Case Study: ne’ma – UAE National Food Loss and Waste Initiative

This case study highlights ne’ma, the UAE’s national initiative to reduce food loss and waste, which mobilizes public and private sectors to achieve a 50% reduction by 2030 in line with SDG 12.3. Through a “target-measure-act” approach, the initiative combines behavioural interventions, data systems, and policy frameworks to drive change across the hospitality sector. Pilot projects using nudges (e.g. smaller plates, messaging, default portions) achieved up to 44% waste reduction, while national-scale efforts engaged over 220 sites in data reporting. Complementary actions such as food redistribution through community fridges, composting, and a “Zero Food to Landfill” framework demonstrate a systemic, circular approach—delivering environmental, social, and economic benefits at scale.