National Initiative Launched to Address Food Waste Across the Emirates

The UAE has officially launched a public awareness campaign aimed at addressing the growing concern of food waste, with a target of halving food waste across the Emirates by 2030. The initiative, named ‘Valuing Our Roots’, is a key part of the UAE's long-term strategy to promote more responsible food production and consumption practices, spanning households, restaurants, and businesses. 

Led by Ne'ma, the national food loss and waste initiative, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi-based ADQ and Tadweer, the UAE's waste management company, the campaign is set to play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable food practices. Ne'ma has estimated that food waste in the country costs the economy approximately AED 6 billion (USD 1.63 billion) annually. The campaign’s efforts focus on encouraging citizens and businesses to rethink their approach to food preservation, production, and consumption, embedding sustainability into the nation's daily practices. 

In support of the campaign, an exhibition in Abu Dhabi showcased local companies driving the sustainability movement. Notable contributions include Replate, a global social enterprise, which partners with businesses to collect surplus food and deliver it to those in need. Replate has already recovered millions of pounds of food, delivering over 3 million meals and significantly reducing carbon emissions. 

Additionally, local food producers, such as Pure Soil Family Farm, are leading the charge with sustainable food practices.