Greetings,

Welcome to the first edition of the ne'ma newsletter! As we reach the halfway point of 2024, I am delighted to share our progress and celebrate our collective achievements as we progress towards our vision to make the UAE a nation where no food is wasted.

This newsletter, which will be issued quarterly, highlights significant milestones, showcases innovative projects, and emphasizes the power of collaboration in driving systemic change.

Our successes would not have been possible without the dedication and partnership of our incredible stakeholders. Your continued support and engagement are vital, as we work together to foster eco-conscious practices, spearhead innovation, and create a lasting impact on our society and environment.

Thank you for joining our movement to create a positive impact.
Together, we can work towards a future where food waste is a thing of the past.

Warm regards,

Khuloud Hasan Al Nuwais

Chief Sustainability Officer of Emirates Foundation and ne'ma Committee Secretary General

ne'ma Creates Positive Impact
Through Scaling its Food Rescue Program

ne'ma continues to promote sustainable practices and collective actions as part of the "Year of Sustainability" in the UAE. This includes initiatives such as encouraging conscious food consumption, facilitating donations, and sharing surplus food to significantly reduce food waste.

During Ramadan, ne'ma expanded its "Zero Food to Landfill" circular framework to support the UAE in reducing food loss and waste by 50% by 2023, while creating positive social, economic, and environmental impacts.

Collaboration is key in driving systemic change and achieving greater impact on a larger scale in our journey "to become a country where no food is wasted".

Rescue and Repurpose
Food Surpluses

Collect and
Report Unified Data

Divert Food Waste
from Landfills

Compost Food Waste and Give Back to Nature

These objectives were achieved through 3 main projects carried out during Ramadan.

Family Iftar Box

Distributed in seven schools in Abu Dhabi,
Al Ain, and Sharjah

Support the "1 MIllion Saved Meals(Surplus Food)" Campaign

Organized by Emirates Food Bank Foundation

Community Fridges

Five Locations in Abu Dhabi

These projects reaffirm the UAE's commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 12.3 targets by reducing food loss and waste by 50% by 2030. Through the collaborative efforts of ne'ma and its stakeholders, the UAE is leading the region toward positive change.

Ramadan Project
ne'ma Family Iftar Boxes

On Zayed Humanitarian Day, ne'ma scaled up its efforts by partnering with agricultural companies and food manufacturers to offer iftar boxes during the holy month of Ramadan. This day honored the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan's values of supporting others and giving back to communities. The project successfully redistributed surplus, untouched food to communities in need, ensuring valuable resources did not go to waste.

Social Impact

185,777 kg

Surplus Food Rescued

18,400

Boxes Distributed

5000+

Beneficiaries Impacted

464,500+

Meals Equivalent were Distributed

500+

Volunteers

10,300+

Volunteering Hours

Environmental & Economic Impact

472,000 kg CO₂e

of Emission Greenhouse
Gases Avoided

AED 1,406,764

Value of Rescued Food

Thanks to the dedication of 17 partners, including Al Barakah Dates Factory, Al Dahra Holding, Al Foah Date Crown, Bel Group, Emirates Macaroni Factory, Food and Beverage Business Group, HeroGo, Hotpack Global, Hunter Foods, IFFCO Group, Intercat Hospitality, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, Nutridor Diary Manufacturing, Oxy Group, Reloop, Silal Food and Technologies, and Takatof Volunteers the project was a resounding success. These organizations made a substantial impact by redirecting local resources to those in need, promoting sustainability and social responsibility, and supporting food security during the holy month.

To watch a highlight video about the event, click here.

Ramadan Project
ne'ma Community Fridges

During Ramadan, the ne'ma Community Fridges project leveraged partnerships with the hospitality sector to collect and redistribute edible, untouched surplus food from Iftar buffets. This food was placed in smart fridges located in high-traffic areas for those in need.

