UAE's Ne'ma Initiative Drives National Partnerships For Food Waste Reduction At Global Food Week

ne’ma, the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, commemorated Global Food Week from 21 to 23 October 2025. The event focused on enhancing national partnerships and strategic dialogues to propel the UAE towards its goal of reducing food loss and waste by half by 2030. This initiative aligns with the UAE's broader sustainability objectives.

During this period, ne’ma formalised two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the UAE Food Cluster and Al Ain Farms Group. These agreements aim to bolster public-private cooperation through data sharing, awareness campaigns, and initiatives targeting food rescue and waste prevention. The partnerships are pivotal in transforming the UAE into a nation where no food is wasted.

The MoU with the UAE Food Cluster, an initiative under the Ministry of Economy, aims to enhance data collaboration and stakeholder engagement. It seeks to activate food loss and waste reduction targets across various programs. Cluster members will significantly contribute to advancing ne’ma’s Food Rescue Program, supporting national goals under the National Food Security Strategy 2051.

Saleh Lootah, Chairman of the UAE Food Cluster, stated: "The UAE Food Cluster was established to strengthen collaboration across our food ecosystem and advance the country’s leadership in sustainable production and trade. This partnership with ne’ma supports that mission by turning national data into actionable insights that empower our members to innovate and reduce waste. It is an important step in translating policy into measurable results and positioning the UAE as a global model for circular and resilient food systems."

Under another MoU, Al Ain Farms Group will provide operational data for the ongoing UAE Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study. This collaboration supports developing national benchmarks and best practices. It marks a significant step towards broader partnerships involving food-rescue initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and co-creating solutions for reducing food loss across the value chain.

Hassan Safi, Group CEO of Al Ain Farms Group, remarked: "At Al Ain Farms Group, sustainability guides every stage of our food value chain, from production to processing and distribution. Our partnership with ne’ma builds on this foundation, reflecting a shared commitment to operational excellence and national responsibility. By sharing operational data, supporting food rescue initiatives, and raising awareness around responsible consumption, we aim to help shape the UAE’s national food waste baseline and foster a broader cultural shift toward sustainability in homes and businesses. This collaboration marks an important step in our ongoing commitment to building a healthier, more resilient food system."

Interactive Workshops at ADIFE

ne’ma hosted an interactive workshop titled "From Farm to Treasure: Turning Losses into Value" at the Farmers Majlis during the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (ADIFE). This session engaged UAE farmers in exploring practical methods for identifying, measuring, and managing pre-harvest food loss. It highlighted how data can set reduction targets while showcasing innovative solutions that turn agricultural by-products into valuable resources.

Global Conversations on Sustainability

Throughout Global Food Week, ne’ma participated in various sessions focusing on sustainable production, innovation, and community engagement. These discussions emphasised how behavioural change combined with data-driven strategies can accelerate measurable impacts on reducing food loss. Aligning global conversations with national priorities was crucial for progressing towards the UAE’s 2030 reduction targets.

This year’s Global Food Week coincided with World Food Day on 16 October under the theme "Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future." The event underscored collaborative efforts needed globally to ensure sustainable futures through improved food systems.

With inputs from WAM