Oman’s First Plant-Based Meat Startup Prepares for Market Launch
Developed under Sultan Qaboos University’s Scientific Incubator Programme, Nabatenio blends cultural insight with nutritional science to offer a sustainable alternative to conventional meat. Led by student entrepreneur Deena Said al Kalbani, the startup has created one of Oman’s first vegan meat substitutes, now poised for commercial launch, as reported by Muscat Daily.
With support from the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Nabatenio’s flagship product is a 100% plant-derived meat substitute, designed to mimic the taste, texture, aroma, and nutritional value of traditional meat without cholesterol, preservatives, or artificial coloring.
“Our goal is to create a fully plant-based substitute to traditional animal meat that meets consumer expectations in taste, texture and nutrition,”
said Kalbani.
Research-Driven Development
Nabatenio’s journey began with a consumer attitude study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, co-authored by Kalbani and colleagues at SQU. The research explored behavioral intentions and local interest in plant-based meat, revealing a growing openness to ethical and sustainable alternatives in Oman.
This foundation guided the development of a product tailored to local dietary preferences, ensuring cultural relevance alongside nutritional integrity. Their plant-based burger is more than a novelty, it’s a symbol of food sovereignty, a green step toward sustainability, and a bite infused with awareness.
Vision and Values
According to Nabatenio’s official website, the startup is “a company born from innovation,” committed to turning ideas into products that support sustainability, health, and harmony with nature. Their plant-based burger is described as “not just a passing meal; it’s part of a broader movement toward more balanced and sustainable food systems.”
The company emphasizes:
• Environmental sustainability
• Community health
• Ethical food choices that protect the planet
Their product has undergone thorough lab testing to ensure quality and safety, and is proudly developed and produced by Omani university students, reflecting a new wave of youth-led ethical entrepreneurship in the Gulf.
Nabatenio’s launch is a beacon of possibility, demonstrating that vegan values can thrive within academic institutions, that tradition and innovation are not opposites but partners, and that young voices are powerfully reshaping the future of food across the region.