare brand Dailish officially launches its Golden Prestige Collection. This expansion marks the brand’s first entry into the Gulf region, reflecting the growing demand for vegan-certified, science-backed skincare among conscious consumers.
Abu al‑Alaʾ al‑Maʿarri: The Medieval Poet‑Philosopher Who Refused to Steal From Nature
Abu al‑Alaʾ al‑Maʿarri (973–1057 CE), the blind Syrian poet and philosopher from Maʿarrat al‑Nuʿman, is remembered as one of the earliest voices to reject the use of animals in every form. His stance was not about ritual or asceticism, but about justice. Through his poetry and his philosophical allegories, he articulated a vision that condemned food exploitation, labor exploitation, and unnecessary killing.
Mezete: Jordan’s Fully Vegan Middle Eastern Cuisine Reaches the U.S.
Mezete, a Jordanian brand created by Kasih Food Production Co., is redefining how Middle Eastern cuisine is experienced in the United States. Building on Kasih’s decades of expertise in producing tahini and halva, Mezete has developed a portfolio that is fully vegan, halal certified, Non‑GMO, and preservative‑free. With nationwide distribution through Whole Foods Market and major chains such as Giant Eagle, Albertsons, Meijer, and ShopRite, the brand is introducing American consumers to authentic plant‑based staples that go far beyond hummus. This expansion reflects both the cultural richness of the Levant and the growing demand for clean‑label vegan foods in mainstream markets.