Being an Arab Vegan | Ghanim Al-Sulaiti

Ghanim Al-Sulaiti is an entrepreneur based in Qatar who is passionate about creating a positive impact. Through his various ventures, he aims to inspire healthier and more sustainable living practices within his community and beyond.
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🕘 Timestamps
00:00 - 0:33 - Introduction to veganism
0:34 - 0:59 - Challenges of going vegan in the Middle East
1:00 - 1:24 - Benefits he experienced
1:25 - 2:10 - Impact of his decision on others
2:11 - 3:04 - The history of plant-based food in Qatar
3:05 - 3:41 - Making an impact
3:42 - 4:56 - Plant-based food in the Middle East
4:57 - 6:15 - Veganism & Sustanability
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[@VeganViki]

This compassionate young man is changing his culture in so many ways. He is an Earth Angel.🙏

[@Gee-xb7rt]

Veganism is totally in alignment with Abrahamic religions, its kind of crazy to me that any religious person isn't vegan, a universal in religions is the teaching of do no harm.

[@JamieLogan-GenV]

Couldn’t agree more!! Thanks for watching 🙏🏼

[@chanchalgee]

He's simply going against the wisdom of generations of his forefathers who survived and thrived on almost a meat and dairy desert in the harsh Arabian desert. Nobody must have heard of salads and smoothies in his region until about 2 generations ago! Hope he maintain his health as much as they did, on this diet. It is the "degree of compassion" that varies in a vegan diet. Many animals, birds and bees are killed, their habitats destroyed to cultivate fruits & veggies.

[@CATSFOREVER308]

​​@@chanchalgeeHe knows more about his culture than you do,and people who lived in the deserts years ago did not eat meat a lot,instead as he said relied on plant based protein .Most doctors will tell you,and scientific research shows a plant based diet is much more healthy and prevents diseases,meat is eaten out of greed and not at all necessary to maintain good health,so stop with your brainwashing nonsense.Meat is an unsustainable way of life which is destroying this planet,and this young man,is doing the right thing.So you worry about your health,and let him live his life according to his choice.You talk about birds and animals getting killed because of the production of crops,that in no where compared to the systemic brutality and abuse animals killed for meat endure,so you can eat a dead corpse..

[@user-wn9fc3ut4h]

Way to go brother ❤ I’m vegan too ! People don’t realise being vegan/ vegetarian is environmental benefits as well as for health that’s why Hindu/ Buddhist follows this non harming, environmental friendly and healthy diet! Peace to all ❤

[@user-jt9ph5qk3o]

From a fellow Middle Eastern Vegan, thank you. We will change this region for the better, little by little. شكرا جزيلا اخي. الرحمة مبدأ مقدس لا يفهمه الا الناس المحترمين والحكيمين مثلك.

[@Kiyarose3999]

But we must make other people understand to have a world to live in, all people love animals they just need to be shown the contradiction of loving them while eating them! ✊🏽🌻🌎

[@DarthMarr2009]

Care from a westerner. Which country in the middle east?

[@sonjalingchungtsang1097]

❤

[@pearlvongpusanachai5942]

@@user-jt9ph5qk3o Wishing you all success !

[@user-jt9ph5qk3o]

@@DarthMarr2009 Jordan.

[@Septentria]

friendly and sincere : the best way to spread veganism

[@selina2081]

veganism is only good for the serpant race because of different blood typ. Humans are meant to eat meat but only that meat, which the bible refers to as clean meat. This hype spread through the new age movement and everyone thinks its healthy. I was vegan too but veggi, fruits, beens and nuts are not enough to sustain your body thats why longterm vegans become sick, age rapidly and have all sorts of health problems losing their hair and getting bad tooth. I still eat lots of fruits, veggie and nuts but three days a weak I eat turkey or chicken sometimes fish but leave out red meat.

[@Dionysia1]

Proof that 1 person can have a large impact. Really impressive.

[@maryannmay7105]

As a vegan myself for the sake of animals i thank you for spreading the word

[@annicarosander2074]

Do You have wife and kids?

