SOMA Newsletter

Author

Soma Mater
October 06, 2025

Welcome to the SOMA MATER weekly newsletter.

At SOMA MATER, we specialize in delivering comprehensive research and advisory services with a focus on Food & Water Security and Net Zero Transition in the MENA Region. In order to support our subscribing clients in navigating these topics and understanding the regional narrative, we produce monthly Food and Water Security and Net Zero Transition Intelligence Reports, along with our in-depth analysis and insights.

This weekly newsletter highlights the top 3 stories from the past week in Food and Water Security and Net Zero transition, along with SOMA MATER's analysis and perspective.

What is the current shift in the plant-based food market and what challenges does the Middle East plant-based food industry face despite projected growth?

What are the water challenges and recent solutions in the MENA region that illustrate the paradox of water scarcity and flood risks?

What is Saudi Arabia's current state of renewable energy projects and investments?

Sustainably yours,

The SOMA team

Meat the Truth: Vegan Experiments Getting Grilled

#FoodandWaterSecurity

Eleven Madison Park's recent decision to reintroduce meat and fish after 4 years as a fully vegan establishment exemplifies a recent shift in the plant-based world. This move reflects the collision of "prestige veganism" with commercial reality. Even celebrity-backed ventures like Neat Burger have struggled, closing all UK locations after posting nearly £8m in losses, despite the country's strong vegan ecosystem.

Conventional wisdom suggests plant-based options should be more economical, yet restaurant economics tell a different story. Processed meat substitutes remain costlier than animal products, and fine-dining vegetable preparation demands more labor. Beyond Meat has consistently posted losses, with net losses of $160.3M, $338.1M, and $366.1M from 2022-2024, amid weakening demand and economic pressures. Naturalness ranks second in desired plant-based attributes after health benefits, with consumers increasingly preferring authentically presented vegetables over imitations.

The Middle East plant-based food market is projected to reach $8-9 billion by 2030. 87% of UAE and 81% of Saudi consumers have tried plant-based options, with strong adoption among youth. Switch Foods shows B2B growth through restaurant partnerships (2023-2025). Unlike Western markets, health drives Middle Eastern consumer choices rather than animal welfare. The region faces challenges from higher costs and taste/texture barriers, while offering food security opportunities through local plant proteins.

SOMA’s Perspective:

This reinforces the principle that natural food systems continue to be superior. While we embrace technological innovation, the high capital expenditure required for pure vegan establishments yields questionable returns in our current food ecosystem. Natural systems are still more efficient and effective in delivering nutritional value while maintaining economic sustainability.

Sources:

Parched to Puddles: The MENA Region's Water Situation

#FoodandWaterSecurity

A review of hydrological studies in the UAE reveals declining precipitation alongside increasing storm intensity, creating paradoxical water scarcity and flood risks. Urban development exacerbates these issues as impervious surfaces prevent groundwater recharge. Sharjah's built-up areas quadrupled while population increased ten-fold between 1976-2016, significantly reducing permeable surfaces. Despite UAE's cloud seeding efforts, studies show groundwater levels declining across all monitored fields, with production falling up to 90% in some areas.

In Saudi Arabia, the country prepares for the upcoming IFAT Saudi Arabia exhibition (January 26-28, 2026). The event, backed by the National Center for Waste Management, taps into $112 billion in waste management investment opportunities and $80 billion for water projects. Saudi aims to meet 90% of water demand through desalination by 2030 and achieve 95% sanitation coverage, being describe as one of the most lucrative environmental markets.

In Egypt, Unilever partnered with the Egyptian Food Bank on a water conservation project in the Moghra Aquifer region. Targeting 153 farmers across 200 feddans, it introduces smart irrigation systems to save 720,000 m³ of water annually – enough for nearly 1 million people's drinking needs. Research shows that the Moghra Aquifer, characterized as brackish, is under increasing pressure from over-abstraction and population growth. The aquifer's recharge sources include local rainfall, Mediterranean Sea intrusion, and connections to other regional water systems.

SOMA’s Perspective:

The water updates in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt present regional patterns: the growing importance of water management across the MENA region. An interesting point emerges around urban development creating less permeable land surfaces, which directly prevents absorption during rainfall, resulting in flooding. Dubai and Sharjah are examples of this. Additionally, respecting traditional water flows becomes crucial when considering how quarrying and excavation activities disrupt natural drainage patterns.

Sources:

From Oil Wells to Solar Cells: Saudi Arabia's $24.8 Billion Energy Makeover

#NetZeroTransition

Saudi Arabia's renewable energy ambitions have gained momentum under its National Renewable Energy Programme (NREP), launched in 2017. The Kingdom has tendered 64 renewable energy projects totaling 57.5 GW, with 38.7 GW already awarded. These initiatives span 40 solar, 9 wind, and 15 energy storage projects, with signed Power Purchase Agreements representing approximately $24.8 billion in investments.

The NREP seeks to transform Saudi Arabia's energy landscape by increasing renewables' contribution to nearly 50% of electricity production, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. The Kingdom is leveraging its natural capabilities to position itself as a global leader in renewable energy, boasting some of the world's most competitive prices for wind and solar generation. With 30 GWh of energy storage capacity tendered and 8 GWh already connected to the grid, Saudi Arabia is building a robust infrastructure to support its renewable transition.

Looking ahead, the Kingdom plans to launch an ambitious national geographical survey project in 2025, establishing 1,200 stations to gauge renewable energy resources across all provinces. This monitoring network will support the continued development of solar photovoltaic and wind energy projects, further cementing Saudi Arabia's commitment to renewable energy leadership in the region.

SOMA’s Perspective:

This comes at a time when the U.S. administration under Trump is moving away from climate finance. During the recent New York Climate Week, discussions about financing have shifted from reducing carbon emissions to energy security, affordability, and addressing AI's growing power demands. We believe this will become the emerging narrative for the region as well, with grid infrastructure improvements and renewable energy investments increasingly understood as urgent necessities for energy security rather than simply environmental initiatives.

Sources:

SOMA MATER is writing Intelligence Reports on the topics of Food and Water Security and Net Zero Transition. If you’d like to know more, contact us through the link below:

https://wkf.ms/3BmPiPo