Over 84 hotels and caterers across the UAE commit to zero-waste frameworks
ne’ma, the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, is collaborating with the UAE hospitality sector to formalize food rescue as a standard operational practice.
For Ramadan 2026, more than 84 hospitality outlets will contribute untouched surplus meals from Iftar buffets to an expanded network of Smart Community Fridges.
“This shift ensures that the hospitality sector, a cornerstone of the UAE’s economy, becomes a key driver in our national mission to halve food waste by 2030,” commented Khuloud Hassan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer, Emirates Foundation and ne’ma’s Committee Secretary General.
Data-Driven Impact
The Smart Community Fridges initiative has grown rapidly, increasing from 3,132 meals rescued in 2023 to 39,000 in 2025. With 31 hotels in Dubai and 46 in Abu Dhabi participating this Ramadan, the programme is set to surpass previous years in both the volume and weight of surplus food redistributed.
The deployment and expansion of the Smart Community Fridges are supported through strategic partnerships with Erth Abu Dhabi, Aldar, Majid Al Futtaim, and Abu Dhabi National Hotels Catering (ADNH Catering), strengthening the operational integration of food rescue across hospitality and mixed-use destinations.
MoU
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ne’ma last month, ADNH Catering will facilitate the collection of surplus food from its central kitchens and support the placement of Smart Community Fridges at key client locations.
“Our partnership ensures that the high-quality food we prepare reaches those who need it most, while minimizing our environmental footprint,” observed Vishal Subba, Chief People Officer, Abu Dhabi National Hotels Catering (ADNH Catering).
