Majid al Futtaim is the first Middle Eastern company to adopt such a policy.
Major retailer Majid al Futtaim (MAF) has committed to sourcing 100% of its eggs from cage-free hens by 2032.
This policy, designed in partnership with The Humane League, is a major landmark in animal welfare for the Middle East region, and sets an exciting precedent for the future of animals in the area.
MAF is the sole franchise owner for around 420 Carrefour supermarkets across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
The company is active in thirty separate markets including in places as diverse as Uganda, Georgia, Egypt and Pakistan.
Their commitment to sourcing 100% cage-free eggs across all their markets is a huge step forward for animal welfare in areas where it is currently a neglected topic.
MAF is based in the United Arab Emirates. Although there are some global companies active in the Middle East which have global cage-free policies, MAF is the first Middle Eastern based company to adopt such a commitment.
This decision reflects the changing ways people view animals in the region, and comes from a broader context of progress.
Progress for animals in the region is demonstrated by events such as Dubai hosting the Middle East’s first vegan festival. In January, protests against the killing of stray dogs erupted in Turkey, as they have in the past in Iran. There are also now plans for some 30 plant-based restaurants in the region, spearheaded by the vegan Saudi prince Khaled bin Alwaleed Al Saud.
Globally, the UN Environment Assembly recently approved a resolution on animal welfare, recognising the positive impact good animal welfare has on human health, the environment and sustainable development.
While there is still much more progress to be made in the region, a major Middle Eastern retailer taking this first step is a promising sign of what is to come.