UAE opens first ever 100% plant-based meat factory in the region.

IFFCO Group, one of the UAE’s largest producers of food products, has opened the first 100% plant-based meat factory, THRYVE, in Dubai Industrial City.

The factory will reportedly cater to 30% of the GCC population and aims to promote food sustainability in the region, in line with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.  

The global plant-based meat market is forecasted to grow to $15.7bn by 2027, according to a report from ResearchAndMarkets.com. 

The UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Almheiri said,  “The new 100% plant-based meat factory supports the UAE’s Food Security Strategy and our mandate to mitigate the impact of climate change." 

The UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051  aims to make the UAE achieve first place in the Global Food Security Index by 2051. 

The IFFCO Group, one of the UAE’s largest producers of food products, has opened the first 100% plant-based meat factory in the region, in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/JYBBt2VwHQ

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The UAE will host the COP28 Climate Summit later this year amid controversy. The country says it aims to phase out fossil fuels to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. 

Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) was appointed president of COP28 in January this year, although he announced plans in February to increase the company's production of fossil fuels.

Human Rights groups such as Amnesty International have called for his resignation.