COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS TO TACKLE FOOD WASTE IN DUBAI
Dubai: The National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, known as ne’ma, is joining forces with Taste of Dubai to boost initiatives aimed at reducing food waste within the UAE’s event landscape. Following their successful initial partnership during Taste of Abu Dhabi 2024, ne’ma aided in diverting 310 kilograms of food waste from ending up in landfills, which in turn prevented the release of 775 kilograms of CO2e greenhouse gas emissions and resulted in the creation of 62 kilograms of compost. This collaboration promises to introduce significant sustainability initiatives at one of Dubai’s most eagerly awaited culinary festivals and set a standard for large-scale events and festivals across the region.
EVENT DETAILS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Scheduled for February 14 to 16, the Taste of Dubai festival will take place at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, drawing an expected 25,000 attendees. Over the course of three days, ne’ma will coordinate efforts with chefs, restaurants, and vendors involved to effectively manage food waste and educate attendees on practical strategies for reducing waste in their everyday lives.
INSIGHTS FROM STAKEHOLDERS ON SUSTAINABILITY
Khuloud Hasan Al Nuwais, who serves as the Chief Sustainability Officer of Emirates Foundation and Secretary-General of ne’ma’s Steering Committee, expressed: “Following the success of our initiative with Taste of Abu Dhabi, we are proud to extend our impact at Taste of Dubai, engaging with the community and setting a benchmark for sustainable event management. By providing practical solutions and raising awareness, we aim to inspire long-term behavioral change and shift towards more responsible food consumption.”
Maddy Spicer, the Marketing Director of MENA Live Events (the organizers of Taste of Dubai), commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with ne’ma to be part of a solution that is so important for the community and wider global efforts to reduce food waste. As MENA Live Events continues to deliver major festivals in the region, we are proud that we can use our platform to spread joy and entertainment, while also integrating meaningful initiatives on a large scale for thousands of people.”
METHODOLOGIES FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT AT THE FESTIVAL
To facilitate effective management of food waste during the festival, trained staff will be on hand to assist with waste segregation processes. The initiative will implement a systematic waste disposal strategy, incorporating initiative-branded bins for visitors as well as back-of-house bins for restaurants and cooking stations. This includes efficient transportation and routine clearance to maintain effective waste management. Vendors will receive guidance on diminishing waste, and any collected food waste will be composted and repurposed for agricultural applications.
VISION FOR A WASTED FOOD-FREE UAE
With a strong commitment to advocacy, partnerships, and proactive outreach, ne’ma envisions transforming the UAE into a nation that leaves no food wasted.