Key achievements include:

Social Impact

11,581

Meals Distributed to
People in Need

5,036 kg

of Rescued Surplus Food
from Buffets after Iftar

Environmental & Economic Impact

12,792 kg CO₂e

of Emission Greenhouse Gases Avoided

AED 22,662

Value of Rescued
Food Saved

With the support of 21 dedicated partners, including Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Akeltech, Aldar Properties, Beach Rotana Hotel, Capital Catering Services (part of ADNEC group), Centro Capital Centre, Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suits, HS Café, Novotel and Ibis Gate Hotels Abu Dhabi, Novotel Hotel Al Bustan, Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Radisson Blu - Yas Island, Ramada Hotel Abu Dhabi Corniche, Royal Catering, Saadiyat Beach Club – Aldar, Saadiyat Rotana Resorts and Villas Abu Dhabi, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri Abu Dhabi, Traders Hotels Qaryat Al Beri Abu Dhabi, W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island, and Yas Island Rotana Abu Dhabi, the project made significant strides in reducing food waste. It demonstrated that collaboration is key to achieving ne'ma's vision of a UAE where no food is wasted.

1 Million Saved Meals
(Surplus Food) Initiative

As part of ne'ma's efforts to scale up its "Zero Food to Landfill" circular framework, ne'ma collaborated with the Emirates Food Bank Foundation on their 1 Million Saved Meals initiative during Ramadan. This project rescued surplus food and redistributed it to low-income families. Additionally, inedible food waste was composted into fertilizer, diverting it from landfills.

Through supporting the 1 Million Meals initiative, ne'ma highlighted the importance of reducing food waste and providing essential meals to those in need. This campaign promoted sustainability and resourcefulness, demonstrating the environmental and social benefits of food redistribution. The success of this initiative was made possible through the strong partnership with the Emirates Food Bank Foundation and Reloop.

Social Impact

401,226 kg

of Surplus Edible and Inedible Food
Destined to Waste were Collected
and Divereted to Landfills

420,800+

Surplus Meals Distributed
to People in Need

Environmental & Economic Impact

1,003,166 kg CO₂e

of Emission Greenhouse
Gases Avoided

AED 1,809,699

Value of Rescued
Food Saved

46,589 kg

Estimate Compost
Created

202,663 ft²

Farming Area to
be Supported

12,038 ft³

Land Space Saved

Does fighting food waste really work?

A case study comparing the hotels that participated in the Ramadan initiatives of 2022, 2023, and 2024 demonstrates a significant downward trend in average food waste per hotel during Ramadan over the long term.

Note: The rate is calculated by comparing averages between 2022,2023 and 2024 using data from a selected group of 4 hotels that participated in all three years.

ne'ma Featured in Freej "Less Is More"
Episode on Food Waste Reduction
During Ramadan

ne'ma, in partnership with Tadweer Group, collaborated with the cartoon TV show "Freej" on a dedicated episode highlighting the importance of reducing food waste and practicing responsible consumption. Featured in Season 6, the episode titled "Less is more"" aired on Shahid, YouTube, and MBC, reaching a diverse Arab audience with 3 million total plays and 340,005 unique accounts engaged. The episode raised awareness and educated the public, inspiring long-term behavioral change to prevent food waste.

To Watch the episode, click here

Asian Venture Philanthropy Network
Global Conference 2024

Under the theme "One Asia, One Future", ne'ma participated in the Impact Marketplace at the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network Global Conference held in Abu Dhabi last May. The conference emphasized collaborative solutions for sustainable development across Asia. ne'ma's presence highlighted its commitment to addressing food security and climate change through philanthropic initiatives and proactive measures. This engagement demonstrated ne'ma's dedication to partnering with global changemakers and promoting impactful philanthropy to tackle pressing social and environmental challenges.

