UAE's Ramadan: Cutting Food Waste Sustainably

Sustainable Ramadan: How Food Companies Reduce Waste in UAE

The month of Ramadan is not only a time for spiritual reflection and self-discipline in the UAE but also a period of increased focus on sustainability. Food waste has always been a challenge during this month when restaurants and hotels prepare large quantities of food for Iftar and Suhoor. Over the years, more and more food companies, hotels, and restaurants have launched initiatives to reduce this waste. In 2024, technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), and donation programs play a crucial role in this process.

The Role of UAE Food Bank in Combating Food Waste

The UAE Food Bank is one of the country's key organizations focusing on collecting food surpluses and delivering them to those in need. In 2024, they have established several significant partnerships to further reduce the amount of food waste. In the previous year, they saved 5,466 tons of food from ending up in landfills, aiming to reduce food waste in the country by 30% by 2027.

As part of these efforts, numerous restaurants and food companies are working with the UAE Food Bank to safely package and distribute their surplus food to those in need. The food bank has issued detailed guidelines for restaurants regarding the packaging and transportation of surplus food, ensuring that all donated food remains fit for consumption.

Deliveroo and the Introduction of Donation Vans

Food delivery service Deliveroo, in collaboration with the UAE Food Bank, launched a special van to collect surplus food from its partners and distribute it to those in need. The company works with over 13,000 partners in the UAE, and their campaign has received a huge positive response. Deliveroo's Head of Communications for the Middle East stated that their partners are particularly interested in food recycling and redistribution, ensuring that food does not go to waste but reaches the best possible place.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Reducing Waste

The use of artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly widespread in the food industry, particularly as part of sustainability efforts. Conrad Dubai, a leading hotel of the Hilton chain, implemented an AI-based tracking system under the Green Ramadan initiative to reduce food waste. Their goal is to cut food waste in half during the month.

The hotel uses locally grown ingredients and operates a hydroponic farm that ensures fresh, local produce. They also participate in composting programs so that leftover food is not wasted. Hilton's collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program West Asia and Winnow AI technology has been successfully running for three years, saving thousands of meals from being discarded.

Dubai World Trade Centre and Charity Partnerships

The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Majlis for Iftar is one of the longest-standing venues of its kind in the UAE. This year, it renews its partnership with the Tarahum Charity Foundation and the UAE Food Bank to ensure that leftover food is delivered to those in need. Such collaborations are increasingly common in the country as they contribute not only to reducing waste but also to helping the most vulnerable segments of society.

Restaurant Initiatives: Menus Instead of Buffets

Several restaurants have decided to change the way they serve food this year to reduce waste. For instance, Punjab Grill Dubai offers fixed menus instead of traditional buffets during Ramadan. This reduces the amount of pre-prepared food and decreases the likelihood of food ending up in the trash. According to the restaurant's spokesperson, guests can request smaller portions if they fear they won't be able to finish the whole meal. Additionally, leftover food can be packed to take home for Suhoor consumption.

Summary

Reducing food waste in the UAE is gaining more attention, especially during the month of Ramadan. Food banks, food delivery services, hotels, and restaurants are working together to ensure that surplus food does not end up in landfills but on the tables of those in need. AI-based systems, locally grown foods, and recycling programs all contribute to sustainability. The UAE Food Bank and companies like Deliveroo and Conrad Dubai increasingly create opportunities for effective and long-term sustainable solutions in the fight against food waste.