[@noorghamm9206]

As a vegan arab im so glad to see this🥹

[@AnimalsLiberationNow]

Me too vegan for the animals✌🏽my origins are Moroccan, going vegan is the best decision I have ever made.. No excuse for animal abuse we, as humans, we have to extend our compassion and empathy to the animals, we have to stop sending them to slaughter for a trivial palate pleasure, achievable with plant based foods.. Be kind, be vegan 🌱

[@0000asdfasdf0000]

Wow so happy to see so many Arab vegans! Love it!!!

[@nykkoll5089]

Half-Palestinian here and vegan for more than 10 years. Warms my heart to see vegan Arabs. If I could only change one thing in my life, it would be to convince my past self to go vegan earlier. It would have saved so many lives! Animals should have the same rights as people. Seeing animals as something less than human is just another form of discrimination, just like racism. Also, veganism helps a lot in the fight against climate change and it's soooo good for your health.

[@rachelgoodkind6545]

Agreed 100%, i woukd have done it years before. 25+ years vegan now.

[@cilieginablu3194]

Handsome, smart and compassionate!

[@shellrock5294]

Handsome, smart, articulate, ethical - wow!! what a catch for someone and what a role model for men in general

[@brendawood6712]

He is so healthy and handsome, great spokesman for vegans.

[@lifestylelines]

His complexion is flawless. What a wonderful mind

[@VerdantJedi]

5:22 I'm glad he addressed the animal aspect of veganism. While being vegan for health or sustainability is commendable, the true meaning of veganism should not be overlooked. Veganism is not just a diet; it is an ethical imperative against the commodification and exploitation of animals. Health and environmental benefits are secondary to this core value. People who abandon a plant-based diet often do so because they feel they might be missing something nutritionally, overlooking the fact that animals desire to live as much as they do. Many are not well-informed about thriving on a vegan diet. The American and British Dietetic Associations have stated that a well-planned vegan diet is healthy and appropriate for all individuals at all stages of life.

[@lorihowell1032]

Well said.

[@lorihowell1032]

Well said.

[@VeganViki]

I totally agree. We are meant to eat foods that contain life force energy not tortured and abused slaughtered animals. If we create death and destruction then consume death and destruction then we become that inside and out. Only a small percentage of mammals eat other animals, the rest are herbivores. Wild herbivores eat food that contains life force energy. Sadly all the animals trapped in the animal agriculture industry rarely eat live food like fresh grass or grain. They are robbed of everything. It's sinister.

[@user-bk7pg1ny5l]

Yes indeed, veganism is about the ethics of everything. animals, porducts we buy - how fairly they were produced, etc.

[@largefam3109]

I think as Arabs this is an incredibly important aspect to shed light on. I read so many studies looking at animal welfare all around the world, but not nearly as much robust studies from here. I think it's something we really ought to look at, because I imagine most people would agree with the importance of not causing these animals harm. I think it's more important than the health aspect too: not everyone wants to be super healthy, we're happy living with comrpomises. But I think everyone has that moral core that we can connect to, so long as we do it without judgement and with understanding for the fact that nobody is a bad person. We're all trying to do our best to the best of our abilities and knowledge. It took me months to really get comfortable with fully cutting out all animal products in my life, and even then it was a very slow process. I really hope this idea spreads more in our Arab world.

[@ladyaudrey9976]

What a lovely young man.

[@EyeLean5280]

If he became vegan for beauty reasons, it certainly seems to be working.

[@klerain5774]

Lol True

[@amrita3000]

lol

[@ranakhatibthomas4031]

Love him!! I'm an Arab also and I love coming across more of us. He looks like he's glowing with health and the compassion that comes with vegan living. ❤❤

[@patnewson6908]

Wow, what an aware young man. And he looks fabulously healthy!

[@JPMasonDun]

The standard Western diet of meat is probably the worst diet anyone can eat. I’m glad that you are educating the Middle East on their ancient diet of grains, seeds and beans. Most ancient cultures in the World had that as a diet, and the one the World should return to. Thank you for helping spread the word.

