Food waste isn’t just about throwing away leftovers—it’s about lost resources, money, and sustainability opportunities. Recognizing this, the UAE has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative: the launch of its first national Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study.
What Is the Study About?
From September 8 to 21, 2025, the UAE government is collecting data from more than 3,000 households and businesses across all seven emirates. The aim? To understand where, how, and why food is wasted—from farms and restaurants to family kitchens. This information will provide the foundation for strategies to minimize waste and optimize food use.
Why This Matters for the UAE
The UAE has long positioned itself as a leader in sustainability, with ambitious goals under the UAE Net Zero 2050 initiative. Food waste reduction is a crucial part of this vision, as wasted food contributes not only to economic loss but also to greenhouse gas emissions when discarded improperly.
By establishing a baseline, the government can:
- Track progress year over year.
- Identify the sectors with the highest waste levels.
- Create targeted awareness campaigns for households and industries.
- Encourage businesses to adopt circular economy practices like composting or upcycling food scraps.
The Bigger Picture: Food Security and Sustainability
Globally, one-third of all food produced is wasted, even as millions face hunger. For a country like the UAE—which imports the majority of its food—minimizing waste is also a matter of food security. By cutting unnecessary losses, the UAE can ensure better resource management, reduce dependence on imports, and strengthen its resilience against global supply chain shocks.
Steps Already Underway
The study is not happening in isolation. It builds on previous efforts such as:
- Campaigns to raise consumer awareness about portion sizes and storage.
- Partnerships with hotels and restaurants to donate surplus food.
- Collaboration with technology providers to monitor and reduce waste in supply chains.
What’s Next?
Once the data is analyzed, the UAE will set national benchmarks for food loss and waste. These findings are expected to inform future legislation, sustainability targets, and possibly new business opportunities in food recycling and innovation.
Final Thought
This initiative highlights the UAE’s commitment to turning challenges into opportunities. By counting every crumb of waste, the country is taking a bold step toward a sustainable, secure, and responsible food future.