well-known Arabs are gradually introducing veganism to the Middle East.

Food-related gatherings are something that every Arab vegan in the Middle East dreads. When someone says, "Ana Nabati," or "I am vegan," it is frequently met with dismissals, heated debates about religion and traditions, and pushy interventions. Common statements are thrown such as "Then just have some chicken; No? What about some fish? No? Then simply push the meat aside and eat the rice beneath it!"

In an Arabic video titled Lunch with a Vegan, the first episode of his YouTube show, Plant B, which explores how diet can radically improve your health, Egyptian political satirist and TV personality Bassem Youssef captures the dilemma of being vegan all too well. It was released with English subtitles and has received over 2 million views, sparking a heated debate online. The video depicts how Arab vegans are bullied for their choice to go plant-based, and it addresses a widespread misconception about the impact of eating habits on health. Some of the featured characters in the first episode appear to prefer quick fixes such as fat freezing or sleeve gastrectomy, a type of weight-loss surgery, to simply change their eating habits.

Arab vegan Bassem Youssef, Egyptian political satirist and TV personality

Youssef was a surgeon for over 13 years before becoming vegan 8 years ago. Youssef's program, a mix of comedy and America's Dr. Mehmet Oz, addresses the serious health issues confronting the Middle East. These include high rates of diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and even erectile dysfunction. Youssef encourages viewers to switch to a plant-based diet , in addition to flagging the issues. "It's difficult, but give it a shot," he says. " I've been a vegetarian for the majority of my life, even as a child, avoiding animal products. I recently became vegan after learning about the horrors of the dairy industry.

Saudi Arabia's Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, who is also an animal welfare advocate and philanthropist, is one of the most vocal and powerful vegan figures. He describes himself on Twitter as a "green & plant-based living, proud geek, and animal lover," and he frequently speaks out on the subject.

"Please choose compassion over taste," he said to an audience at the CEO Middle East Awards in Dubai. He called meat, fish, and dairy "the root of all evil," and urged the audience to think about their impact. "We are all responsible for ending the needless and unimaginable suffering that animals suffer through that directly affects our health and the world we live in. The beginning of peace begins at the table."

Like his father, Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, the prince is an investor who has focused on technology, green energy, and animal rights. He is one of the driving forces behind the transition to LED lighting and solar panels. He plans to open up to 30 vegan restaurants across the Middle East after opening the Plant Cafe in Bahrain. There are ongoing discussions about outlets and conceptual menus in Dubai, Jeddah, and Amman, as well as at Four Seasons hotels throughout the region.

Youssef and Prince Khaled may appear to be modern trailblazers, but veganism has interesting historical roots in the region.

The famous 11th-century blind Arab philosopher, poet, and writer Abu Al-Ala Al Ma'arri was vegan. He was against all forms of violence. His poems about respecting nature have been making the rounds on social media for years. They are frequently cited by animal rights organizations — ironically, those based outside the Middle East.

‘‘Do not unjustly eat fish the water has given up,

And do not desire as food the flesh of slaughtered animals,

Or the white milk of mothers who intended its pure draught

for their young, not noble ladies.

And do not grieve the unsuspecting birds by taking eggs;

for injustice is the worst of crimes.’’

He wrote so long ago.