Plant-based diners eat out more often than meat-eaters in UAE
Social media is their main way to find new places to eat, used by 59% of veg/vegan diners.
Vegan and vegetarian adults in the UAE’s cities eat out slightly more often than meat-eaters, data from YouGov Profiles suggests.
Nearly half of plant-based diners (48%) say they visit restaurants at least once a week, compared with 41% of omnivores.
How people choose where to eat also differs. Omnivores still lean heavily on recommendations from friends and family—67% cite this as their main source—whilst only half of vegan and vegetarian diners do the same.
Plant-based consumers are more likely to look to food blogs and websites (37% vs. 33%), advertising (38% vs. 34%), and exploring local areas (35% vs. 39% for omnivores).
Social media remains prominent for both groups, though meat-eaters use it slightly more (64% vs. 59%).
Use of online reviews is broadly similar (45% vs. 42%). Overall, the figures suggest vegan and vegetarian diners rely on a wider range of sources instead of depending primarily on personal recommendations.
A separate report from Veganising It 2025 estimates that about 3% of UAE citizens identify as vegan and 9% as vegetarian.
Consumption of plant-based substitutes is also increasing. Amongst those using dairy alternatives, people in their 30s make up the largest share (42%), and men account for 60%.
Health concerns appear to be the main driver, with 83% saying they choose substitutes to improve their diet.
A similar pattern appears in meat alternatives: the 30–39 age group again forms the largest segment (43%), and men make up 63% of consumers.
