The menu is a collaboration between vegan restaurateur Matthew Kenney and KBW Ventures, a mission-driven investment firm founded by environmentalist Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed of Saudi Arabia.

Focusing on ‘innovative’ culinary concepts

The multi-course menu is available at the hotel’s Après Spa Café and is said to focus on innovative creations inspired by a range of global culinary concepts – with an added Qatari touch. 

The menu boasts a selection of appetizers and entrées, including green papaya salad made with basil, cilantro, and spinach leaves, and topped with cashew dressing; and truffle pizza with Tuscan kale, wild mushrooms, cashew truffle cream, and lemon vinaigrette.

Chef Kenney has also crafted a selection of vegan desserts for the hotel, offering a combination of treats made from orange, chocolate, coconuts, banana, and cocoa.

“My mission has always been to empower, inspire and influence others to cultivate a healthy and conscious way of life through plant-based cuisine,” explained Kenney.

“Bringing vibrant food that is equal parts delicious, nutritious and sustainable to Four Seasons Doha is the latest milestone in our conquest to change the way the world thinks about food.”

Increased plant-based offerings in time for the World Cup

The menu has launched ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in Qatar later this year. As one of the five host cities, Doha is expected to attract a large number of tourists from across the world.

In a recent press release, Prince Khaled said, “It is fitting that Folia, crafted to appeal to palates that have eaten the finest in healthy cuisine, is being presented at Four Seasons Hotel Doha now that Qatar is preparing to welcome the world for one of the biggest sporting events in history.”

He continued, “I look forward to seeing the Qatari plant-based dining scene elevated with Chef Kenney’s inspired dishes.”

The post Chef Matthew Kenney And Prince Khaled Bring Vegan Dining To Four Seasons, Qatar appeared first on Plant Based News.

Animal rights campaigners are branding the reconstructions of the animals as “hideously cruel.”

In the “biggest” crackdown on Saudi pageants of the sort, it was uncovered that owners had stretched the camels’ lips and noses, and used hormones to expand their muscles.

Camels pumped with botox at beauty pageant

It occurred at the annual King Abdulaziz camel festival, which takes place across an entire month.

Here, breeders compete for a staggering $66 million in prize money, The Guardian reports. They judge each camel based on the shape of their heads, necks, and humps and also take into account their posture.

But following a slew of reports owners had been manipulating the animals’ appearances, strict penalties could be imposed.

However, campaigners say the clampdowns don’t go far enough and that animal welfare protections are lacking across the Middle East.

In a statement sent to PBN, leading animal protection charity PETA stressed just this.

Senior vice president for PETA Asia, Jason Baker, explained how the entire camel beauty contest is a “cruel farce.”

This is because the animals are “treated like slaves,” where they’re beaten and then slaughtered for their meat. 

“Subjecting any animal to a cosmetic procedure, from ear cropping to declawing, dehorning, and filler injections is hideously cruel. And, shows the humans who use such tactics to be extremely ugly,” Baker added.

Animal rights in the Middle East

The contest has also incurred questions about wider animal rights issues across the Middle East.

It must be addressed across wider Asia too, where camels are forced to perform in circuses, Baker said. Further investigations show how camels are “beaten bloody” in the tourism trade.

He added: “PETA calls on Saudi authorities to crack down on any event that exploits and abuses animals, including this one, and to ban forcing camels, much-abused donkeys, and malnourished horses to give tourist rides.”

However, there have been steps towards establishing better welfare practices across the region this year alone.

For example, Turkey passed a new law meaning animals would no longer be classed as “commodities,” in a bill that acknowledges them as living beings.

PETA is also not alone in calling for a ban on circuses. HAYTAP, an animal rights federation in Turkey, criticized the new law because it doesn’t include zoos or fur farms.

The post Camels Pumped With Botox Fillers In ‘Hideously Cruel’ Saudi Arabia Beauty Contest appeared first on Plant Based News.

According to The Times of Israel, the ministry is pumping NIS 15 million (US$4.8 million) into the program, which will “teach kids about the climate crisis” as well as “the need to fight against it.”

The ministry developed the initiative alongside the council of youth movements and the Education Ministry. 

The program will include training courses and activities, and will also see the appointment of a sustainability coordinator. Additionally, the project will help establish climate coalitions and encourage younger generations to make eco-friendly lifestyle changes. 

The initiative will kick off during the current school year.

Tackling climate breakdown 

Israel’s Minister of Environmental Protection is Tamar Zandberg. She said the climate emergency is now one of the government’s top priorities “for the first time.”

She made the comments during the 2021 Climate Innovation Summit, which was held online in November. 

“The climate crisis has become a reality, and we must be realistic and speedy in dealing with it. The truth is, that in the post-COVID world, most countries will be focused on restarting their economies,” Zandberg said. 

“The question then is how to accelerate economic growth, international trade, and infrastructure development, while at the same time, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees and adapting to a world reshaped by climate change?”