[@wardachrouaa7281]

I am not vegan, I'm flexitarian, but I respect vegans. I agree with your comment. My family is from Morocco. Traditionally we only used to eat meat once a few months, at special occasions, or if the weather caused crops to diminish dramatically. We have an enormous amount of cultural vegetarian dishes like beans, lentils, chick peas, eggplants, split peas... Unfortunately Moroccons, like most people in the developing world, try to follow the Western diet. We eat way too much meat nowadays. We should go back to our traditional way of eating ❤

[@bluetinsel7099]

@@wardachrouaa7281 Traditional ways of eating are eating animals, the original or ancestral way of eating is the plant based diet.

[@CaptainHieronymusLex]

Please be careful which country you are reffering to! In the cold parts of europe (germany, sweden for example) eating meat was essential for the survival and the bodies have developed with this diet. While in warmer climates fruits and other plants were a lot more accessable and are the right diet for them.

[@zakahmed455]

My Nomadic ancestors in East Africa have lived on a diet of meat and milk for thousands of years so have countless other pastoral peoples around the world, they were also called long lived Ethiopians by the Greeks for their long life spans and health

[@TheMoninoniin]

Even the Mediterranean European ones?

[@BIBECHYOUTUification]

Thank you for choosing compassion. I am vegan 🌱 for 10 years. End slaughterhouses and animal farming.

[@pinkoceanflower3045]

Wow! The man has beautiful, smooth skin. Stunning.

[@texan4548]

Like most people in their 20s, esp in the middle East

[@danishviking6254]

I can see why people around him changed. He managed to align his lifestyle with higher moral standards and at the same time reconnect with the ancient origins of his culinary traditions. What a beautiful journey.

[@GenerationVegan_]

Couldn't agree more!

[@sojournern]

I'm 100% in agreement with this approach...rights for animals, rights for people! Veganism is a compassionate, kind, conscious way to eat and live. Great job!

[@GenerationVegan_]

Thank you!

[@angelhonig9560]

As a devoted vegan advocate myself, I deeply appreciate what you are doing & how you are doing it! Blessings of Lovingkindness to All!

[@dellisgibbs5823]

Lovely to hear Ghanims warm message, all the way here in NEW ZEALAND

[@lorah3005]

👍 Whole food plant based for the environment and health; vegan for the victims!

[@elsjemassyn8921]

This young man made my day

[@payojaaa]

wow!! he is such an inspirational and passionate person!! I love how he changed people around him and started his FIRST vegan cafe and FIRST vegan festival in the country!! more power to youuuu!!!

[@bobrik335]

Smart Guy

[@hiking1388]

The perfect ambassador for veganism for his region. So inspiring to hear how he just keeps doing things - opening restaurants, starting vegan events! Wow. So incredible how he went into history to help change minds. Everything he said was perfect. I hope he continues to have success helping change hearts and minds so that we can help the animals and the environment.

[@GenerationVegan_]

Thank you for your kind words! We hope the same for Ghanim!

[@SukmaHema]

As an Arab very difficult to have a culture of vegetarian or vegan but being able to do so is very amazing journey of healthy diet ❤

[@EvelynBaron]

My father was born in Serbia and the cuisine there was, due to the Ottoman Empire, very similar to both greek and middle eastern food so that when I became vegan for ethical reasons I turned to the foods from different countries that were already in place and delicious. Hummous, falafel preserved lemons such inspiring dishes. I loved your explanation it was thoroughly heartwarming. Thank you!

[@SJ-xg3rv]

I was so grateful to have the vegan cafe at Qatar airport when I transited last year.

[@PlantbasedSilvi]

Katar ist für mich jetzt eine Reise wert

[@user-bk7pg1ny5l]

I have to be truthful, I never thought I would see an Arab vegan but you young man, you prove me wrong and I am very happy for you and yes, veganism takes many forms.

[@Rescue127]

So wonderful to see an actual man figure out what is best for himself the animals and our planet.❤

[@joannewhite877]

Awesome you are spreading Plant Base/ Vegan to your culture. I have been Plant Base for 20 years.

[@shobanair2089]

Thank you for caring for the planet, for yourself, your family and for choosing compassion over cruelty.

