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.
Emirates Elevates Vegan Cuisine with Innovative Ingredients and Global Flavors
Emirates places a high priority on refined vegan cuisine, catering to the growing number of vegan customers worldwide. Many non-vegan passengers also choose vegan meals for their lighter, easier-to-digest options. To enhance its vegan offerings, Emirates is developing new dishes using innovative ingredients, such as a solid egg substitute made from legumes. This ingredient is both tasty and nutritious. Additionally, Emirates is introducing curated vegan meals for children and expanding its vegan menu both onboard and in lounges.
“Believer Meats” and “AGWA” Join Forces to Revolutionize Cultivated Meat in the MENA Region
Biotech company Believer Meats has partnered with Abu Dhabi's AGWA (AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance) to enhance its cultivated meat capabilities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Believer Meats plans to set up a regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi to support commercial operations, product manufacturing, and research and development (R&D).
Spreading Compassion: Lebanese Vegans and Middle East Vegan Society’s Christmas Market with Complimentary Vegan Treats
This holiday season embraced compassion for animals, the environment, and humanity as the Lebanese Vegans NGO teamed up with the Middle East Vegan Society to host the much-anticipated annual Vegan Christmas Market. The event took place on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, on the terrace of the Lebanese Vegans Social Hub in Sin el Fil, Beirut, Lebanon, drawing a lively crowd of plant-based enthusiasts and curious visitors.
Vegan and Animal Rights Advocate James Cromwell Urges Egypt to End Cruelty to Camels and Horses at Pyramids
Renowned actor, vegan, and animal rights advocate James Cromwell has written an urgent letter to Egypt's tourism and antiquities minister, Sherif Fathy, urging him to stop the widespread mistreatment of camels and horses forced to carry tourists at the pyramids in extreme heat.
Escaping Abuse and War in Lebanon: Sara the Lion Cub Relocated to Safety
After spending two months in a small Beirut apartment with an animal rights group, the 4-and-a-half-month-old lion cub finally reached a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa. Her journey involved traveling by yacht and planes, escaping both war and her abusive owner.
Australia's Live Export Ban: Ethical Shifts and Market Challenges in the Middle East
Over the past five years, Australia has exported an average of around 700,000 live sheep annually to the Middle East. However, with Australia planning to ban live exports by 2028, this number is beginning to decrease, causing concern among importers in the region's largest export market. "It's very troubling for us to end the business this way. We don't want to face a protein shortage in this country, so we need to explore new markets. We've opened South Africa, but it's not as efficient as Australia," said one importer.
“House of Vegan” CEO Sheds Light on Dubai's Increasing Embrace of Plant-Based Lifestyles
Dubai is swiftly emerging as a hotspot for the vegan movement, thanks to its diverse culinary landscape and strategic focus on food and beverage to boost tourism. Darren Awol, CEO of House of Vegan, shares insights with Arabian Business on why Dubai is the perfect place for vegan cuisine.
Greeneration and 3F Partner to Revolutionize UAE’s Food Security with Sustainable Superfoods
Future Food Foundry (3F), a UAE-based agri-food tech company, has invested $5 million in Greeneration, a vertical farm in Dubai known for premium edible flowers, microgreens, and specialty leaves for high-end chefs. With 3F’s support, Greeneration will shift from premium ingredients to health and sustainability-focused products, including superfoods like spirulina and chia seeds, adaptogens such as ashwagandha, medical herbs like turmeric, functional foods with probiotics, and sustainable plant-based proteins.
The Hidden Cruelty Behind Tourist Camel Rides: A Call to End Animal Abuse at Egypt’s Birqash Camel Market
At Egypt’s largest camel market, Birqash, PETA has once again captured video evidence of severe mistreatment of camels destined for meat, farm labor, or tourist rides. The market is chaotic, noisy, and dusty. After a stressful and tiring journey crammed in trucks, camels are harshly unloaded and traded.
“Revolutionizing the Future of Healthy Food: Free From Food Dubai and Future Food Forum 2024”
Europe’s top platform for free-from, organic, vegan, functional, and healthy ingredient food industries, the Free From Food Expo, is teaming up again with the UAE Food & Beverage Business Group (FBMG) to host one of the UAE’s most significant F&B events: Free From Food Dubai and the Future Food Forum 2024. This event, taking place on October 2 and 3 from 9am to 5pm at Le Méridien, Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, aims to transform business practices in the Healthy, Organic, Vegan, Plant-Based, and Free-From food sectors throughout the Middle East.
A plant-based diet is suitable for dogs, according to Doctors at Veterinary Clinics in UAE
A plant-based diet for dogs is fine, according to Dr. Sam Westhead of Amity Veterinary Clinic in Al Barsha, Dubai, as long as owners ensure that the animals get enough nutrients. "Dogs, like humans, may follow vegan diets as long as they are properly balanced and carefully planned. "They require a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates," he stated.
Millions of migratory birds slaughtered in Lebanon for likes and fun!
Lebanon is facing a severe bird-poaching crisis. Millions of migratory birds are killed each year as they pass through the country on their journey between Africa and Europe. The mountainous terrain, combined with weak law enforcement due to ongoing crises, has created a perfect environment for poachers. These individuals often justify their actions as a tradition passed down from their ancestors. However, conservationists argue that this practice is both wrong and unsustainable.
"Change Foods" is on a mission to disrupt the dairy industry by teaming with KEZAD Group to bring the first precision fermentation facility to the UAE.
Change Foods has entered the Middle East with plans for dairy transformation. In 2022, they partnered with KEZAD Group with the support of the Ministry of Economy of the UAE under the NextGen FDI initiative, to design a dedicated commercial manufacturing plant in Abu Dhabi. This facility will produce animal-free milk protein (casein) and is set to launch by the end of 2025, making it the first of its kind in the Middle East.
“Planted” has launched its Swiss plant-based meats in the UAE and Middle East foodservice market.
Planted, Europe's fastest-growing alternative protein startup, has launched its Swiss plant-based meats in the UAE and Middle East foodservice market. Diners can now enjoy these products at select restaurants across the UAE, with hotel chains expected to follow soon. As a purpose-driven Swiss brand, Planted aims to revolutionize the plant-based meat industry by offering high-protein, natural, and additive-free products, making them a nutritious and sustainable choice.
Turkey is facing criticism from animal rights activists over a proposed bill targeting stray animals
Turkey is facing renewed criticism from animal rights activists over a proposed bill concerning stray animals. The proposal suggests photographing strays and listing them on a government website for up to 30 days. If unclaimed or unadopted, they would be euthanized by injection.