Food waste is a growing challenge in Saudi Arabia, especially given the country’s heavy dependence on imported food. Despite strong purchasing power, a large share of food ends up discarded instead of consumed.
How Big Is the Problem?
On a per-person basis, food waste is among the highest in the world. Estimates range from 250 to over 400 kg per person each year, which is several times higher than the global average.
What Types of Food Are Wasted Most?
The largest share of food waste happens at the household and retail level.
- Fruits and vegetables make up around 45% of total waste
- Bread and cereals account for about 14–19%
- Meat and meat products contribute roughly 16%
Large quantities of rice, vegetables, and bakery items are thrown away daily, even though most of these foods are imported.
Why Does Food Waste Happen?
Food waste in Saudi Arabia is driven by a mix of cultural, social, and economic factors.
Hospitality culture plays a major role. Generous food portions are seen as a sign of respect and status, especially during Ramadan, weddings, and large gatherings. During Ramadan alone, daily food waste rises sharply.
Overbuying and poor planning are also common. Many households shop without strict lists, leading to excess food that expires or spoils before use.
Date label confusion adds to the issue. Many people throw food away at the “best before” date, even though the food is still safe to eat.
Restaurants and Retail Waste
Buffets, large portion sizes, and promotional offers encourage overconsumption.
Many diners feel uncomfortable taking leftovers home, and restaurants often prepare more food than needed. Retail promotions also push shoppers to buy perishable items in bulk, increasing spoilage at home.
Environmental Impact
Most food waste in Saudi Arabia ends up in landfills, where it releases methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide.
Since around 80% of food is imported, the environmental damage is not limited to Saudi Arabia. Water, land, and energy used to produce this food are wasted in the exporting countries as well.
Economic Impact
Food waste directly costs the Kingdom SAR 40 billion every year. It also increases dependence on food imports and exposes the country to global price fluctuations.
Studies suggest that reducing food waste could lower food prices and improve long-term food security.
Government Targets and Vision 2030
Food waste reduction is a priority under Saudi Vision 2030.
The goal is to reduce food waste from 33% to 15% by 2030. By 2024, the Kingdom had already achieved a 16% reduction compared to 2019 levels.
Food Recovery and Charity Programs
The Saudi Food Bank (Eta’am) plays a key role in redistributing surplus food. It collects safe, unused food from restaurants, events, and businesses and delivers it to families in need.
Programs like Negaderha, supported by international partners, focus on measuring food waste, improving awareness, and promoting better practices across the supply chain.
Laws and Regulations
In 2020, Saudi authorities required restaurants and wedding halls to cooperate with food banks to preserve and redistribute excess food.
The 2021 Waste Management Law, overseen by the National Center for Waste Management, sets rules for waste sorting, transport, and disposal across the Kingdom.
Reducing food waste is not only an environmental necessity—it is also essential for economic efficiency, food security, and sustainable living in Saudi Arabia.