Latest news with #AbdullaAlMulla
Web Release
4 days ago
- Business
- Web Release
UAE Restaurant Group Supports the UAE's First Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study
The UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG) has announced its support for a first-of-its-kind study aimed at addressing food waste across all sectors in the UAE, including the hospitality sector. Led by ne'ma – the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, the UAE's First Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study will measure and collect real data across the value chain. These insights will contribute to the creation of national FLW indices, forming the foundation for evidence-based actions and long-term progress. Backed by a coalition of hospitality leaders, including HAMA MEA and Dubai Hotel Group, UAERG will spearhead industry-wide collaboration and mobilize key stakeholders to ensure robust data collection. By generating sector-specific data, the study will support the generation of actionable insights that drive meaningful progress across the hospitality sector. It will also empower businesses to adopt unified measurement tools and best practices for reducing food waste, contributing to the UAE's goal of halving food loss and waste by 2030, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 12.3. Abdulla Al Mulla, Chairman of UAERG, said, 'We are thrilled to support this vital study by ne'ma alongside HAMA MEA and Dubai Hotel Group as we collectively work towards a more efficient and sustainable future for the UAE's hospitality sector. By leveraging our platform and industry network, we aim to empower restaurants to make meaningful changes that significantly reduce food waste in the years to come.' Khuloud Hassan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer of Emirates Foundation and ne'ma Committee Secretary General, said, 'The UAE's commitment to sustainable production and consumption calls for shared responsibility and collective action to address food loss and waste across all sectors. ne'ma is collaborating with the UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG), HAMA MEA, and Dubai Hotel Group to engage the hospitality sector in driving measurable change and support the UAE's first Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study. The study will generate real data, build national benchmarks, and inform evidence-based interventions. By participating, restaurants and hospitality leaders will be empowered to track progress, adopt best practices, and contribute meaningfully to the national target of halving food loss and waste by 2030, while also helping scale the hospitality sector's role in achieving long-term sustainability goals.' Amit Nayak, CHA, Chairman of Dubai Hotel Group & Vice President of HAMA MEA, stated: 'Sustainability is no longer a choice; it is a responsibility. As industry leaders, we must set the benchmark for positive change. At HAMA MEA and Dubai Hotel Group, we recognize that tackling food waste is critical to shaping a more resilient and responsible hospitality sector. By supporting ne'ma's groundbreaking study, we are not only contributing to the UAE's national sustainability goals but also empowering businesses with the insights they need to implement meaningful, informed solutions. This collaboration reflects our commitment to powering innovation, driving impactful change, and ensuring a future where sustainability and profitability go hand in hand.' Tyrone Reid, UAERG Board Member and CEO of MMI & ELR, added, 'As a voice in the UAE's F&B sector, UAERG is proud to support ne'ma's national mission to reduce food loss and waste. This collaboration reflects our commitment to sustainability as a business priority and as part of our shared responsibility to the UAE's long-term goals. By participating in the baseline study and embedding data-driven practices across our member restaurants, we are contributing to a more efficient, resilient, and globally recognized hospitality sector.' Originally founded as the Dubai Restaurant Group in 2020, the UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG) brings together leading voices from across the food and beverage landscape. Beyond championing culinary excellence and positioning the UAE as a global dining destination, the group plays a key role in supporting innovation, sustainability, and sector-wide growth. In line with this role, the group has proposed the creation of a dedicated working group comprising leadership from HAMA MEA, Dubai Hotel Group, and UAERG to further the UAE's leadership in sustainability within the hospitality industry. As UAERG continues to elevate the UAE's F&B industry, initiatives like ne'ma's pioneering study ensure the nation stays at the forefront of innovation and sustainable best practices. Through promoting data-driven solutions and encouraging industry-wide collaboration, UAERG's support of this study, alongside industry leaders HAMA MEA and Dubai Hotel Group, marks a major step toward a more resilient and responsible hospitality ecosystem. For more information, please visit To learn more about ne'ma, please visit
The National
27-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Best photos of May 27: Umm Qasr port in Iraq to beachfront in Beirut
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib. The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation. It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi. The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition. Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: 'The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.'
