Veganism is on the rise globally, so it’s no surprise that Dubai is seeing a rapid increase in the number of people adopting a diet free from any animal products.

Now a small group of the growing number of people interested in veganism have got together to host a “Vegan Community Day” – a chance to try good food, meet like-minded people and learn more about what it means to be a vegan.

Co-organiser Will Rankin said: “I’ve always been a foodie and love cooking. I’m a member of several local vegan groups online, and while there are often chances to meet and dine with others interested in living a cruelty-free life, we wanted to take it to another level, welcoming everyone to join a free day where we can eat, learn and share information.”

The first of many such events, the Vegan Community Day is set to take place on Saturday, May 5^th, at Rove Healthcare City, part of the funky, urban hotel brand.

Kicking off at 11am, the day includes the chance to try yoga by the hotel pool, indulge in a sumptuous all-vegan buffet for just AED99, listen to talks, see demonstrations watch films related to veganism and buy vegan products – such as cheese, cakes and even luxurious subscription boxes featuring only vegan products.

“Veganism is often misunderstood. The food you can eat is only limited by your imagination. We are so happy that Rove is willing to demonstrate that with a little knowledge and passion, a beautiful, satisfying brunch can be created, without the need to reach for meat, dairy or eggs,” adds Rankin.

Although Rankin is a recent convert to veganism, life-long vegan and co-organiser Ananda Shakespeare hopes to welcome everyone to the event.

She says: “I have always felt that vegans are extremely welcoming, loving people. We would like to extend a warm welcome to anyone who would like to discover more about veganism. Whether it’s picking up advice on what to eat, or the deeper questions revolving around veganism as a lifestyle, we hope people will come along and have fun, and leave having learnt a little more about what it means to be vegan.”

There are a growing number of vegan-based products and restaurants in Dubai. Vendors are welcome to attend the first Vegan Day at the Rove Healthcare City, and are requested to contact the organisers on the numbers below.

You can find out more about the Vegan Community day via Facebook, at https://www.facebook.com/DXBvegandays/

Attending the event is free to all. Children are welcome. The Rove brunch will be charged at AED99.

Did you know?

1. Vegans do not suffer from a lack of protein. There is more protein in broccoli than beef. Lentils, spinach and almonds are also protein-packed and contain other great nutrients too. You simply do not need to consume meat to get protein. Other vitamins and minerals that are widely and easily available to vegans include Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C.
2. Vegans are not pale, weak people. Athletes and Olympians are increasingly adopting a vegan lifestyle – Carl Lewis, Venus Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Jermaine Defoe, David Hayes are all vegan. There are thousands of others.
3. The list of famous and influential vegans is enormous, including: Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Beyonce, Alicia Silverstone, Ellen Degeneres, Joaquin Phoenix, Woody Harrelson and Casey Affleck.
4. Vegan food is not bad food. Apart from hundreds of medical reports and surveys discussing the benefits of a plant-based diet, there are thousands upon thousands of easy, quick, healthy tasty vegan recipes to try. Dubai’s restaurant scene also has a number of vegan outlets, and many fine dining establishments now offer a vegan menu.