“Na'matak” A Smart Platform for Food Security and Community Sustainability

Student Project Spotlight: “Na'matak” A Smart Platform for Food Security and Community Sustainability

A new student project developed at Ajman University is tackling the UAE's food waste crisis through a smart digital platform that connects households, businesses, and government entities. Titled “Na'matak” (نعمتك), which translates to “Your Blessing,” the project is described as an integrated platform for food management and community sustainability. At its core is a mobile application that reduces food waste by connecting surplus meals from restaurants and stores directly to consumers at affordable prices, while rewarding users for sustainable behaviors.

The project, developed by students Duaa Al-Alimi, Munira Kamel, Sara Waleed, and Layan from Ajman University, responds to a pressing national challenge: the UAE wastes an estimated 2.7 kilograms of food per person daily 225 kilograms annually resulting in an economic loss of approximately AED 13 billion per year. A survey of 6,083 respondents conducted as part of the study revealed that 85% consider food waste a national challenge, but 67% struggle to reduce it due to a lack of awareness and accessible options.

Na'matak addresses this through a comprehensive digital ecosystem. The platform features a government dashboard for entities like the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) to monitor surplus food saved, CO₂ reduced, active businesses, and community members in real time. A business dashboard enables restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets to track meals sold, revenue, and items near expiry. Users earn points for sustainable actions, such as rescuing food or completing educational challenges, which can be redeemed for eco-friendly rewards like seed kits, solar chargers, and bamboo cutlery. An AI-powered assistant, NematukGPT, provides budget-smart shopping guidance and recipe suggestions to help households reduce waste at the source.

The platform also includes a community awareness hub with campaigns, challenges, and courses to promote a culture of responsible consumption. By bridging the gap between food surplus and food need, Na'matak supports the UAE's National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the Emirates Food Security Council's vision.

Supporting SDG 13: Climate Action

This project directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 13 by reducing methane emissions from food waste in landfills one of the most potent greenhouse gases. By rescuing surplus food and redirecting it to consumers, Na'matak also lowers the carbon footprint associated with food production, transportation, and disposal. It aligns with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through its reward-driven platform and community engagement model, Na'matak demonstrates how student innovation can drive behavioral change and build a more resilient, climate-conscious food system for the UAE.

Keywords: Na'matak, food waste, food security, SDG 13, Climate Action, sustainable consumption, smart platform, community engagement, behavioral change, AI assistant, UAE, student innovation, Ajman University

To view the project, click here.