As global wellness trends influence eating habits worldwide, the UAE has seen a rising interest in nutrition-focused lifestyles like Keto and Paleo. With increasing awareness around fitness, obesity, and diabetes, many residents are exploring these diets for weight management and improved health. But how well do these global approaches align with local food culture, and are they truly gaining traction in the region?
What is the Ketosis and Keto Diet?
Ketosis is a metabolic state where the body uses fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates, producing molecules called ketones for energy. The ketogenic (Keto) diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and moderate-protein eating plan designed to shift the body into a metabolic state known as ketosis.
In ketosis, the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates as its primary energy source. This approach drastically limits carbohydrate intake, typically to less than 50 grams per day, to trigger fat metabolism.
Common Keto-friendly foods include meats, eggs, healthy oils, avocados, nuts, and leafy green vegetables. The diet is often adopted for weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and better energy regulation, especially among individuals managing type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
What is the Paleo Diet?
The Paleo diet is based on the idea of eating in a way that mirrors the dietary patterns of early humans during the Paleolithic era. It focuses on whole, unprocessed foods and eliminates items introduced through agriculture and industrial processing, such as refined sugar, grains, legumes, and dairy.
Typical Paleo-approved foods include lean meats, fish, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. The goal is to support natural digestion, reduce inflammation, and avoid modern additives and preservatives. Unlike Keto, Paleo doesn’t prioritize macronutrient ratios but rather the quality and source of food.
Keto vs Paleo: Key Differences
While both the Keto and Paleo diets emphasize whole foods and the elimination of processed ingredients, they differ significantly in purpose, food rules, and macronutrient structure. Understanding these differences is essential for anyone considering either approach, especially in regions like the UAE, where dietary norms and availability may influence adherence.
The table below outlines the primary contrasts:
| Aspect | Keto Diet | Paleo Diet |
| Carbs | Very low (typically <10% of daily intake) | Moderate (avoids refined carbs only) |
| Dairy | Allowed (e.g., cheese, butter, cream) | Not allowed |
| Focus | Macronutrient ratio (fat-heavy) | Food quality and ancestral eating |
| Ketosis Required | Yes | No |
| Weight Loss Goal | Central focus | Secondary benefit |
Keto is more rigid in macronutrient control and aims to induce a metabolic shift (ketosis), whereas Paleo focuses on eating natural, unprocessed foods aligned with human evolutionary patterns.
UAE Context: How Local Diets Are Evolving
The UAE is undergoing a noticeable shift in dietary habits, driven by rising health awareness and lifestyle-related health challenges. With one of the highest obesity and diabetes rates in the region, many UAE residents are turning to structured diets like Keto and Paleo for weight loss, improved energy, and better metabolic health.
Urban centres like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are experiencing a boom in fitness culture, with new gyms, wellness influencers, and corporate wellness programs promoting clean eating. The large expat population, especially from Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia, has also brought diverse food philosophies into mainstream conversations.
To meet this demand, a growing number of food businesses are offering Keto- and Paleo-compliant options. Meal delivery services like Basiligo and niche providers such as Keto By Foxxy now offer tailored plans that make it easier to follow these diets within a UAE context.
This local evolution shows how global trends are not just being adopted but adapted to fit regional tastes and health priorities.
Challenges of Adapting Keto and Paleo in the UAE
Despite growing interest, following Keto or Paleo diets in the UAE presents several cultural and logistical challenges. Traditional Emirati cuisine is rich in carbohydrates, with staples like rice, dates, khubz (Arabic bread), and sweetened dishes playing a central role in both everyday meals and social gatherings.
Hospitality customs in the UAE often revolve around shared meals and generous servings, making it socially difficult to decline carb-heavy or non-compliant dishes. These settings can create pressure to conform, particularly during religious holidays like Ramadan or Eid.
On a logistical level, access to high-quality, diet-specific ingredients such as grass-fed meats, organic vegetables, or dairy alternatives can be inconsistent or limited to premium supermarkets. Many of these items are imported, driving up their price and making adherence costly for the average consumer.
For many residents, these barriers mean that fully committing to Keto or Paleo requires planning, budget flexibility, and social navigation, which may not be sustainable without strong personal motivation or external support like meal services.
