ne’ma, the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, has launched the UAE’s first nationwide baseline study to measure actual food loss and waste, marking a significant step toward halving food waste by 2030 in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 12.3.
The 18-month study, now underway, involves 3,000 participants from households, businesses, and public sector entities across all seven Emirates. It will map food waste across the entire supply chain, from farm to fork, laying the foundation for systemic change and evidence-based policies. Findings will be announced in the first half of 2026.
Led by ne’ma and supported by strategic partners including the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, ADAFSA, Tadweer Group, Dubai Municipality, and others, the study aims to establish national food loss and waste indices. These metrics will help shape long-term interventions and promote a shift to a sustainable, circular economy.
A key milestone is set for September 2025, when a two-week nationwide data collection effort will involve direct measurement of household food waste. This hands-on approach is designed to capture accurate, real-time insights on when, where, and why food is lost or wasted.
Khuloud Hassan Al Nuwais of Emirates Foundation highlighted the importance of national collaboration, stating the study enables a unified approach to building data-driven solutions. Officials from ADAFSA, Dubai Municipality, Tadweer, and Aldar echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the study’s potential to drive environmental and economic benefits.
The final report will be shared globally, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development and positioning the country as a regional leader in food system resilience. By engaging communities and sectors nationwide, the UAE is taking concrete steps to reduce food waste and protect vital resources for future generations.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
