The Rise of meat alternatives in the Middle East: From Traditional Dishes to Modern Innovations
In the past years, meat substitutes have gained popularity in the Middle East, especially in the UAE, driven by rising consumer interest. Sky Sommers, the owner and head chef at Veganity, a vegan restaurant in Dubai, is renowned for mimicking meat textures in her Arabic cuisine. She utilizes soy-based textured vegetable proteins to replicate meats, and her chicken dishes are crafted from mushroom and pea protein.
“I aimed to include dishes from around the globe, including famous Arabic dishes like musakhan [a Palestinian dish with chicken, bread, onions, pine nuts, and sumac],” says the British-Iraqi chef to WIRED MIDDLE EAST.
Sky Sommers, owner and head chef at Veganity in Dubai. (ANNA NIELSEN/WIRED)
Sommers plans to offer her own wholesale vegan versions of popular Arabic dishes to meet the increasing demand for meat alternatives in UAE. Products such as kibbeh, musakhan rolls, kofta, and shish tawook are expected to expand across the GCC.
“This has all happened very quickly for me—from starting my vegan meal-prep business in 2017 to now. But the demand is there, and people are becoming more aware,” says Sommers.
“There are two main groups of people choosing meat-free options in the region: those who do it for health reasons and those who do it for animal welfare. It’s not that they dislike the taste of meat. The cuisine is part of their culture and childhood, like rice and meat dishes. When they give it up, they want to replicate those flavors. It tastes the same, just healthier.”
A report from consulting firm AT Kearney highlighted that companies making meat alternatives could significantly disrupt the global meat industry, which is worth billions. The study predicted that by 2040, most meat consumed by humans will come from plant-based sources or lab-grown meat, rather than from slaughtered animals. Major food brands are also increasing their efforts to create meat alternatives to compete with companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods.
“In the past year, there’s been a significant increase in fitness professionals in the region promoting plant-based proteins. This topic wasn’t widely discussed in the fitness community before, but now it’s gaining traction, even on social media,” says Prince Khaled to WIRED MIDDLE EAST, who is also the president of the Saudi Humane Society.
Vegan advocate Prince Khaled
“The quality of plant-based dining in food and beverage outlets has greatly improved in the UAE, encouraging more people to try meat-free meals,” says Prince Khaled. “Previously, finding good plant-based options, including Beyond Meat products, was challenging. Now, the market has responded to the demand, making these options more accessible for both home cooking and dining out.”
Conclusion
The growing demand for plant-based alternatives in the Middle East is reshaping the food industry, with more people opting for meat-free diets for health, environmental, and animal welfare reasons. As major food brands and local chefs continue to innovate and expand their offerings, the availability and quality of plant-based options are improving, making it easier for consumers to embrace this lifestyle. With the market responding to this demand, the future of plant-based cuisine in the region looks promising, paving the way for a kinder, healthier and more sustainable food culture