In Action: Latest Highlights

HOUSEHOLD DATA COLLECTION COMPLETE

Throughout September, participating households across the UAE successfully completed their food waste measurement as part of the Baseline Study. Each household separated its food waste into five colour-coded bags and was visited by ne’ma data collection agents who measured their waste daily. The process ran smoothly, and many participants shared that it was easy to take part and rewarding to contribute to the UAE’s national effort to understand food waste at the household level. Our sincere thanks to all who participated and helped bring this phase to a successful close.

BUSINESSES REPORTING THROUGH THE NE’MA DATA HUB

Across the private sector, businesses continue to play an active role by recording their food waste data through the ne’ma data hub. This ongoing process will extend through October. Many businesses have expressed that contributing through the data hub has been straightforward and efficient, reflecting the strong commitment of UAE industries to building an accurate national picture of food loss and waste.

SIGNED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS

ne’ma took part in Future Food Forum 2025, held in Dubai from 23 to 25 September. During the event, ne’ma formalized two strategic collaborations by signing Memorandums of Understanding with Nestlé Middle East and House of Pops. These partnerships strengthen private-sector participation in food loss and waste reduction and support joint activities focused on data sharing, awareness, and innovation.

HOSTED IN-PERSON HOSPITALITY WORKSHOP

A dedicated Hospitality Workshop brought together industry actors and technology partners to align on data integration for the Baseline Study. The workshop also provided a collaborative setting to reflect on challenges and share experiences, encouraging open dialogue and joint action within the hospitality community.

FAO’S INTERNATIONAL DAY OF AWARENESS OF FOOD LOSS AND WASTE (IDAFLW)

On 29 September, ne’ma joined the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to mark the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (IDAFLW). IDAFLW is a United Nations-recognized observance that raises awareness about the global issue of food loss and waste and its social, economic, and environmental impacts, while encouraging collective action to build sustainable food systems.

Dubai Municipality led this annual commemoration in the UAE. This year’s event saw ne’ma’s active participation as a national partner, reflecting the country’s growing momentum to embed food waste reduction across communities and sectors.

YOUTH CIRCLE

ne’ma convened a Youth Circle in Abu Dhabi, held in collaboration with The Climate Tribe and the Abu Dhabi Youth Council, to coincide with the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. The session explored how Emirati ancestral practices can inspire modern food sustainability solutions, reinforcing the role of young voices in shaping a future where no food is wasted.

LOOKING AHEAD: WHAT IS EXPECTED NEXT

Meanwhile, the private sector continues smoothly into the final stretch of its data-reporting phase through the ne’ma Data Hub before October 31st.

In the coming weeks, ne’ma will continue engaging stakeholders through topic-specific workshops and prepare for activities surrounding Global Food Week. The next phase of the UAE Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study will focus on validating insights gathered to date, deepening engagement on the ground, and shaping effective, scalable solutions to reduce food loss and waste nationwide.

To all who have contributed so far, thank you for your continued commitment.

For any inquiries, visit www.nema.ae/baseline or email us at baseline@nema.ae.