As part of the climate drive, the Middle Eastern country has implemented new policies relating to waste, transportation, and energy. It’s also developing a carbon pricing system, whereby the financial cost of pollution will fall into the laps of the polluter, rather than the public. 

Zandberg assured that “… we can leverage our unique experience and expertise, and work together to accelerate sustainable economic growth, improve the health of our planet, and build a more peaceful and prosperous future.”

Last month, at COP26, the minister expressed confidence that Israel will achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The post Israel Commits $4.8 Million To Educate Children About The Climate Crisis appeared first on Plant Based News.

Now, a host of dedicated plant-based dishes are on offer at the luxury Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait.

Plant-based at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait

The co-developed launch is called Folia, meaning ‘from the leaves’ in Latin. Both Matthew Kenney, HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal are behind the launch, in conjunction with Prince Khaled’s venture capital investment company KBW Ventures.

Last month, the Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait became the latest partner of Folia, developed exclusively for the resorts.

Its mission is to offer vibrant flavors and presentation to the plate using entirely plant-based ingredients from starters, mains, to desserts.

Among the dishes is Chef Kenney’s Eggplant Caponata, including raisins, pine nuts, and capers. And, a Cauliflower Pizzaola featuring charred cauliflower, roasted chickpeas, and vine-fresh tomatoes. 

Success prompts Folia expansion

Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait general manager Didier Jardin said he was excited to welcome the launch.

In a statement sent to PBN, he added: “It sends such a positive signal to our much-valued diners.

“We have the privileged position of operating restaurants in a part of the world where our clientele is sophisticated and very aware of new trends in the dining industry. 

“So, it gives me great pride knowing that we are evolving our product to meet changing needs of our much-valued guests.”

Folia’s latest Kuwait expansion comes after roaring success in Los Angeles, Dubai, and Bahrain.

And the hotel is set to offer a host of interactive events alongside it – with a view to engaging the city and its dining community.

Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed

Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed went vegan in 2009. And, said KBW Ventures is ‘thrilled’ to see Folia welcomed by the Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait.

He told PBN: “I’m especially pleased to see another Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country partner up to present this delicious and healthy dining experience.

“Folia allows guests to choose the highest quality options in mindful dining out. We’re looking forward to seeing the social media activity from people in Kuwait City experiencing flavourful and hearty plant-based cuisine created by Chef Kenney.”

Plant-based chef Matthew Kenney

Global culinary success, Matthew Kenney, created Folia after founding Matthew Kenney Cuisine, a lifestyle company based in California.

It’s a cookery and art space formed in the US and now available across the world.

Speaking on his Folia concept, Kenney said it marks a transition towards a ‘more sustainable future’.

Working with the team in Kuwait is ‘a dream come true’, he added.

You can find out more about Folia here

The post Prince Khaled And Matthew Kenney Take Plant-Based Dining To Kuwait appeared first on Plant Based News.

The proposal is part of the company’s recent partnership with Doha Venture Capital (DVC) and Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA). 

The new facility

At first, Eat Just will use the facility to produce its GOOD Meat products. 

GOOD Meat uses cellular agriculture to create slaughter-free chicken. As well as animal welfare benefits, the process is more sustainable than animal farming. (To learn more about cultured meat, see here.)

Later on, Eat Just’s new facility will also include a protein processing facility for its plant-based egg division JUST Egg.

The facility will be located in the Umm Alhoul Free Zone, one of the two free zones overseen and regulated by QFZA. It also provides direct access to Hamad Port, Qatar’s primary seaport. 

Cultured meat in restaurants

According to a press release, QFZA and the Ministry of Public Health have suggested that they will grant regulatory approval for GOOD Meat’s cultivated chicken ‘very soon’. The organizations have already formally granted an export license for the product.

GOOD Meat is exploring which restaurants in Qatar might be suitable for launching the slaughter-free meat.

“Our team is grateful to take the next step in our global expansion in the Qatar Free Zones. Their commitment to accelerating our work in building a more sustainable food system was apparent from day one of our dialogue – and we’re expecting to look back decades from now on this partnership with them as key to how we made that vision a reality,” Josh Tetrick, Co-Founder and CEO of Eat Just, said in a statement.

Last year, GOOD Meat became the first in the world to receive regulatory approval for cultured meat. Following this, the company launched at restaurants and on food delivery services in Singapore. 

The post Eat Just To Build First Cultured Meat Facility In The Middle East appeared first on Plant Based News.

Future of food

The panel is called New Initiatives to Promote Food-Security through Agri-Food Innovation.

It will feature industry experts from across the GCC – which consists of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The discussion will center around the future of the food system, including alternative protein and environment agriculture.

Additionally, panelists will discuss the ways that the private and public sectors can make nutritious foods more affordable and widely accessible.

Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed

Prince Khaled first went vegan in 2009. He made the move chiefly for health reasons but later discovered the environmental and animal welfare benefits of the lifestyle.

The Saudi prince is the founder and CEO of KBW Ventures, a venture capital investment company. One of the company’s primary goals is to sustainably feed the world, it says on its website. 

“We invest in companies that drive the future,” it reads.