How Local Food Providers Are Responding
In response to rising demand for healthier eating, the UAE’s food industry has rapidly evolved to support dietary trends like Keto and Paleo. A growing number of health-focused cafés and restaurants are leading this shift, offering menus free from refined carbs, sugars, and processed ingredients. Notable examples include Wild & The Moon, which focuses on clean, plant-based options, and The Cycle Bistro, known for its dedicated Paleo menu.
At the same time, subscription-based meal plan services such as Basiligo, Kcal, and Right Bite now offer tailored Keto and Paleo programs. These services help residents stick to their dietary goals without the hassle of sourcing ingredients or tracking macros.
To support cleaner sourcing, local farms like Emirates Bio Farm are increasingly providing organic, pesticide-free produce that aligns with Paleo and low-carb dietary needs. This local supply chain shift is essential for sustainability and affordability, making these diets more accessible to a wider audience in the UAE.
Case Study: Basiligo’s Adaptation Strategy
Basiligo, a leading meal plan provider in the UAE, has successfully integrated global diet trends into a local context by offering customised Keto and Paleo meal plans tailored to both Emirati and expat customers. Their approach balances international nutrition principles with regional tastes, featuring dishes like Keto-friendly lamb kofta and Paleo-style chicken machboos.
Basiligo also emphasizes local sourcing, working with UAE-based farms to obtain organic produce and hormone-free meats. This reduces reliance on imports and improves freshness and cost-efficiency.
According to internal performance data, Keto meal plan subscriptions grew by over 30% year-over-year in 2024, reflecting strong market demand and effective positioning among health-conscious consumers.
Checklist: Adopting Keto or Paleo in the UAE
Thinking of starting a Keto or Paleo lifestyle in the UAE? Use this quick checklist to stay aligned with your goals and the local context:
Understand your health goals
Clarify whether you’re aiming for weight loss, better blood sugar control, reduced inflammation, or overall wellness.
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Consult a dietitian
Especially important if you have medical conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, or hormonal imbalances.
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Source locally when possible
Look for UAE-based farms, organic markets and clean-label brands to ensure quality and sustainability.
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Consider subscription meal services
Brands like Basiligo, Right Bite and Keto By Foxxy simplify meal planning and help with consistent adherence.
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Stay mindful of cultural events
Plan ahead for Ramadan, Eid, or social gatherings where traditional foods may make diet adherence more difficult.
Final Thoughts: Are UAE Diets Really Adapting?
Keto and Paleo diets are gaining traction among health-conscious consumers in the UAE, particularly in urban centres like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The rise of wellness culture, growing awareness around metabolic health and the availability of meal services have made these diets more accessible than before.
However, adoption remains relatively niche, limited by cultural food preferences, social dining norms and the cost of specialty ingredients. That said, the market is clearly expanding, with local providers actively responding to demand through customised plans, clean-label products and regionalised menu offerings.
The UAE’s evolving food landscape suggests that while full-scale adoption may be slow, adaptation is well underway.
FAQs About Keto and Paleo in the UAE
Can I follow Keto or Paleo during Ramadan in the UAE?
Yes, but it requires advanced planning. Suhoor and Iftar meals should be nutrient-dense, and hydration must be prioritised. Breaking the fast with protein, fats, and fibre-rich vegetables helps maintain energy levels.
Are there restaurants in Dubai offering Keto or Paleo menus?
Yes. The Cycle Bistro offers a full Paleo menu, while places like Comptoir 102, Wild & The Moon and Kaffe Bloom have Keto- or Paleo-friendly dishes on their menus.
Is it expensive to follow these diets in the UAE?
These diets can be more expensive due to imported or specialty ingredients like almond flour or grass-fed meats. However, local meal plans and bulk purchasing can reduce overall costs.
Can I find Keto or Paleo products in UAE supermarkets?
Yes. Stores like Carrefour, Spinneys, and Organic Foods & Café stock a range of compliant products, including low-carb snacks, nut butter,s and dairy alternatives.
Do Keto and Paleo diets suit the UAE climate and lifestyle?
They can, especially for those with sedentary jobs or metabolic health concerns. However, meal timing and hydration are crucial in the hot climate, particularly for those following high-fat or high-protein plans.
Is medical supervision necessary before starting Keto or Paleo?
It’s recommended, especially for individuals with diabetes, high cholesterol, or kidney issues. A dietitian can help tailor the diet to your health profile and local food options.