MAF Initiative To Combat Food Waste During Ramadan In UAE

In a significant step towards reducing food waste and enhancing food security in the region, Majid Al Futtaim has announced the expansion of its 'Feed the Future' food rescue programme for Ramadan. This initiative, a pioneering effort by the leading entity in shopping mall, communities, retail, and leisure sectors across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, aims to leverage brands across its business to manage surplus food effectively.

By collaborating with Replate, a technology platform, restaurant partners within Majid Al Futtaim shopping malls, as well as other brands like VOX Cinemas and Crate and Barrel, will be able to schedule and manage surplus food donations throughout Ramadan. This effort is facilitated through coordination with the UAE Food Bank, ensuring that contributions are directed to charitable organizations and groups, including workers in communal housing and families across the UAE.

Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, Managing Director of the UAE Shopping Malls at Majid Al Futtaim Properties, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership with the UAE Food Bank and Replate. He stated, "This initiative aims to minimize waste and distribute food surplus to beneficiaries nationwide, while reinforcing our commitment to becoming Net Positive by 2040, and aligning with the UAE's values of generosity and benevolence."

Hachem Mahfoud, from Strategy & Partnerships at Replate, highlighted the progressive nature of the partnership with Majid Al Futtaim. He stated that while food insecurity might not be a prevalent issue in the UAE, ensuring access to nutritious food and mitigating climate change remains a top priority. Through technology and innovation, the partnership aims to enhance and scale food recovery programs like 'Feed the Future' in the UAE.

Impactful Pilot Project Results

The 'Feed the Future' initiative was initially trialed at the flagship Mall of the Emirates, reflecting Majid Al Futtaim's dedication to a sustainable future and reducing carbon emissions across its malls. The two-month pilot project saw over 2,000 meals recovered daily, saving 15kg of food daily, conserving 2.28 million litres of water, and diverting 2,050kg of CO2 from the environment.

With around 38% of food prepared daily in the UAE estimated to be wasted, a figure that significantly increases during Ramadan, the need for such initiatives is evident. The decomposition of wasted food emits methane, which is 25 times more damaging than CO2. Moreover, considering the UAE imports 90% of its food, food security remains a critical pillar of the UAE's future vision.

The 'Feed the Future' programme not only addresses the immediate need to reduce food waste but also contributes to the broader objectives of enhancing food security and environmental sustainability in the region. Majid Al Futtaim's initiative sets a commendable example of how technology and collaboration can be leveraged to make a positive impact on communities and the environment.