The UAE has launched the nationwide data collection for its first-ever National Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study, a major step toward the aim of halving food waste by 2030.
Running from September 8–21, 2025, fieldwork will capture real data from over 3,000 households and businesses across all seven Emirates. It’s the first time, waste analysis is being carried out at this scale, combining households and business data entered through the ne’ma data hub.
The study is led by ne’ma – the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, in collaboration with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) and local statistics centers, to ensure the results are scientifically rigorous and nationally representative.
MasterChef ChatGPT? How The Latest Technology And AI Can Tackle Our Food Waste Problem The FCSC and local statistics centers are overseeing sample sizes and survey protocols to ensure accuracy, compliance, and quality control.
The data will form the basis of the UAE’s official food loss and waste indices, aligned with the National Food Security Strategy 2051.
‘This nationwide fieldwork is an essential step in building a data-driven foundation to reduce food loss and waste across the UAE,’ said Khuloud Hassan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer at Emirates Foundation and Secretary General of the ne’ma Committee.
Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study Supporting SDGs
‘The cooperation between FCSC, ne’ma, and local statistics centers reflects the UAE’s commitment to transforming insights into action,’ said Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of FCSC. ‘Our role is to ensure the highest levels of statistical accuracy, delivering results that are nationally representative and globally comparable.’
The initiative also supports the UAE’s role as custodian of UN SDG 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production. Her Excellency Alia Abdul Rahim Al Harmoudi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sustainable Communities Sector at MOCCAE, said:
‘The UAE Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study is a cornerstone in supporting the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and advancing the UAE’s commitments to the environment and climate. Accurate data is vital to reduce waste, enhance resource efficiency, and accelerate our transition toward a more sustainable, circular economy.’
The study is the product of a coordinated effort by more than 25 federal and local government entities, including MOCCAE, ADAFSA, Tadweer Group, Dubai Municipality, DECCA, and Aldar.
The final results will be released in the first half of 2026, setting the stage for new initiatives, guidelines, and public engagement strategies to help the UAE achieve its food loss and waste reduction targets by 2030.
