Pathways to Protecting Farmed Animals in the United Arab Emirates: Consumer Perspectives and Shifting Food Systems

In early 2026, Animetrics released its study on the United Arab Emirates as part of a regional series examining food systems in Muslim‑majority contexts. Building on Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, this project explores how affluence, rapid modernization, and religious traditions intersect in the Emirates to shape consumer attitudes toward food and animal welfare. The UAE’s position as a global hub of commerce and culture makes it a revealing case, where traditional practices remain central to identity while exposure to international trends and sustainability concerns is reshaping perspectives.

Consumer Perspectives and Food Systems in the UAE

The study, conducted in late 2025 and finalized in early 2026, surveyed diverse communities across the Emirates. It found that meat continues to play a symbolic role in hospitality and celebration, particularly in weddings, religious holidays, and communal feasts. At the same time, younger and urban populations are increasingly open to plant‑based diets, influenced not only by health awareness and global movements but also by the visibility of international restaurants and the government’s sustainability agenda.

Respondents emphasized that halal integrity requires animals to be treated well throughout their lives, not only at the point of slaughter. This concern was often linked to the UAE’s reputation as a modern, globally connected society, where consumers expect high standards in certification and transparency. Institutional responsibility, from certification bodies to government agencies, was seen as critical to ensuring these standards, and many participants expressed trust in the state’s ability to regulate food systems.

The research also highlighted tensions around practices such as pre‑slaughter stunning, which remain contested. Some respondents viewed stunning as a humane improvement compatible with halal, while others rejected it as a violation of tradition. This divergence reflects the broader challenge of reconciling welfare improvements with religious expectations. In addition, the study noted that plant‑based alternatives are gaining traction in urban centers like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where innovation in cuisine and exposure to global trends are reshaping consumer attitudes.

Recommendations

The UAE project highlights several advocacy pathways. Religious authorities can be engaged to frame welfare improvements as strengthening halal authenticity. Awareness campaigns that emphasize the health and environmental benefits of plant‑based diets are particularly effective among youth and urban consumers. Institutional standards for labeling and procurement need to be strengthened so that plant‑based alternatives are accessible and clearly identified. Culinary innovation also plays a role, as showcasing plant‑based versions of Emirati dishes reinforces cultural continuity while reducing reliance on meat.