Food waste is a global problem. Roughly one-third of the food produced worldwide gets lost or is wasted in food production or simply goes uneaten, according to a recent report by UNEP and the World Resources Institute. Between 35 and 50 per cent of the total waste generated in Abu Dhabi is food, which dramatically increases during Ramadan every year.
There have been many admirable private initiatives to prevent food waste across the country. Saving Grace, for example, is an arm of the Red Crescent that collects and distributes leftover food from around the country. As The National reported yesterday, the initiative has been collaborating with Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi since 2012 to distribute untouched iftar dishes to labour camp workers and needy families.
These efforts are having a positive effect. So much so that we should consider efforts to broaden their reach throughout the entire year. With the right organisational infrastructure in place, we can create a system that would ensure that unused food from hotels and supermarkets makes it into the hands of the needy.
Some countries have already introduced legislation to this end. In France, a law has been passed that compels supermarkets to donate unsold food to charity or food banks. Italy is also set to pass a law to give businesses incentives to donate food and amend food safety regulations allowing them to donate food after its “best before” date is expired. And Denmark has opened its first WeFood supermarket also this year, selling expired but perfectly edible products at prices 30 to 50 per cent cheaper than normal supermarkets.
Such a system here would need to adhere to the highest standards of safety and health. With a national organisation in place that could prudently oversee the collection of food, we could build upon the lessons of Ramadan to help all sectors of society throughout the year. The outpouring of goodwill for those in need during this month is a testament to our commitment that no one in the country will go hungry.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
LAST 16
SEEDS
Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona, Paris St-Germain, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, Valencia, Juventus
PLUS
Real Madrid, Tottenham, Atalanta, Atletico Madrid, Napoli, Borussia Dortmund, Lyon, Chelsea
UAE v IRELAND
All matches start at 10am, and will be played in Abu Dhabi
1st ODI, Friday, January 8
2nd ODI, Sunday, January 10
3rd ODI, Tuesday, January 12
4th ODI, Thursday, January 14
Gifts exchanged
- King Charles - replica of President Eisenhower Sword
- Queen Camilla - Tiffany & Co vintage 18-carat gold, diamond and ruby flower brooch
- Donald Trump - hand-bound leather book with Declaration of Independence
- Melania Trump - personalised Anya Hindmarch handbag
RESULTS
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The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
Profile box
Founders: Michele Ferrario, Nino Ulsamer and Freddy Lim
Started: established in 2016 and launched in July 2017
Based: Singapore, with offices in the UAE, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand
Sector: FinTech, wealth management
Initial investment: $500,000 in seed round 1 in 2016; $2.2m in seed round 2 in 2017; $5m in series A round in 2018; $12m in series B round in 2019; $16m in series C round in 2020 and $25m in series D round in 2021
Current staff: more than 160 employees
Stage: series D
Investors: EightRoads Ventures, Square Peg Capital, Sequoia Capital India
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
