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.
Kind Kones Expands into Dubai: A New Era for Plant-Based Frozen Desserts
Singapore-based Kind Kones, a pioneer in plant-based frozen desserts, is making its way into Dubai, marking a significant milestone in its regional expansion. With backing from Epic Angels, a female-only investment collective, and other food and beverage-focused investors, the brand is set to introduce its dairy-free, all-natural ice creams to a new market eager for healthier indulgences.
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.
Malak Al Tawouk Teams Up With Switch Foods to Debut Plant-Based Menu Items in UAE
Middle Eastern fast-casual chain Malak Al Tawouk has partnered with UAE-based meat alternative producer Switch Foods and introduced a new lineup of plant-based chicken dishes. However, following customer feedback regarding the presence of dairy ingredients in the final menu items, Malak Al Tawouk clarified its stance in a statement on Instagram, announcing plans for a full vegan upgrade by May 9, 2025.
Yemen Livestock Disaster: A Harsh Reminder of the Ethical Cost of Animal Agriculture
A livestock vessel carrying thousands of sheep capsized off the coast of Yemen, triggering urgent efforts to save animals and crew members from the water. The ship, reportedly overloaded, was traveling between Somalia and Djibouti when it ran aground, with some reports placing the incident in the Bab al-Mandeb strait. Dramatic footage shows rescue attempts to pull sheep from the water, as many struggled to stay afloat or jumped from the tilting vessel. Sadly, at least 160 sheep drowned, while others remained trapped aboard the sinking ship. The Somali crew was successfully rescued.
Iraq Authorities Launch Campaign to Poison Stray Dogs, Prompting Activist Backlash
Authorities in Mosul, Iraq, have begun a large-scale campaign to poison stray dogs, following public complaints of attacks and harassment. Rafaat Smo, assistant to Nineveh’s governor, cited logistical challenges like the lack of shelters and funding as reasons for using poison over other methods. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from animal rights activists, who denounce the practice as inhumane and urge officials to adopt humane solutions, such as shelters and sterilization programs.
Glowell: Transforming Wellness with Vegan Advanced Supplements in the UAE
Glowell, a revolutionary vegan wellness supplement brand, has officially launched in the UAE, bringing cutting-edge innovation to the region. Made in Germany, Glowell's thoughtfully crafted liposomal supplements are designed to nurture beauty and vitality from within, aligning with modern lifestyles that prioritize health and sustainability.
Brenntag Wins Award for Plant-Based Sustainability Innovation at Saudi Food Manufacturing Tradeshow
Brenntag, the global leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution, has been honored with the "Sustainability Innovation of the Year Award" at the Saudi Food Manufacturing tradeshow. This recognition highlights Brenntag's revolutionary, plant-based soft cheese ingredient solution, which combines low CO₂ emissions with sustainable practices to redefine the future of food.
Saudi Arabia to Host New Precision Fermentation Hub Through Liberation Labs and NEOM Partnership
Liberation Labs, a biomanufacturing company supported by Agronomics, has joined forces with the NEOM Investment Fund (NIF) to establish an advanced precision fermentation facility in Saudi Arabia. The goal is to produce dairy alternatives without relying on traditional livestock.
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.
Vegan Delight: NotCo Launches Limited-Edition Dubai Style NotSquare
NotCo, a plant-based food innovator, has unveiled its latest creation, the Dubai Style NotSquare, which originated from a casual internal discussion. Matias Muchnick, the CEO and founder, mentioned on LinkedIn that the concept emerged during an informal conversation about a popular pistachio-filled chocolate.
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.
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.
Street Dogs in Turkey: New Law and the Fight for Humane Treatment
Turkey has long struggled with a significant street dog population. From 2004 until mid-2024, a national spay/neuter program aimed to control this issue but often faltered due to underfunding and poor management. On July 30, 2024, Turkey introduced a new law requiring stray dogs to be impounded, kept in shelters, offered for adoption, and euthanized if aggressive or showing untreatable disease symptoms. While this law aims to manage the street dog population more effectively, it has sparked controversy and criticism.
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.
Turkish Researchers Secure Horizon Europe Funding for Plant-Based Protein Innovation
In a significant stride towards sustainable food production, a team of Turkish researchers led by Professor Mecit Halil Öztop from Middle East Technical University (METU) has secured Horizon Europe funding. The project, named APRISE, aims to develop new types of plant-based alternative proteins from staple Turkish crops. This initiative is part of METU's first consortium leadership within the Horizon Europe Program and is one of only 13 projects selected from 117 proposals under the WIDERA ERA Talents call.
Nabatlé: Morocco's First Plant-Based Milk Brand by Jaouda
In a groundbreaking move, Jaouda, an agri-food company, has launched Nabatlé, Morocco's first plant-based milk brand. Available in oat, almond, and coconut varieties, Nabatlé is fortified with calcium and free from gluten, lactose, added sugars, and preservatives. This launch highlights Jaouda's commitment to environmental sustainability and showcases Morocco's ability to produce high-quality, competitive products using local expertise.
Animal Welfare Groups Condemn Morocco's Stray Dog Cull Ahead of 2030 FIFA World Cup
Reports indicate that Moroccan authorities are employing harsh methods, including poisoning with strychnine, public shootings, and, in some cases, beating animals to death. Morocco, set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, has announced a controversial plan to cull up to three million stray dogs in an effort to boost its appeal as a tourist destination. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from animal welfare organisations and activists worldwide. The International Animal Coalition is calling on FIFA to demand Morocco stop killing dogs for the World Cup. You can sign the petition here.