Mission to Denmark

The "Mission to Denmark", led by ne'ma, in partnership with the Embassy of Denmark in the UAE, provided valuable insights into the UAE's sustainability journey. This collaboration involved representatives from The Presidential Court, The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), Dubai Municipality, Emirates Food Bank Foundation, and the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

High-level discussions with Denmark's Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries, Ministry of Environment, and Copenhagen Municipality, along with interactions with non-profits like Food Nations and the 1/3rd Initiative, highlighted effective strategies for food waste reduction and environmental sustainability. Field visits to food waste recycling facilities and sustainable farming operations showcased advanced technologies and practices that can support the UAE's food loss and waste reduction goals.

Denmark's success in managing food waste through public-private partnerships and voluntary collaborations offers valuable strategies for the UAE. Conversely, ne'ma's collaborative model and industry data were recognized by Danish officials. Promoting initiatives like Denmark's "Food Nation" could also enhance national sustainability efforts. These lessons will guide the UAE in developing more effective food waste management practices and promoting a culture of sustainability.

To learn more about the mission, click here.

Arab Women of the Year Award
for Social Development 2024

Khuloud Al Nuwais was honored with the prestigious Arab Women of the Year Award in 2024 for her exceptional contributions to social development. As a leader at the Emirates Foundation and Secretary General of the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative - ne'ma, she spearheads initiatives that promote responsible and sustainable consumption. Khuloud's commitment to mentorship and leadership underscores her role as a model for positive change. Her efforts continue to make a transformative impact and inspire many, reflecting a legacy of authentic leadership and community empowerment.

To watch hightlight video about the award, click here.

ne'ma participates in Abu Dhabi
Sustainability Week for the
Second Consecutive Year

Since 2023, ne'ma has collaborated with Masdar, the organizer of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), to engage in roundtable discussions and panels, such as WiSER. ne'ma has facilitated connections between technology providers and the event, amplifying its impact. ADSW has been an ideal platform for ne'ma to trial and scale innovative collaboration frameworks, demonstrating remarkable success.

This year, ne'ma has nurtured advocacy and inspired innovation through more than 15 engagements, including:

Innovation Zone Sponsorship

ne'ma supported innovation by featuring eight startups focused on reducing food loss and waste (FLW) in the Innovation Zone. This involvement underscores ne'ma's commitment to pioneering solutions and advancing technological approaches to enhance the food ecosystem.

Awareness

Through implementing its "Zero Food to Landfill" framework and utilizing behavioral interventions, ne'ma worked on reducing food waste in dining areas and incorporating effective waste management practices throughout the event.

Introduction of Separate Food Waste Bins

For the first time, separate bins were provided for visitors to encourage proper disposal and segregation of food waste.

Advocacy

ne'ma raised awareness through panel discussions and a talk series.These sessions highlighted the importance of reducing food waste and showcased effective strategies for promoting environmental sustainability.

click here to watch the "From Desert to Dinner Plate" panel discussion.

ne'ma Gathers Key Partners to Deliver Impact Through "Zero Food to Landfill" Circular Framework at World Future Energy Summit and Hydrogen Summit at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2024

The framework facilitated the rescue and redirection of food surpluses to those in need while converting food waste into fertilizer for local farmers, thus diverting waste from landfills.

Visitors enhanced the framework's environmental benefits by being nudged to consume food responsibly during the event. For the first time, separate food waste bins were introduced to the visitors across the exhibition dining areas. Separating food waste from the rest of the waste is crucial for measuring and treating food waste in the right manner.

Implementing this framework at major events, like ADSW, is crucial for reducing food waste on a larger scale, as it helps decrease environmental footprints, promotes sustainability, and sets a strong example for future initiatives.

In only three days of the World Future Energy Summit event, the tangible impact was created:

1,447 kg

Food Waste Diverted from Landfill

728

Meals Rescued and Donated to
Communities in Need

3,675 kg CO₂e

Greenhouse Emissions Avoided

231 kg

Compost Created to Support
Local Farmland

This success was achieved through collaboration with partners, including, Capital Catering Services (part of ADNEC group), Emirates Red Crescent -Grace Preservation Project, Masdar, Reloop, Centro Capital Centre Rotana Hotel, Pearl Rotana. Their commitment was crucial in achieving these impactful results.

