ne’ma scales up Ramadan campaign with surplus food donations

Ne’ma, the national food loss and waste initiative, will pack Family Iftar Boxes with surplus fresh produce and non-perishable items from major suppliers, and distribute it to more than 10,000 low-income families this Ramadan.

It's under ne’ma's newly expanded 'Valuing Our Roots' campaign that will cover Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.  

It will mobilise thousands of volunteers, including corporate teams and families, to pack and distribute boxes at seven central hubs, including Expo City Dubai and Al Moatasem School in Abu Dhabi.

Organisers said they aim to save more than 300,000 tonnes of food across the value chain, targeting a 50 per cent increase in recovered food surplus compared to 2025.

It will see Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), the Khalifa Foundation, Majid Al Futtaim Group, and more than 20 food retailers and distributors join forces. 

The campaign "reminds us that food security is the foundation of a thriving society," highlighted Khuloud Hassan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer of Emirates Foundation and ne’ma’s Committee Secretary General. "We are redirecting surplus food to protect resources, honour our heritage, and ensure that safe, nutritious produce and non-perishables reach deserving families across the Emirates."

Humaid Al Rumaithi, CEO of Food Security at Silal, noted that they are aiming to "strengthen surplus management systems, improve redistribution channels, and advance responsible food practices across the value chain".

Ne’ma is committed to advancing national goals under the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051 and supporting the country’s pledge to halve food loss by 2030.