At its recent meeting, the UAERG agreed on a delivery-focused plan built around sustainability, industry capability, and alignment with the UAE’s national priorities.
The UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG) used its latest Annual General Meeting and subsequent Board Meeting to discuss plans for strengthening the country’s foodservice sector. The meetings brought industry leaders together to agree on shared priorities and set the direction for the year ahead. With a clear agenda in place for 2026, UAERG is focused on delivering more value to members, building sector capability, and producing outcomes that align with the UAE’s national priorities.
The AGM and Board Meeting drew board members and the wider membership together as a forum to review progress, confirm UAERG’s role as a sector-wide platform, and agree on priorities for the next phase of growth in the UAE’s food and beverage sector. Discussions focused on moving from conversation into action, with a stronger emphasis on practical initiatives that produce clear results for operators across the market.
During the meetings, UAERG formally reactivated its committees, with solid representation from both the board and the membership. These committees are intended to drive delivery across the sector, moving priority areas forward while keeping initiatives grounded in the real operational needs of the industry and in line with national direction.
The Sustainability Committee will work to advance circularity initiatives across the sector, covering food loss and waste measurement, reduction strategies, and sustainable bio-waste pathways. At the same time, the Education and Innovation and Technology Committee will focus on building industry capability through toolkits, training programmes, pilots, and structured sharing of best practice, helping operators put ideas into practice at scale.
The Membership Engagement and Events Committee will put together a quarterly calendar of engagement sessions, supplier-led workshops, and member showcases to build community connection and deliver commercial value. The Government Relations and Advocacy Committee will gather industry feedback and support policy-aligned delivery through structured engagement with relevant authorities.
UAERG made clear that committee-led work will connect directly to key national programmes. This includes contributing to Ne’ma’s goal of halving food loss and waste by 2030, supporting the objectives of the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021–2031 through reduced food waste and better biological waste recycling, and backing workforce development through NAFIS.
“Our AGM and Board Meeting reaffirmed UAERG’s role as a delivery platform for the sector, turning collaboration into practical outcomes that support growth, sustainability, and national priorities,” said Abdulla Al Mulla, Chairman of UAERG. “By reactivating our committees with strong member and Board participation, we’re shifting from discussion to execution, focused on measurable progress for the UAE’s F&B ecosystem. We’re proud to align the industry around shared priorities, building capability, improving sustainability, and strengthening the UAE’s position as a leading global culinary destination.”
“This AGM and Board Meeting set a clear direction: practical initiatives, actionable toolkits, and pilots designed for real restaurant operations, so progress is achievable and scalable,” said Amit Nayak, Vice Chairman of UAERG. “Our focus for 2026 is execution with impact, connecting stakeholders, aligning with national frameworks, and helping members lead innovation across the sector through clear deliverables and outcomes that genuinely move the needle.”
As UAERG moves into 2026, it plans to strengthen member engagement, grow its partnerships, and work with international associations, supported by a forward calendar of exhibitions, conferences, and sector events. Through this collective, operator-led approach, UAERG aims to deliver progress across sustainability, innovation, and long-term growth in the UAE’s food and beverage sector.
For more information, visit www.uaerg.ae
