UAE begins first nationwide study to track food loss, waste

The UAE is launching its first nationwide study to measure actual food loss and waste across the country.

Led by ne’ma, the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, the 18-month study involves 3,000 participants from households, businesses and government entities across all seven emirates.

It aims to create a data-driven understanding of how and where food is wasted across the entire food value chain.

The initiative is a key part of the UAE’s national goal to cut food loss and waste by half by 2030, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Backed by multiple agencies, the National Baseline Study will collect data, including a major household survey in September 2025, to establish national food waste indices and guide future policies.

The study is the result of a coordinated national effort involving the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Abu Dhabi Agriculture & Food Safety Authority, Tadweer, Dubai Municipality, and other key partners.

Khuloud Hassan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer of Emirates Foundation and ne’ma's Committee Secretary General, says collaboration is essential, and this unified national approach will help build a clearer picture of the issue, and track real progress toward reducing food waste.

Findings from the study will be released in 2026 and shared globally to support the fight against food waste.