Sustainable Iftar Initiative: How Reducing Food Waste This Ramadan Can Benefit Your Business in Oman
As the sun sets over Muscat, tables quickly become filled with food. Dates are shared, soups are served, and generous platters of rice, grilled meats, and sweets are laid out in abundance.
In homes, hotels, and special Ramadan tents, generosity is at the forefront of hospitality. However, a stark reality often unfolds by the end of the evening: half-eaten trays and overflowing plates reveal a quieter narrative. In a month traditionally focused on restraint, the question arises: can Ramadan, a time for spiritual discipline, also provide an opportunity for Oman to address the issue of food waste?
Globally, food waste has reached alarming heights. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that 1.05 billion tonnes of food were wasted worldwide in 2022, accounting for 19% of food available for consumption. Households are responsible for about 60% of this wastage, equating to around 79 kilograms per person per year.
Beyond ethical considerations, UNEP further highlights that food waste contributes to 8 to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to methane released from landfills.
In the Gulf region, eating habits intensify during Ramadan. Studies indicate that food waste can surge by 25% to 50% during this holy month compared to other times of the year. While specific data for Oman remains sparse, national statistics reveal the magnitude of the broader challenge.
According to Be’ah, Oman’s integrated waste management authority, the country generates over 1.7 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, with organic waste constituting a significant portion.
The environmental impact of this waste is substantial. The Food and Agriculture Organization has reported that producing one kilogram of rice requires approximately 2,500 liters of water, while one kilogram of beef can demand as much as 15,000 liters. When such food is discarded, the precious resources of water, land, and energy are lost— a pressing concern for arid nations already facing water scarcity.
Moreover, the climate implications are urgent. Methane, which is emitted as organic waste decomposes in landfills, has a global warming potential more than 80 times greater than that of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Consequently, reducing food waste is recognized globally as one of the most effective and affordable strategies for climate mitigation.
Ramadan embodies values of moderation, gratitude, and empathy for the less fortunate. Islamic teachings discourage excess and waste, aligning closely with contemporary sustainability principles. However, societal expectations regarding hospitality often lead to over-preparation, as hosts worry about not meeting their guests’ needs.
Positive changes are gradually emerging. Charities and volunteer organizations across Oman have expanded initiatives to distribute meals during Ramadan, redirecting surplus food to low-income workers and families in need. Community fridges in several neighborhoods enable safe sharing of excess meals. Some hospitality venues have begun to refine their buffet services, employing smaller serving trays that are replenished regularly, analyzing consumption patterns, and coordinating food redistribution where possible.
At the household level, minor behavioral adjustments can lead to significant reductions in waste. Planning meals, moderating portion sizes, creatively repurposing leftovers for Suhoor, and collaborating with neighbors can help minimize avoidable waste.
Public awareness campaigns that link religious values with environmental stewardship can further reinforce the understanding that sustainability is inherently connected to faith.
As Oman pursues its environmental goals under Vision 2040 and broader sustainability initiatives, the reduction of organic waste is increasingly becoming part of a national dialogue on resource efficiency, climate resilience, and responsible consumption. This Ramadan, a month dedicated to reflection and self-discipline, presents a unique opportunity to harmonize spiritual intentions with environmental efforts.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The increasing food waste during Ramadhan presents a dual challenge and opportunity for businesses in Oman. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should consider initiatives that align with sustainable practices, such as partnerships with charities and innovative food redistribution strategies, which can both appeal to consumers and reduce operational waste. Moreover, as Oman pursues its Vision 2040, the focus on sustainability could position businesses that prioritize resource efficiency and environmental responsibility favorably in a competitive marketplace.