Youth Ambassadors to Japan Prepare
Zero-Waste Arabic Style Makizushi Rolls

ne'ma, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) and Summit Trading Company L.L.C, hosted a sushi roll activity as part of the inaugural Youth Ambassadors Program (YAP) event in the UAE. The event involved 20 participants, introduced Japanese culture, and highlighted the importance of reducing food loss and waste.

The activity also promoted environmental protection by preparing zero-waste Arabic-style makizushi rolls. Summit representatives introduced practical methods to reduce food loss and waste:

By using out-of-spec sized or odd-shaped vegitables that are often discarded and repurposing leftover instead of throwing them away.

Participants prepared Arabic style Makizushi rolls with their choice of ingredients utilizing Arabic dishes like kebabs and falafel.

Odd sized vegetables like out-of-spec sized cucumbers were also used to prepare the zero waste Makizushi rolls.

To watch a highlight video about the event, click here.

World Environment Day
with Emirates NBD

In celebration of World Environment Day, ne'ma participated in the "Mobilising Climate Finance" panel discussion organized by Emirates NBD. The discussion focused on innovative financing mechanisms such as public-private partnerships, green bonds, and impact investing to unlock funding for critical land restoration and climate adaptation projects. Key challenges included regulatory uncertainties and the lack of standardized metrics for evaluating environmental and financial impacts.

The role of government was highlighted as crucial in shaping sustainable finance landscapes through policy incentives and regulations prioritizing environmental considerations. Multi-stakeholder collaborations were emphasized to accelerate project deployment and build resilience to climate change through inclusive decision-making and resource mobilization.

The panel agreed on the need for coordinated efforts to tackle climate challenges and preserve ecosystems. This event demonstrated the collective responsibility of all sectors to innovate and work together for a sustainable future.

To Watch "Mobilising Climate Finance" panel discussion, click here.

Global Clean Cities Expo,
Dubai

ne'ma participated in the Global Clean Cities Expo Dubai, where Khuloud Al Nuwais spoke prominently at the Green Horizons panel. This panel addressed advancements in clean environments and sustainable waste management solutions. The session highlighted Ecoloop, an integrated waste management facility in Abu Dhabi, as a leading initiative in promoting sustainability.

Khuloud and esteemed panelists Salwa Al Maflahi from Aldar and Imran Gill from Polygreen Eco discussed collaborative strategies to combat climate change and enhance environmental stewardship.

Partner Spotlight
Emirates Food Bank Foundation

Under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Chairperson of the UAE Food Bank, the UAE Food Bank launched its 2023-2027 strategy. The strategy is focused on creating a sustainable, world-class food bank that effectively manages surplus food, ensuring it reaches those in need while promoting values of generosity and sustainability through forward-thinking initiatives.

Mrs. Manal Bin Yaroof, Head of the Executive Team of the UAE Food Bank, highlighted the critical collaboration between the UAE Food Bank and, ne'ma, the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, and Ecyclex International Recycling Company - Reloop in 2024. This partnership was pivotal in reducing food loss and waste and managing surplus food during Ramadan. Their combined efforts resulted in significant progress towards key objectives, including a 47% reduction in food waste during Ramadan from 2022 to 2024, while positively influencing consumer practices in participating hotels and hospitality outlets.

This comprehensive approach to minimizing food loss and waste emphasizes the power of collaboration and a shared commitment between the Emirates Food Bank and its partners. By leveraging the expertise and resources of various stakeholders from government entities and the private sector to NGOs and consumers we can drive meaningful change towards a more resilient and responsible food system. Through this unified effort, we not only reduce the environmental footprint of food waste but also ensure resources are used efficiently, leading to greater food security for all.