Saudi Arabia’s Plant-Powered Movement: Embracing Veganism and Sustainable Living
Saudi Arabia is a country in Middle East Asia and is usually covered in desert. Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Arabian peninsula and has a diverse geography that includes mountains, deserts, and oases. Saudi Arabia is about 95% desert, therefore, it is difficult to promote agriculture because of high water scarcity. In Saudi Arabia, the people are mostly dependent on animal-based food, as the geography of Saudi Arabia does not support agriculture. It imports the majority of fruits, vegetables, and grains from other countries. Only crops like date palms meet the conditions of agriculture here. But recently, Saudi Arabia has experienced a remarkable shift in dietary preferences. Individuals who want to embrace plant-based diets and sustainable living are now increasing in Saudi Arabia. This movement has created awareness among Saudi people about health, environmental awareness, and ethical considerations. In this blog, we will find out how these factors are reshaping the culinary landscape of Saudi Arabia and making the way for a more sustainable future.
Initiatives to Support Plant-based Diets in Saudi Arabia:
Nowadays, Saudi Arabia is experiencing a shift in dietary preferences and has started to embrace plant-based diets. Despite being deeply rooted in an animal-based diet, the Kingdom is now actively promoting plant-based options and sustainability. One fine example of this is Ayla’s Choice, a Saudi-based plant-based brand. Through this brand, they emphasize environmental sustainability, resource conservation, and building climate resilience. They aim to provide healthy alternatives to animal-based food. Saudi Arabia has also launched various initiatives targeting plant-based diets. One of these initiatives is the Saudi Green Initiative, launched in March 2021, which aims to promote sustainable agriculture, enhance food security, and adapt to evolving food trends. The Kingdom has also invested in food industry innovation and diversification, and they are also planning to execute their giga-project known as NEOM, in which a horticulture oasis will be created near an urban area with the collaboration of a Dutch greenhouse company. Another initiative is the Tree Planting Initiative, which is committed to environmental sustainability. In Saudi Arabia, 43 million trees and shrubs have already been planted under the Saudi Green Initiative, and degraded land has been rehabilitated across the kingdom. In Tree Planting Initiative, their ambitious goal is to plant 10 billion trees in total. Not only this, The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Saudi Arabia has signed agreements to transform agricultural produce into high-quality, locally made plant-based foods that can mimic animal protein flavors. Such agreements and initiatives can promote healthy eating and offer vegetarian alternatives.
Plant-Based Health Impact in Saudi Culture:
Saudi culture is now moving towards a plant-centric diet, which can yield numerous health benefits and contribute to the conservation of the environment. Embracing a plant-based diet comes with various advantages, like health benefits. Consuming a plant-based diet promotes cardiovascular health, aids in weight control, and helps in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Plant-based foods have lower cholesterol as compared to animal-based food, as they include foods such as whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, that are rich in dietary fiber, proteins, saturated fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, which are required for normal functioning of the body. By embracing a plant-based diet, we also reduce carbon footprint, which leads to a decrease in deforestation, water pollution, and carbon emissions. Shifting to a plant-based diet also aids in resource conservation, as livestock farming requires vast amounts of land, water, and food resources. Additionally, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In Saudi Arabia, cultural acceptability and affordability play a significant role in dietary choices. To promote plant-centric diets in Saudi Arabia, one should also understand local food preferences and traditions. For widespread adoption of plant-based food in Saudi Arabia, one should focus on the accessibility and affordability of plant-based food, and this can be achieved through education, culinary innovation, and policy changes.
Rise of Vegan Options in Local Markets in Saudi Arabia:
A decade ago, asking for a vegan choice in a restaurant might have been received with a puzzled expression. However, from 2021 onwards, there has been a surge in plant-based eating and is becoming the fastest-growing diet in the world. In the UAE, Deliveroo reported that there was an impressive 76% increase in vegan and plant-based orders in 2019. Now, every year, the month of January is observed as Veganuary, which is a month-long challenge where participants abstain from meat-based products. There is an increase in innovation in the field of food technology regarding plant-based food. Companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods are making eating out for vegans not just a viable option, but a preferred choice among most people. In Saudi Arabia, the vegan movement is gaining momentum. One notable person in Saudi Arabia is HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, also known as ‘The Vegan Prince’. He has been following a vegan diet for nine years and is actively promoting a vegan diet by investing in companies like Beyond Meat and Rebellyous Foods (known for vegan chicken nuggets). His company, KBW Ventures also supports businesses providing ethical and healthy alternatives. Last year, he and Chef Matthew Kenney launched the vegan menu “Folia” at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai, following the success of similar menus in Bharain and Beverly Hills. In Saudi Arabia, restaurants that serve vegan foods are increasing at a notable pace, and some of the vegan restaurants are:
- BOGA Superfoods in Jeddah provides vegan snacks.
- Yogi in Riyadh offers healthy vegan dishes for fitness enthusiasts.
- Moon Shell in Jeddah is a vegan restaurant that exclusively serves vegan dishes, including smoothies, oatmeal bowls, beetroot coconut chips, etc.
- Sinless in Jeddah offers plant-based dining.
- Greens in Riyadh is a vegan-friendly spot and has a variety of vegan dishes on its menu.
- Café Bateel is a café chain spread across Saudi Arabia that offers plenty of vegan options.
- Saldwich in Riyadh is a place to explore vegan delights.
- HappyCow is a platform that provides a comprehensive guide to vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Saudi Arabia, along with a directory of natural health food stores.
Hence, this shows that Saudi Arabia is gradually embracing plant-based diets and moving towards a green and sustainable future.
Conclusion:
Saudi Arabia is now moving towards a more sustainable and compassionate way of life, by making a transformative shift towards plant-based diets. By embracing veganism, Saudis are not only taking good care of their health, but contributing to combating climate change, protecting animal welfare, and promoting environmental stewardship. As the movement evolves, it has the potential to create a brighter, healthier future for Saudi Arabia and the entire world.
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