Spread Kindness, One Middle Eastern Table at a Time
In a world where cruelty is often served without question, Middle Eastern vegan spreads offer a delicious act of nourishment — rich in flavor, rooted in tradition, and infused with compassion. From the creamy comfort of hummus to the bold punch of toum, these plant-based staples aren’t just appetizers — they’re acts of resistance. They are spreads that nourish without exploitation, carrying centuries of culinary wisdom and a philosophy that values life, flavor, and kindness.
Sweet by Nature: 12 Naturally Vegan Middle Eastern Desserts That Need No Substitution
In the rich culinary tapestry of the Middle East, some desserts stand apart—not because they imitate, but because they’ve always been. Crafted from sun-dried fruit, humble roots, and floral waters, these sweets carry with them stories of faith, festivals, and forgotten wisdom. No substitutions, no compromises—just pure, time-honored plant-based delight.
Vegan Luxury Expands into Saudi Arabia: Hourglass Cosmetics Donates 5% to Animal Welfare
In a powerful blend of glamour and compassion, Hourglass Cosmetics has officially entered the Saudi Arabian market, bringing with it not just cruelty-free elegance but a bold commitment to animal welfare. As part of its global Unlocked Collection initiative, the brand donates 5% of annual net profits from these products to the Nonhuman Rights Project, an organization working to secure better legal protections for animals.
From Al Karama to Downtown Dubai: Where to Savor Falafel’s Finest Crunch
Whether you’re pacing through the bustling backstreets of Al Karama, where the scent of sizzling spices drifts through narrow alleys, taking in the old-world calm of Bur Dubai with its wind-towered courtyards and cobbled walkways, or grabbing a warm wrap between meetings amid the gleaming high-rises of Downtown Dubai, falafel offers more than nourishment. It tells a story—of migration, reinvention, and home—delivered in a crisp shell and cradled by soft saj. Each bite connects you not just to ingredients, but to heritage, to hands that have shaped this dish across generations and borders.
Research Reveals the Health Benefits of Daily Chickpea & Black Bean Consumption
For centuries, the Middle East has embraced nutrient-rich foods, with chickpeas standing out as a staple. Originating in the Fertile Crescent, they’ve shaped Levantine cuisine, featuring in hummus, falafel, and hearty stews. But beyond their culinary significance, chickpeas have now gained scientific recognition for their cholesterol-lowering and inflammation-reducing properties. At the NUTRITION 2025 conference, scientists from the Illinois Institute of Technology presented findings showing that daily legume consumption—including chickpeas and black beans—can provide measurable health benefits. Their 12-week study on 72 adults with prediabetes tracked the effects of eating one cup of chickpeas, black beans, or rice per day, with striking results.
Eid Al-Adha 2025: The Great Escape—Terrified Animals Make a Desperate Dash to Escape Their Fate
As the annual festival of Eid Al-Adha unfolds, viral footage of animals desperately fleeing their fate has sparked renewed debate about the ethical implications of traditional sacrifices. This year, across various regions, cows, sheep, and goats have been seen breaking free, causing traffic jams and public safety incidents, but more importantly, serving as a stark visual reminder of their will to survive. While for many, the practice holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, growing awareness of animal sentience and rights has led to a push for compassionate alternatives, with efforts like the Vegan Islam Initiative advocating ethical approaches rooted in Islamic teachings.
Crafted in the UAE, Built for the Future: Leukeather’s Vegan Leather Revolution
In a world where conscious consumption is shaping industries, Nuhayr Zein—a UAE-based architect and material designer—has introduced Leukeather, an entirely plant-based and biodegradable alternative to Animal-Based leather. Designed in the UAE and crafted from discarded pods of a fast-growing native tree, this remarkable innovation is paving the way for ethical, local, and sustainable materials.
The Iranian Vegan’s Must-Try Recipe: Zaytoun Parvardeh, A 500-Year-Old Taste of Persia
Persian cuisine is known for its rich flavors, unique ingredient pairings, and centuries-old recipes. One content creator bringing these traditional dishes into the modern, plant-based world is Mana, widely known as The Iranian Vegan. Through her social media platforms, Mana shares Persian recipes that stay authentic to their roots while remaining 100% vegan. From fragrant stews to delectable appetizers, her creations showcase the beauty of Iranian culinary history in an ethical and sustainable way. Among the many gems of Persian cooking, one dish recently took center stage—Zaytoun Parvardeh.
International Hummus Day: A Celebration of Tradition and Innovation in Plant-Based Eating
Every year on May 13, hummus enthusiasts around the world unite to celebrate International Hummus Day. What once started as a humble Levantine staple has now emerged as a global symbol of nutritious, plant-based living. In recent years, the rise of health-conscious diets and sustainable food choices has propelled hummus into the spotlight, making it more than just a dip—it’s a movement.
