Qatar’s fight against food waste is no longer a peripheral charity effort; it is fast becoming a prominent feature of national policy. Under the umbrella of the Qatar National Food Security Strategy 2030, ministries, researchers and civil society groups are aligning their efforts to confront one of the most pressing yet often overlooked challenges of modern prosperity which is food wastage.
At the heart of this movement stands the Hifz Al Naema Center, a community-based initiative established in 2008 that has steadily evolved into a pillar of Qatar’s social and environmental landscape. Its model is simple but powerful; collect surplus food from restaurants, banquets and events, ensure strict food safety compliance, and redistribute it to low-income families and workers. In doing so, it transforms excess into dignity.
The initiative reflects a broader shift in mindset. Food security is no longer measured solely by import capacity or storage infrastructure; it is also about efficiency, sustainability and responsible consumption. In a country that has rapidly developed over the past decades, tackling extravagance and overconsumption is both a moral and strategic imperative.
Ramadan offers a vivid example of how policy and compassion intersect. During the holy month, the center intensified operations, distributing thousands of Iftar meals daily and expanding its “Iftar for a Fasting Person” project to industrial areas and Muither. Surplus meals collected from gatherings were carefully repackaged and delivered to those in need. In partnership with the General Directorate of Endowments at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, it also contributed to the “Basket of Giving” campaign, supporting more than 2,000 underprivileged families.
The numbers from 2025 speak volumes. As many as 280,197 meals provided, benefiting 333,088 individuals. Yet the true impact extends beyond statistics. By embedding awareness campaigns on rational consumption, recycling and environmental protection into its operations, the center is cultivating a culture of moderation and shared responsibility.
What makes Qatar’s approach noteworthy is its multi-stakeholder coordination. Public institutions, private enterprises, research bodies and charitable organizations are working in concert rather than isolation. This integrated framework reduces food loss, strengthens resilience against supply disruptions and reinforces social cohesion.
