"Abu Dhabi Embraces Sustainable Dining: Local Plant-Based Kebabs, Koftas, and Soujouks Now Available Across the Capital"

Months following the grand opening of the UAE's inaugural plant-based meat production facility by Switch Foods in Abu Dhabi, residents and food enthusiasts alike can indulge in a delectable array of vegan kebabs, minced meat, and burgers conveniently available at retailers throughout the capital. This culinary transformation aligns seamlessly with the UAE's Year of Sustainability initiative, a commitment to championing plant-based foods, which is particularly pertinent as the nation prepares to host the UN climate summit COP28, featuring a predominantly vegan menu.

In April, Switch Foods proudly unveiled its sprawling 20,000-square-foot facility nestled within Abu Dhabi's Khalifa Industrial Zone. This milestone marked the first-ever venture to produce vegan meat alternatives on a local scale in the country.

Now, Switch Foods is leaping ahead by introducing the nation's premier locally manufactured vegan products to the retail market.

Switch's diverse product lineup encompasses an assortment of kebabs, koftas, soujouks, minced meat, and burger patties, each available in various sizes. An exceptional hallmark of these products is their GMO, soy, and gluten-free nature. Furthermore, the range is allergen-friendly and holds a prestigious Halal certification. Shoppers can conveniently find Switch's products at major retailers, including Carrefour, Organic Food Café, Grandiose, Geant, Union Coop, Sharjah Coop, Al Maya, Abella, and Spinneys in Abu Dhabi. In addition to Talabat, Careem, Kibsons, and Noon, Switch offers its delectable offerings online.

With prices such as 14 AED ($3.81) for a 250-gram pack of minced meat, 19 AED ($5.17) for a 240-gram pack of soujouk, 34 AED ($9.26) for a four-pack of burger patties, and 20 AED ($5.45) for a 240-gram pack of kebab meat, these delectable plant-based options offer an affordable alternative to their imported counterparts.

Edward Hamod, the founder and CEO of Switch Foods, expressed his delight, saying, "It has been a true pleasure to witness the excitement and willingness of the leadership and management of prominent retailers and online platforms across the UAE to support locally produced and sustainable foods like the ones we produce at Switch Foods."

The UAE's commitment to sustainability extends beyond the dining table, with 2023 being designated as the UAE's Year of Sustainability. This initiative strongly emphasizes promoting plant-based eating across the nation. In line with this, COP28, hosted later this year, has made headlines for its commitment to serving predominantly plant-based cuisine.

This significant development by Switch Foods aligns perfectly with the evolving preferences of UAE residents, as 44% of them express openness to substituting traditional meat and dairy products for vegan alternatives. The UAE has already witnessed the entry of several international plant-based producers into its market, with notable arrivals including US giant Impossible Foods at the Dubai World Expo in 2021 and Singapore-based TiNDLE debuting in the region with offerings at 20 UAE restaurants.

Meanwhile, neighboring Saudi Arabia has also embraced the trend by actively promoting plant-based foods, with officials from the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture collaborating on alternative protein products sourced from local plants.