DCT Abu Dhabi Partners with Ne’ma to Fight Food Waste

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has joined forces with ne’ma, the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, to promote responsible consumption and reduce food waste across the tourism and hospitality sectors. This collaboration is a crucial step in Abu Dhabi’s commitment to sustainable tourism, supporting the UAE’s broader environmental and food security goals.

A Key Partnership for Sustainability

The agreement was signed by Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, Director-General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, and Khuloud Hasan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer of Emirates Foundation and Secretary-General of the ne’ma National Steering Committee. The goal of the partnership is to reduce food loss and waste in the UAE, which is a central part of the National Food Security Strategy 2051. This initiative also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, aiming to cut food waste globally by 50% by 2030.

Moving Towards Responsible Consumption

The collaboration between DCT Abu Dhabi and ne’ma will implement sustainable practices throughout the tourism sector. Restaurants, hotels, and other tourism establishments will be encouraged to adopt strategies like portion control, menu optimization, and creative use of surplus food. These measures will help reduce food waste while promoting responsible consumption among tourists and residents.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to sustainability includes developing educational campaigns to raise awareness about the environmental impact of food waste and encourage mindful consumption. Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry emphasized the importance of this initiative in supporting Abu Dhabi’s growth as a global destination that prioritizes sustainable practices.

“As Abu Dhabi continues to grow as a leading global destination, it is essential that we advance our commitment to sustainable development, establishing our emirate as a responsible hub for tourism and events,” said Al Geziry. "The partnership with ne’ma sets out a roadmap for meaningful action to reduce food loss and waste while creating awareness among travellers and stakeholders about responsible consumption.”

Key Initiatives to Reduce Food Waste

As part of the agreement, DCT Abu Dhabi will also facilitate the redistribution of surplus food to charitable organizations, food banks, or for composting. This initiative will help minimize food waste while supporting local communities. Additionally, the partnership will focus on data collection to monitor food waste trends within the tourism sector, identifying areas for improvement and refining future strategies.

This collaboration is not limited to the tourism sector alone. DCT Abu Dhabi aims to promote broader sustainability initiatives, such as reducing single-use plastics, supporting local food producers, and minimizing transportation-related emissions.

Supporting Events with Sustainable Practices

DCT Abu Dhabi and ne’ma have already taken action together. For example, at the inaugural Retrofit Summit, DCT Abu Dhabi worked with ne’ma to reduce food waste and carbon emissions, diverting 89 kg of food waste from landfills and producing 17.8 kg of compost for local farmers. The Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB) also collaborated with ne’ma at the ICCA Congress, adopting ne’ma’s Zero Food to Landfill framework to ensure the event’s operations were sustainable and waste was minimized.

A Step Toward a Sustainable Tourism Future

The partnership between DCT Abu Dhabi and ne’ma marks an important milestone in the UAE’s journey toward a more sustainable tourism sector. By tackling food waste, promoting responsible consumption, and supporting local communities, this collaboration not only contributes to the National Food Security Strategy 2051 but also aligns with the UAE’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

This agreement underscores the growing importance of sustainability in the tourism industry, making Abu Dhabi a responsible hub for both tourists and businesses alike.