[@saikiranvonnapuram2533]

Proud of u sir

[@d.k.2272]

This is great. I literally tell people that plant based meals are deep in almost every culture. The only places it’s going to be really hard to find enough plant-based cultural dishes… Is going to be places where it is frozen all the time. Where nothing grows. We can all learn a lot from a story like this.

[@wendymendoza1815]

I love what this man is doing, he is so passionate about food

[@hoon_sol]

Absolutely fantastic to hear. In the Arabian Peninsula veganism is going to be extremely important, as any hope of recovering vegetative cover that might start biotically pumping in rain will require the absence of grazing animals, and even trying to engage in intensive agriculture is extremely detrimental to the environment there, not to mention horrific ethically speaking. Applause to this man!

[@GenerationVegan_]

Thank you!

[@sophiaantropova5874]

This is a lovely and positive message but we had to wait till the end of the video to hear him finally say something about animals - the first reason for someone to go vegan. Health is not the reason someone goes vegan, is it the reason to go plant-based. Still, very cool how he is changing the world around him bit by bit in such a positive manner!

[@PlantbasedSilvi]

Ich bin 2016 WFPB SOS geworden, heute bezeichne ich mich als Veganer, denn durch die Ernährung wurde auch mir bewusst was es für das Tier bedeutet. Es ist völlig egal warum man sich vegan ernährt, du kommst irgendwann die Erleuchtung das Tiere genauso leben wollen und eine Recht darauf haben.

[@klerain5774]

So happy to have found this beautiful soul changing the world from the "Norm... Hanabal Lecters" to making Compassion and Peace the Norm Thank You When Im asked why I dont wear leather "I reply "Im not Hannabal Lecter"

[@Divorcedhousemaid666]

There were no barriers to compassion. Gracious heart can change the world❤

[@fruitsalad7611]

Thanks for sharing your vegan story Ghanim!

[@electron-Volt]

what an inspirational young man

[@JamieLogan-GenV]

Inspirational for sure!

[@priyadharmasena6067]

I am pleased , thankful and I applaud . You will be definitely closer to the God because of your compassion .

[@Vegan123]

Thank You. In the very distant past an Arab - Abu al-'Ala' was born in December 973 and wrote this poem later in life: Do not unjustly eat fish the water has given up, and do not desire as food the flesh of slaughtered animals, Or the white milk of mothers who intended its pure draught for their young, not for noble ladies. And do not grieve the unsuspecting birds by taking their eggs; for injustice is the worst of crimes. And spare the honey which the bees get industriously from the flowers of fragrant plants; For they did not store it that it might belong to others, nor did they gather it for bounty and gifts. I washed my hands of all this; and wish that I had perceived my way before my hair went gray!

[@user-bk7pg1ny5l]

Beautiful poem - do you mind I grab a copy?

[@isabelchacon9721]

❤❤❤

[@PlantbasedSilvi]

Unbelievable a poem from 972. The first vegans were in the Middle East and not in the West.

[@ayeshajacobs4374]

Pure ignorance. Alhamdulillah for modern day science to back the sunnah of Rasoolallah (s.a.w).

[@Vegan123]

@@user-bk7pg1ny5l en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Ma%27arri

[@danielsykes7558]

He's stunning

[@darelyndavid8554]

My favorite quote from this is "Being mainly plant based is actually something that comes from within our heritage and our culture, and its not something that's coming from abroad." I feel like this is the case with most traditional foods from our recent history - it is heavily plant based, locally and seasonally sourced and incredibly tasty, and we've been eating that way for a very long time.

[@robsengahay5614]

Yes, the so-called ‘culture’ of eating meat and dairy is a relatively recent phenomenon in most countries (excluding the aristocracy who could afford it) but people don’t actually understand or appreciate their own cultures and how influential industrialised animal farming has become in the past 50 or so years. So much so that people the world over are now convinced that culturally they are primarily meat and dairy eaters which is a lie.

[@GenerationVegan_]

Yes, absolutely!

[@isabelchacon9721]

I have been vegetarian all my life and vegan for the last 10 years! Thank you for helping to change the world with love and compassion towards animals! ❤❤❤

[@Praisinghisname]

Thank you for bringing the good news renewed to the Middle East!! This will be a great revolution.

