The holy month of Ramadan is all about giving, and the UAE Food Bank and the National Initiative to Reduce Food Loss and Waste, Ne’ma, have teamed up for a unique Ramadan initiative — rescuing food before it hits the bin and turning it into one million meals for those in need.
Turning Leftovers into Lifesavers
This initiative is making a huge impact during Ramadan 2025, ensuring that untouched surplus food from hotels doesn’t go to waste. Instead, it will be safely collected, packaged, and distributed to vulnerable communities across the UAE.
Community Fridges: Free Food for Those Who Need It
The UAE Food Bank and Ne’ma have also rolled out “Ne’ma Community Fridges” across Dubai, where untouched surplus food from hotels will be free and available for anyone who needs it.
These fridges will be monitored to ensure food safety, meaning good food gets to the right people safely. A simple yet powerful way to tackle food insecurity while reducing unnecessary waste.
Leaders Speak: The Future of Food Waste is Changing!
“With the UAE Food Bank, we are building a model that merges food security, sustainability, and social responsibility. The results speak for themselves,” said Khuloud Hassan Al Nowais, from Emirates Foundation
“This is more than seasonal giving—it’s a long-term mission to stop food waste and feed communities,” Manal Bin Yaroof, Head of the UAE Food Bank’s Executive Team, added.
Dubai’s hospitality sector is leading the charge, with 56 hotels already on board. Yousuf Lootah, CEO of Corporate Strategy at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “Dubai is setting the standard for sustainable tourism and responsible consumption.”
Meanwhile, Majid Al Futtaim Properties is supporting the effort by installing three community fridges in the Mall of the Emirates. Mall Director Hussain Moosa explained: “This is about making good food accessible to those who need it while reducing unnecessary waste.”
