Abu Dhabi: ne'ma, the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, has launched the UAE's first National Baseline Study to measure actual food loss and waste. This study, involving 3,000 participants, is a significant step toward reducing food loss and waste by 50 percent by 2030, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.3. The 18-month study will cover the entire food value chain, engaging households, businesses, and public sector entities across all seven Emirates. ne'ma plans to release the study's findings in the first half of 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, insights from the study will contribute to establishing national food loss and waste indices and formulating evidence-based intervention strategies. The initiative aims to foster systemic change and bolster national efforts towards food security and sustainability. This comprehensive effort is supported by strategic partners, including the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, Tadweer Group, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, and Aldar, along with local municipalities and statistics centers.
The UAE Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study, initiated after extensive preparation and engagement since September 2024, spans 18 months. It invites active participation from households and both private and public sectors to identify critical areas of food loss and waste for effective intervention design. A significant milestone in the study will occur in September 2025 with a focused two-week data collection field survey and actual measurement of food waste at the household level across the Emirates.
Khuloud Hassan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer of Emirates Foundation and ne'ma Committee Secretary General, emphasized the importance of national collaboration in tackling food loss and waste. Al Nuwais stated that the study engages various sectors to build an accurate, data-driven understanding of food loss and waste, enabling progress tracking against reduction targets. The study aims to empower households and businesses to adopt best practices and support systemic solutions for a sustainable economy.
Dr. Essam Sharaf Al Hashmi, Director of the Office of Special Studies at ADAFSA, highlighted the study's role in raising community awareness about reducing food loss and waste. Dr. Al Hashmi noted that ADAFSA, in collaboration with ne'ma, unites different sectors to achieve a shared goal of protecting resources and ensuring a sustainable future.
Manal Obaid Yaroof, representing Dubai Municipality, stressed the importance of local leadership in achieving sustainability goals. Yaroof stated that the study aligns with efforts to improve waste management and reduce landfill use, supporting the UAE's 2030 objectives.
Abdulwahid Jumaa Freish from Tadweer Group expressed pride in supporting the study, which unites stakeholders across the food value chain. Freish noted that insights from the study would enhance strategies for waste diversion and emission reduction.
Salwa Al Maflahi of Aldar Properties emphasized the importance of data in supporting meaningful action against food waste. Al Maflahi highlighted Aldar's commitment to diverting waste from landfills and generating insights for community empowerment.
The final report of the UAE Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study will be shared both nationally and internationally, contributing to global knowledge on food loss and waste reduction and reinforcing the UAE's leadership in sustainable food systems.