Mazen Kanaan, CEO and co-founder of House of Pops, has observed a growing interest in plant-based diets in the UAE. While some may worry about the challenges of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle in a hot climate, he believes that the evolving market and increasing availability of plant-based options make it more accessible than ever.
He said, “There are so many vegan brands available in the UAE – local and international – that are delivering a wide range of healthier products, better for the planet, and free from animal cruelty. Our pops are 100% plant-based, full of natural ingredients, and a real treat, so why not start your vegan journey?”
Speaking about how people in the UAE are embracing veganism, he remarked that Dubai residents always like to keep up with trends: “Veganism is gaining traction in the UAE due to several factors – Health awareness, lifestyle-related diseases, climate change.”
Kanaan highlighted the sustainability of plant-based diets, particularly in the context of the UAE’s diverse population and cultural landscape. He also noted that government initiatives, such as the National Food Security Strategy, support dietary diversity and promote sustainable food choices.
It’s intriguing to explore the demographics of those adopting a vegan lifestyle in the UAE. “There’s a growing trend towards plant-based diets in both the UAE and the region at large. But then there are those who are vegetarian, flexitarian, and those who identify as plant-based. Certainly, as a successful and growing provider of natural, plant-based treats, we are seeing record numbers of people across the region choosing our healthier, more natural, and sustainable products over the mass-produced pops and ice creams full of chemicals and preservatives, added sugars, artificial colorings and the like,” he concluded.
