UAE Launches Landmark National Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study to Drive Sustainability Goals

Food & FMCG

UAE Launches Landmark National Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study to Drive Sustainability Goals

In a major step toward achieving its sustainability commitments, the United Arab Emirates has officially launched its first-ever National Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study under the umbrella of ne’ma, the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative. This pioneering 18-month study is designed to measure actual food loss and waste across the UAE, involving more than 3,000 participants from households, businesses, and public sector entities in all seven Emirates.

The study represents a foundational milestone in the UAE’s journey to halve food loss and waste by 2030, in alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3. It will establish the country’s first food loss and food waste indices and offer data-driven insights to shape targeted intervention strategies and national policy responses.

The research effort is backed by a coalition of strategic partners including the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Tadweer Group, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA), Aldar, and several statistical and municipal bodies across the UAE.

A key event within the study’s timeline will occur in September 2025, featuring a two-week national field survey to collect data through direct measurement of household food waste. These findings will help identify the root causes and scale of food loss and waste across the food supply chain.

Khuloud Hassan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer of Emirates Foundation and Secretary General of the Ne’ma Committee, emphasized the importance of a unified national effort:

“Through this study, Ne’ma is engaging the public and private sectors in building an accurate, data-driven picture of where and how food is lost or wasted. These insights will empower evidence-based solutions and support the shift toward a circular economy.”

Dr. Essam Sharaf Al Hashmi, Director at ADAFSA, highlighted the study’s role in strengthening community awareness and building resilience.

“In collaboration with ne’ma, we aim to unite all stakeholders to protect our resources and enhance food security.”

Manal Obaid Yaroof, Head of the Executive Team of the UAE Food Bank at Dubai Municipality, stated:

“This study equips us with the tools to translate sustainability goals into measurable actions, enhancing community-level waste management.”

Abdulwahid Jumaa Freish, Executive Director of Communication at Tadweer Group, emphasized the circular economy potential:

“This initiative will support strategies to reduce organic waste, curb emissions, and unlock resource efficiency.”

Salwa Al Maflahi, Group Executive Director of Sustainability at Aldar, added:

“Aldar has been collaborating with Ne’ma and Tadweer since 2023 to build food waste solutions. By supporting this study, we aim to generate insights that drive long-term behavioral change and sustainability.”

Upon completion, the study’s final report will be shared both nationally and globally, positioning the UAE as a regional and international leader in advancing sustainable food systems and supporting the UN 2030 Agenda.