Lion Attacks in Egypt's Circuses and Zoos Ignite Animal Rights Advocacy
In recent years, the debate over the ethical treatment of animals has gained significant traction worldwide. In Egypt, animal rights advocates are pushing for a transformative shift in how wild animals are used in circuses and zoos. Groups like the Egyptian Society for Animal Rights have been at the forefront of this battle, calling for a nationwide ban on the use of wild animals in entertainment due to ethical and safety concerns.
Exploring Plant-Based Innovations: Leading the Shift Toward Conscious Nutrition in the Middle East
Plant-based proteins are becoming an increasingly popular option for those prioritizing conscious choices. With concerns over diet-related health issues on the rise, it’s essential to consider what we consume, restrict, and how physically active we are. In the GCC region, 32% of the population is affected by heart disease, while 40% struggle with being overweight—issues largely linked to excessive consumption of red and white meats, which are high in calories, unhealthy fats, cholesterol, and trans fats.
Embracing Vegan Beauty in Dubai: Top Brands for Ethical Skincare
If you’re searching for vegan beauty brands in Dubai, this guide is your go-to resource for discovering top-rated options. These brands prove that you can adopt an ethically mindful and environmentally sustainable skincare routine without compromising on luxury, effectiveness, or quality.
Travel Responsibly in Egypt: Say No to Animal Exploitation and Embrace Ethical Tourism
Egypt, with its ancient wonders, bustling markets, and stunning landscapes, is a dream destination for many. From the iconic pyramids of Giza to the serene Nile River, there’s no shortage of breathtaking sights to experience. However, behind some of these attractions lies an uncomfortable truth: the exploitation of animals for tourism. Thankfully, there are numerous ethical alternatives that allow travelers to enjoy Egypt’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes responsibly. By opting for walking tours, eco-friendly transport, and observing wildlife in their natural habitat, visitors can have a meaningful experience while avoiding activities that contribute to animal exploitation.
Abul-‘Ala’ al-Ma‘arri: A Pioneer of Compassion and Vegan Philosophy
Abū’l-‘Alā’ al-Ma‘arrī (973–1057), the celebrated Syrian philosopher and poet, stood as one of the earliest and most influential advocates for animal rights in recorded history. A staunch vegan, he expressed profound pity for animals, urging humanity to treat them with kindness and to abstain from their exploitation. His ideology resonated strongly through his writings, including his famous couplet: "People catch the flea and kill it; with the other hand they give alms to the poor. Better it is to free the flea (and not to kill it) than to give alms to the poor."
Rochelle Humes Brings Vegan-Friendly Skincare to Dubai with My Little Coco
British TV presenter, former pop star, and entrepreneur Rochelle Humes is expanding her family-focused beauty brand, My Little Coco, to Dubai, marking its first international launch. Known for its vegan-friendly and cruelty-free products, the brand has already gained a loyal following in the UK and is now set to captivate the Middle Eastern market.
Discover the Top Fully Vegan Gems in Saudi Arabia for a Delightful Dining Experience
Saudi Arabia’s culinary landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, increasingly embracing veganism and plant-based dining. Alongside many traditional restaurants now offering an array of vegan options, there are also fully vegan establishments dedicated to serving exclusive vegan dishes. Whether you're a dedicated vegan, a health-conscious eater, or simply curious about plant-based dining, these top vegan gems offer an exceptional experience that caters to a diverse array of tastes.
Lebanon's Migratory Birds: A Vital Flight Under Threat
Situated at the crossroads of three continents, Lebanon plays a critical role in the African-Eurasian Flyway, providing essential stopovers for millions of migratory birds. Despite its importance, the country has become perilous for these birds due to hunting and habitat destruction. Urgent action is needed to safeguard Lebanon's role in preserving global biodiversity and protecting these vital species.
Breaking Cultural Barriers: Middle Eastern Food Bloggers Embrace Veganism
A growing number of Middle Eastern food bloggers are challenging misconceptions and stigma surrounding veganism. Although Middle Eastern diets are rich in fresh vegetables and fruits, fully adopting a vegan or plant-based diet is considered radical by many. This attitude, often falsely attributed to cultural factors, is passed down to third-culture kids in the West, making it difficult for individuals like Sahar Esfandiari, an Iranian-British writer with an expertise in the Middle East and its diaspora, to comfortably live out their vegan choice.
niLuu Expands its Footprint in the Middle East: Bringing Luxury Vegan Silk to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE
US-based luxury vegan silk brand niLuu has expanded its reach in the Middle East, launching for the first time in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and opening a new outlet in the UAE. niLuu initially debuted in the UAE in 2023 at Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah, and Galeries Lafayette in Downtown Dubai. The brand is now also available at The Edit, a concept store in Dubai, and at Rubaiyat in Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Customers in Qatar can find niLuu products at Harvey Nichols Doha, and there is a temporary pop-up at Westerly Boutique in Riyadh running from February 1 to May 31. Additionally, the brand’s online store now offers shipping across the Middle East.