[@123451234596]

Love all the love that youre showing to the animals (!!), the planet but also youre true culture. You are great and youre making a change! Inspiring

[@sindymendez1359]

Handsome and very self aware on body conciousness , you are what you eat!,,, and this individual is putting out health and awareness 🙏🏽 ,

[@wildlifegardenssydney7492]

3:41 “It is the impact that I can create with my simple action”🔥🔥🔥 3.51 “So many (absolutely delicious) dishes and cuisines in the Middle East that are are already plant based”. 🔥🔥🔥I am not from the Middle East myself yet I adore so many delicious plant based flavours and recipes from this region. I feel fortunate my grandmother who was born in 1900 was vegetarian. My mother cooked and collected many Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian cookbooks which I now have inherited and use, and still pore over. There are just SO many delicious vegan and vegetarian recipes from the middle East. 3.22 Thank you for addressing the animal aspect of veganism. I would love to eat in your restaurant. I hope you and your family continue to thrive and prosper . You are a welcome and profound vegan change maker. Your impact is impressive.

[@GenerationVegan_]

Thank you for your kind words! You are truly lucky!

[@jithenin]

Thank you for Sharing VEGAN story of GHANIM ❤👍

[@rishiodeb]

Revolutionary for middle eastern countries.

[@Thomas-du9hs]

He looks so handsome , very well educated , talking very well english.

[@jjsquad8898]

What a great thing you're doing, young man, for yourself and your family, for your country and culture, and even for the planet! Your journey is really fantastic! It warms my heart and makes me a little bit more hopeful for this planet of ours. (I haven't been too hopeful up to now, but it may be because I'm 78 and have seen a lot of life so far.) Keep spreading the values you have by acting, serving, and talking!

[@GenerationVegan_]

Thank you!

[@louisar4227]

I’m sure there are many more Arab vegans than people would imagine, just like there are in every culture.

[@beesinthegardens]

You are an inspiration to the young people of the Middle East!

[@mqkt01]

I’m sure he’s encountered a lot of resistance along the way. He’s bright and has carefully thought through the issues. To maintain such constructive thinking takes a lot of courage. Seeing people like this gives me hope in humans.

[@pinkunicorn7426]

what resistance do you mean?

[@MJ1919]

To me vegan has always meant love. So lovely to hear from another ethical vegan ❤

[@maireadcollins194]

Also the animals, thank you 🐾

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

Thank you for bringing more compassion to the culture!

[@pearlvongpusanachai5942]

So impressed! The next time I transit at Doha, I have a reason to leave the airport.

[@GenerationVegan_]

His cafe, Evergreen Organics, is at Doha's HIA airport.🎉

[@kaush882]

🙏🙏🙏 We Salute You Sir. Love from Sri Lanka.❤

[@Kiyarose3999]

It is obvious by you’re complexion and you’re eyes and energy that you are a v healthy Vegan( some don’t take care of their health). Keep it up we need great examples like you in Arab countries as we do in Africa now a Vegan movement has started in Uganda and Kenya, these parts of the world as you say used to be traditionally mainly plant based anyway. ✊🏽🌻🌎

[@bluetinsel7099]

Tradition is the animal consumption, original is the plant based.

[@leiladasha]

great energy and vibe

[@lizrogers4819]

... What an inspirational man. 💚

[@rachelgoodkind6545]

Thank you for being an educated, compassionate vegan male. Thank you for speaking up for the animals. You are a role model and an inspiration. Me, vegan over 25 years now. Peace.

[@christineschonmayr5954]

What a wonderful video! Looking forward to his first cookbook! 😁😁😉😉

[@helenstaniskov4570]

Well done 🙏🫶 veganism is the only way forward for humanity!

[@TheMoninoniin]

I am so impressed. It's hard to change, and for you to not only change your own lifestyle, but do that in an environment where it is not a norm, creating alternative options and go on educating others is commendable.

[@elizabethmadness5277]

What a hero 💚🌿✨

[@davidcattin7006]

His skin is flawless! Good job! Regards from Indiana!

