By Staff Reporter
The UAE Food Bank has partnered with the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, Ne’ma, to enhance food sustainability and support underprivileged communities.
The initiative, launched during the holy month of Ramadan, aims to provide one million meals from surplus food while promoting environmental responsibility.
Now in its third consecutive year, this effort aligns with the UAE’s broader commitment to social welfare and sustainability, particularly following the declaration of 2025 as the Year of the Community. The initiative involves collaboration with over 75 hotel establishments to safely collect and distribute untouched surplus food to eligible beneficiaries across the UAE.
Implemented in Dubai, in coordination with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the initiative ensures efficient food redistribution. The UAE Food Bank will manage consumable food surplus while converting inedible food into oil and agricultural compost through a partnership with the Reloop app by iCycle International Recycling. This approach not only minimizes waste but also supports the circular economy and environmental protection efforts.
Khuloud Hassan Al Nowais, Chief Sustainability Officer at Emirates Foundation and Secretary General of the Ne’ma Committee, emphasized the initiative’s impact:
“Our collaboration is a crucial step in fostering resource sustainability and reducing food waste. By leveraging innovative, technology-driven solutions, we are ensuring safe and efficient food distribution while reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to social responsibility and environmental preservation.”
Manal Bin Yaroof, Head of the Executive Team at the UAE Food Bank, highlighted the strategic vision behind the initiative:
“This partnership strengthens our mission to combat food waste comprehensively. By collecting, preserving, and delivering surplus food with the highest standards, we uphold the values of generosity and sustainability that define the UAE Food Bank’s core purpose.”
This initiative marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to promote food security, sustainability, and community support during Ramadan and beyond.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
