Animal Welfare Groups Condemn Morocco's Stray Dog Cull Ahead of 2030 FIFA World Cup
News and Events Roland Azar News and Events Roland Azar

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.

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Emirates Elevates Vegan Cuisine with Innovative Ingredients and Global Flavors
News and Events Roland Azar News and Events Roland Azar

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.

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“Believer Meats” and “AGWA” Join Forces to Revolutionize Cultivated Meat in the MENA Region
News and Events Roland Azar News and Events Roland Azar

“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).

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Spreading Compassion: Lebanese Vegans and Middle East Vegan Society’s Christmas Market with Complimentary Vegan Treats
News and Events Roland Azar News and Events Roland Azar

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.

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Australia's Live Export Ban: Ethical Shifts and Market Challenges in the Middle East
News and Events Roland Azar News and Events Roland Azar

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.

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Greeneration and 3F Partner to Revolutionize UAE’s Food Security with Sustainable Superfoods
News and Events Roland Azar News and Events Roland Azar

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.

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The Hidden Cruelty Behind Tourist Camel Rides: A Call to End Animal Abuse at Egypt’s Birqash Camel Market

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.

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“Revolutionizing the Future of Healthy Food: Free From Food Dubai and Future Food Forum 2024”
News and Events Roland Azar News and Events Roland Azar

“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.

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A plant-based diet is suitable for dogs, according to Doctors at Veterinary Clinics in UAE
News and Events Roland Azar News and Events Roland Azar

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.

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Millions of migratory birds slaughtered in Lebanon for likes and fun!

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.

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"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.
News and Events Roland Azar News and Events Roland Azar

"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.

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“Planted” has launched its Swiss plant-based meats in the UAE and Middle East foodservice market.
News and Events Roland Azar News and Events Roland Azar

“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.

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The UAE's Food Revolution: Growing a Greener Future on Your Plate
News and Events Roland Azar News and Events Roland Azar

The UAE's Food Revolution: Growing a Greener Future on Your Plate

A huge event is taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre between September 24 and 26. It's all about creating a more secure and sustainable food future. Think of it as a giant showcase for all the latest and greatest ideas in sustainable food production, from farm-fresh veggies to plant-based proteins and eco-friendly technology. Plus, they're all about tackling food waste and making sure everyone has access to healthy food; win-win!

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Dehydration Crisis: Donkeys in Petra Endure Unimaginable Hardship
News and Events Roland Azar News and Events Roland Azar

Dehydration Crisis: Donkeys in Petra Endure Unimaginable Hardship

Visitors to Petra, Jordan's famous desert city, frequently experience the hard realities of working animals. Donkeys, famed for their gentle disposition, are forced to convey tourists up 900 crumbling stone stairs to the iconic monastery while facing intense heat and thirst. The authorities have left the one water trough, which is vital to their survival, dry.

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Why Vegan Conference 2024: A Night of Education, Inspiration, and Delicious Food at Hayek Hospital, Lebanon

Why Vegan Conference 2024: A Night of Education, Inspiration, and Delicious Food at Hayek Hospital, Lebanon

On June 4th, 2024, the Hayek Hospital in Sin El Fil, Lebanon, played host to a unique event: the “Why Vegan Conference - 2024 Edition" organized by the Lebanese Vegans NGO. The conference drew over 350 attendees wanting to learn more about the vegan lifestyle and its impact on health, the environment, and animals. Let’s dive into the highlights of this inspiring conference.

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