[@janehelps591]

Very handsome young man lovely skin he is a inspiration

[@marcharris3602]

So very well said, I am a plant exclusive (vegan) also, from a long line of fishermen in my family. When explained with clarity, non-judgement and openness a plant exclusive lifestyle is influential. Happy to see you embracing this lifestyle. You look so healthy!

[@Abcd-ft6uq]

Its great step taken by sulaiti 👏👏👏👏I want animals live happy life on this earth please come ahead 🙏

[@dangabrieltorres1964]

This guy is honestly so beautiful

[@yuhmin5365]

Thank you for your activism ❤

[@danieletuvia9373]

Wonderful, I am vegetarian, a lot of people in my country Israel are vegan, I am surprised that a lot of Arab people are vegan too,

[@shomahasnin1313]

Awww you are doing a great job for your country and your society,you explained nicely,salute you dear.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@dmlucian]

Amazing what one can do! Bravo, my vegan friend!

[@nidhiarora7704]

I am vegetarian, and due to few health reasons I cannot be 100 percent vegan, but this guy is inspirational. One must inspire to follow his life style

[@GenerationVegan_]

That's great! If you need support in going vegan, there are some wonderful doctors who can guide you like Dr. Nandita Shah and Dr. Pramod Tripathi. Wishing you the best!

[@sonjalingchungtsang1097]

🙏🙏🙏 What a beautiful soul. Thank you so so much 💛💚💙.

[@brierobinson194]

I applaud this man. 💕

[@DENZYSANU3005]

That's the Man ❤Love you Brother.

[@missinkling]

You look fantastic! The picture of health. Even if a person just reduces meat consumption and increases everything else, like your awesome mom, it’s still a win win win. Wow, how I wish I could visit your country and eat in your restaurants. The food looks so delicious 🎉 Be Blessed, thrive and prosper! ❤ Have you published a Quarari plant based recipe book yet?

[@griseldanelson2141]

Wow! What an incredible and empowering young man 🙏

[@jenniferhuff2566]

What an inspiration this man is, honest and passionate. That takes a lot of courage to switch to veganism and spread the word in his part of the world. He’s changing many lives.

[@GenerationVegan_]

Couldn't agree more!

[@RivasReviews]

Thank you for being a considerate eater. I especially did it for the animals but it benefits my health also and the planet. So good to hear the Vegan progress from around the globe.

[@MyraMabry]

This is beautiful 😢❤

[@malavigenalinda7967]

Dear sir ,,I am from sri lanka live in a small village. And i have been vegan for 23 years. I wonder how Arabian people went vegan .so dear sir you are a super hero of a kind.. Do try to get more person in to the vegan world .your speech is so beautiful . I will try to invite you to our country to deliver some lectures on veganism .(but not nowdays ,as our country is facing economic problems. I also have to earn some money for the auditorium booking .sounds , and other expenses .it takes time as i am working as a carpenter . But i will try my best to bring you to sri lanka to give lectures to our citizens on veganism .befor I die.) Thank you sir .i write down your details in my book.

[@GenerationVegan_]

Thank you for your comment and your commitment towards veganism. 🙏🏽

[@Kindness1234PA]

🙏♥️♥️♥️

[@user-mk4fz6ue6g]

In Morocco they are following Mediterranean diet, cooking a lot of vegetables and eating different varieties of fruits

[@Lisa-nn6no]

He looks very healthy!

[@hiteshshah527]

Wow this is amazing. Very inspiring and hope that he goes from strength to strength

[@mociler3]

Really amzaing Mr ghanim To be ownstly great job

[@manarcabrera2528]

I’m vegetarian and it’s so refreshing to learn that so many people are changing how they are choosing to eat a none animal based meals.

[@paulahermes4941]

Fabulous interview, a shining example.

[@elizabethchan485]

Congrats and thank you. May Allah bless you inmensely! Looking forward to someday go visit Middle East, now that you've opened vegan restaurants there. My family has been vegetarian for 20 some years and vegan about 8 years. We need more people like you in this world!

[@GenerationVegan_]

Thank you for your kind words. 🙏🏽

[@Craftgirly]

I would definitely Vist his restaurants