Spike in Ramadan food waste highlights UAE’s growing waste challenge
Dubai, UAE: More than 290 tonnes of food waste have been composted at a Dubai staff accommodation facility over the past four years, as part of an ongoing effort to reduce landfill contributions and cut carbon emissions. The initiative, run by UAE-based facilities management company Farnek, averages around 200 kilograms of food waste processed daily at its Farnek Village staff complex.
The issue of food waste typically intensifies during Ramadan, according to industry experts. Muna Al Nahdi, Director of Sustainability & Consultancy at Farnek, noted that 38% of prepared food in the UAE is wasted each year, with the amount increasing by 25% during Ramadan due to over-preparation for Iftar and Suhour meals.
“Estimates show that food waste per person during Ramadan rises from 2.7kg to 4.5kg daily,” Al Nahdi said. “This translates into a significant economic loss, with food waste costs in the UAE estimated at AED 4 billion annually.”
The environmental impact is also considerable. Food waste that ends up in landfills emits methane, a greenhouse gas that experts say is 25 times more harmful than carbon dioxide. Composting food waste, instead of sending it to landfill, is seen as one way to reduce these emissions.
Farnek installed a 125kg-capacity composting machine in 2021, designed to process a range of organic materials, including leftover rice, bread, meats, eggshells, fruit, and vegetable waste. The machine reduces the volume of waste by up to 90% and produces between 12 to 25 kilograms of fertilizer daily.
According to the company, meals are served to 5,000 staff members at the accommodation complex each day. By composting, the operation is estimated to save 400kg of carbon emissions and divert 200kg of food waste from landfill every day.
Beyond its own operations, Farnek has also provided food waste management support to other entities, including commercial offices, hotels, and large event venues. The company reported helping telecommunications provider du divert 50kg of food waste daily from its Dubai headquarters. During the Coldplay concert at Zayed Sports City earlier this year, 7.6 tonnes of organic waste were diverted over four days.
Farnek is also trialing digital solutions in waste management. Through its sister company HITEK, it has developed WASTEK, an AI-powered platform designed to conduct waste audits, monitor recycling programs, and measure diversion rates.
The UAE has set ambitious targets to reduce food waste as part of its broader environmental goals, including its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Initiatives like on-site composting and data-driven waste management are being viewed as part of the solution to the country’s food waste problem.