KBW Ventures’ portfolio includes plant-based meat jerky brand Moku Foods. It also backs cell-cultured seafood company BlueNalu and vegan restaurant chain Veggie Grill, among others.

The Middle East-focused discussions will take place on September 27, 2021. The remainder of the agenda will carry on until September 29.

Those interested can register for the virtual event’s livestream here.

*Updated September 1, 2021 at 11:45am BST* 

This article was updated to include Moku Foods as part of KBW Ventures’ portfolio.

The post Prince Khaled To Discuss Sustainable Food Systems At Major Pre-Summit Event appeared first on Plant Based News.

Up until now, those found guilty of torturing or killing stray animals had been punished with a small fine, since the crimes had been considered ‘damage to commodities’. For instance last month, a man living in Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul, was found to be killing and eating stray kittens. He received only a fine.

The new law acknowledges that animals are living beings. Those who commit crimes against animals in Turkey – which is home to upwards of 80 million people – can now face a jail sentence from six months to four years.

Pelin Sayilgan is the Ankara representative of the Turkish Animal Right Federation, Haytap. She told Xinhua: “The good thing is that their crimes will go on the records of offenders.”

“We had demanded the banning of zoos, circus animals, fur farms, and pet stores, but the new legislation doesn’t include those facts.”

The new law also allows local police to put together animal protection squads. Police will target those involved in cockfighting and dog fighting.

Animal rights in the Middle East

People in the Middle East are becoming increasingly concerned about animal welfare. It’s motivating many people to reduce their consumption of animal products.

Last year, a vegan support center opened in Beirut. The social hub promotes the work of animal advocates of color. It runs animal rights campaigns, gives out free plant-based food, and holds documentary screenings.

And investor Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal is working to promote veganism in the Middle East.

Earlier this year, major coffee chain Starbucks introduced vegan Beyond beef to its menus in the Middle East.

The post Turkey No Longer Classifies Animals As ‘Commodities’ After Animal Rights Bill Is Passed appeared first on Plant Based News.

The company has partnered with Spinneys supermarket, owned by Waitrose, to debut its meatless products in 90 stores across Dubai. 

Spinneys has also invited Mills into its ‘plant-powered kitchen’ to do live cooking shows to online customers. 

VBites launch

In a statement sent to PBN, Mills said: “The exciting initial launch includes nine of the 51 strong retail product portfolio. 

“There are two VMega Burgers – both the Quarter Pounder and the Game Changer, our ‘Beeph Mince’ ideal for spaghetti Bolognese, or a lasagne.

“Versatile Chkn Chunks and Beeph plus one of my favorite products the Oriental Beeph Chunks. 

“Also listed and selling extremely well is our hero product the gluten and soy free Chkn Goujons, which are popular with the kids. And, not forgetting one of our best-selling products, the crispy and absolutely delicious konjac Fsh Steaks.”

“Spinneys has supported the VBites launch from the beginning. It’s great that they agree just how amazing VBites is. But more so their customers,” added brand development director John Varey.

Heather Mills’ ‘Plant-based valley’

Last year, Mills announced she’s buying another enormous factory in the North East – and will be creating a ‘plant-based valley’ in the UK.

According to Mills, the former Procter & Gamble factory in Seaton Delavel, Newcastle is 385,000 sq foot. She plans to use the facility to manufacture vegan products including food and cosmetics.

The space will also be used as an incubator for the plant-based startups Mills has invested in, including LoveSeitan and One Planet Pizza, so the companies can scale-up production

The post TV Personality Heather Mills Launches Vegan Brand VBites In Middle East appeared first on Plant Based News.

The Lebanese Vegans Social Hub, in Beirut, was created by animal advocate Seb Alex working with the Lebanese Vegans organization.

According to Alex, the center will promote veganism and the existence and work of animal advocates of color, as well as distributing free food, and holding screenings and other events.

Vegan support center

The center opening follows the devastating explosion that took place in Beirut in August this year, killing more than 200 people, injuring more than 2,000, and killing, injuring, and displacing many animals. It made 300,000 people homeless overnight.

After the explosion, Seb Alex and Lebanese Vegans distributed vegan food boxes and ready meals to more than 2,000 families, initially distributing free food seven days a week.

They were given a space to work from – a former cultural center that had been unused for 20 years. Now they have been given the site permanently, and have been working to transform it into the center, which had a soft opening on November 1 (World Vegan Day) attended by around 80 people. The center opened officially on December 22.

Fundraising

Because of the financial crisis in Lebanon – which has led to a currency value drop – the country’s banks have blocked withdrawals or online transactions.

This means the center is dependent on international support and is fundraising, so far raising around $4,000 of its $20,000 goal.

‘Push veganism’

In a statement sent to Plant Based News, Seb Alex said: “The center will run animal rights campaigns, distribute free vegan food, hold workshops, documentary screenings, and have a vegan cafe, shop, and co-working area.

“[It will push] veganism and animal rights forward and showing the world the existence of vegans of color and their work for other animals.”

You can find out more about the Center here

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