The National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, ne’ma, has wrapped up its Ramadan 2025 campaign with powerful results, reinforcing the UAE’s vision for sustainable consumption. Under the theme 'Valuing the Blessing', ne’ma brought together volunteers, industry stakeholders, and government partners to rescue surplus food and redistribute it to communities in need across the country.
Through large-scale efforts like the Family Iftar Box, Community Fridges, and One Million Surplus Meals, ne’ma helped promote mindful consumption and generosity during the holy month—while making real progress toward the UAE’s target of reducing food loss and waste by 50% by 2030.
Thanks to the support of over 23 partners from sectors including logistics, hospitality, food distribution, and retail, ne’ma ensured that rescued food was effectively repurposed and delivered. More than 1,300 volunteers contributed an impressive 21,000 hours packing and distributing food across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah.
The Family Iftar Box alone helped rescue approximately 250,000kg of fresh surplus produce and non-perishables, reaching over 8,800 low-income families through the distribution of 25,000 boxes, each designed to support a four-member household for an entire week.
Beyond its humanitarian impact, the campaign also supported environmental sustainability. The programme helped prevent 630,000kg of CO2 emissions and converted 4,000kg of inedible food waste into 800kg of organic compost, directly benefiting the agricultural sector.
Meanwhile, the Community Fridges initiative recovered over 26,000 untouched surplus Iftar meals, equivalent to 10,400kg of food, and helped avoid an additional 26,500kg of CO2 emissions. Supported by 37 hotels and food service providers, 10 community fridges were set up across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, offering accessible, nutritious meals to low-income individuals.
The 'Valuing the Blessing' campaign also supports the Year of the Community, aligning national priorities with meaningful action to improve consumption behaviours and reduce food waste at every level, from households to supply chains.
As ne’ma drives forward with its data-driven approach, the campaign’s success proves that when communities, companies, and institutions come together, real change will always ensue.