First Nationwide Food Loss & Waste Study Launched in the UAE

The UAE has launched its first-ever nationwide study to quantify food loss and waste across the country, marking a key step toward its goal of reducing food waste by 50% by 2030. The 18-month study, led by ne’ma, the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, will collect data from 3,000 participants including households, farms, supermarkets, and restaurants across all seven Emirates. Findings will be used to build the country’s first food loss and food waste indices, with results expected in early 2026.

The initiative is being delivered in coordination with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Tadweer Group, Dubai Municipality, and Aldar. It aims to map waste generation patterns across the entire food supply chain, enabling data-driven policies to improve efficiency and sustainability at every stage—from production to consumption.

Participants are being provided with colour-coded bags to sort food waste by type, allowing for detailed analysis of the reasons behind food disposal. This data will serve as the foundation for targeted waste reduction strategies, educational programmes, and new regulations across sectors.

The study is also supported by pilot programmes across Aldar-managed communities and retail hubs, where a majority of food outlets now contribute excess food to community fridges. Educational interventions are underway as well, with food loss awareness integrated into school curricula to instill long-term behavioral change among younger generations.

The final report will be shared nationally and internationally, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to sustainable food systems and contributing to global knowledge-sharing around food waste solutions.