In a pioneering move aimed at addressing food waste issues and enhancing social responsibility, the Emirates Food Bank and DP World, the charitable arm of Dubai Ports World, launched the “Sustainable Goodness” initiative. This initiative, in collaboration with Dubai Municipality and Dubai Customs, seeks to reduce food loss and redistribute leftover shipments at Jebel Ali Port in accordance with approved health standards, reflecting the commitment of the partners to enhance food security in the country.
Details of the Initiative
The initiative was announced during the signing of a cooperation agreement among partners on June 8, 2026, attended by prominent figures such as Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, along with several officials from relevant authorities. This collaboration aims to manage the leftover food shipments at Jebel Ali Port, contributing to the reduction of food waste and improving the effective use of these resources.
The Key Role of the Emirates Food Bank
The Emirates Food Bank will be the main player in receiving the donated food shipments, working to distribute them to those in need. Latifa Al Qamzi, Director of DP World Charity, emphasized the importance of the initiative in turning challenges into opportunities, stating that the bank will play a pivotal role in coordinating food relief operations with partners.
Emphasis on Health Standards
Dubai Municipality will provide technical and regulatory support to ensure that food items meet health specifications before being transferred to the Emirates Food Bank. Dr. Naseem Rafi, Acting Executive Director of the Environment, Health, and Safety Foundation, stated that this committee will provide consultations and controls to comply with food safety standards, thereby enhancing the sustainability and safety of the food system overall. These steps are essential to ensure the quality of transportation and distribution, as well as to build trust in the initiative.
The launch of “Sustainable Goodness” represents an important step toward achieving sustainable food goals and reflects effective collaboration among various entities to promote a culture of social solidarity. Through these efforts, the organizers of the initiative hope to raise awareness about food waste issues and encourage more similar initiatives in the future.