Web Release
13-02-2025
- Business
- Web Release
UAE Restaurant Group Celebrates a Successful Open Day
? The UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG), the official representative body of the UAE's food and beverage sector, recently hosted its second Open Day. The event, held at Dubai Chambers on February 10th, once again welcomed UAERG members, government representatives, and industry leaders to join the conversation. Featuring panel discussions, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities, attendees were given valuable insights into the trends shaping the future of the UAE's F&B industry. The Open Day kicked off with a warm welcome from?Abdulla Al Mulla, Chairman of UAERG, followed by an overview of the day's agenda by?Tapan Vaidya, Treasurer of UAERG. Afterward, attendees were treated to a keynote speech from?Maha Al Gargawi, Vice President of Business Advocacy at Dubai Chambers, highlighting the role of the F&B industry in Dubai and UAE's economies. ? Continuing the conversation,?Daniela Mombelli, Director of Business Consulting, discussed Performance & Talent Management, emphasising how leveraging technology can empower leaders to make data-driven decisions, streamline performance reviews, and identify future leaders through performance metrics. Her talk also explored the Value Chain of Key Functions within the industry, categorising them into primary, strategic, and enabling functions. ? Innovations in restaurant technology were highlighted by?Tjalling van den Burger, VP Enterprise at Adyen. Notably, contactless payment methods are on the rise, with 28% of consumers opting for digital wallets, and 27% reporting a year-on-year increase in contactless payments. Meanwhile,?Claudia De Brito, Middle East Academy Chair for World's 50 Best Restaurants, provided insights into the voting process for MENA's 50 Best, highlightimg the diversity and balance within the voting panels. ? Additionally,?Christopher Hewett, Secretary General of UAERG, shared exciting developments in Ras Al Khaimah, outlining opportunities in sectors such as hospitality, residential development, experiential dining, and community retail. The vision for RAK Central as a 'work-live-play' destination was particularly emphasised, aiming to attract corporate tenants and enhance the living standards in the area. ? The Open Day also featured engaging panel discussions, one of which brought together top industry leaders?Stefano Mihalitsianos, Managing Director of Tashas Group,?Peggy Li, Founder & CEO of SPS Affinity,?and?Naved Nasir, Founder of Khadak.?Moderated by?Richard Dean of Dubai Eye, the conversation delved into strategies for navigating challenges and maximising success in the sector. ? The day concluded with a compelling talk featuring government representatives from the Department of Economy & Tourism, Dubai Municipality, and Dubai Police. Finally, closing remarks by?Amit Nayak, Vice Chairman of UAERG, highlighted the thriving tourism and hospitality industry, noting a 9% increase in visitation and hotel occupancy rates reaching 80% for the year 2024. Abdulla Al Mulla, Chairman of UAERG , said, 'Bringing together key voices from across the UAE's F&B industry was truly an honour, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed their insights to this vital discussion. We look forward to continuing to serve as a platform for collaboration, ensuring the UAE remains at the forefront of the ever-evolving F&B landscape.' ? Reflecting on the success of the Open Day,?Amit Nayak, Vice Chairman of UAERG, added, 'Following the positive feedback from our first UAERG Open Day in collaboration with Dubai Chamber of Commerce, we were delighted to offer attendees an even more insightful experience this time around. By bringing industry leaders across the Emirates together, UAERG continues to provide a space where professionals can share perspectives, address challenges, and develop innovative solutions that will shape the nation's dynamic economy.' ? The success of the Open Day reinforced UAERG's role in uniting the UAE's restaurant community and strengthening its global competitiveness. Through initiatives like these, the UAE Restaurant Group continues to drive collaboration, innovation, and growth within the food and beverage sector. For more information, please visit
