A bold step in sustainability, Terrazo aims to redistribute 10,000+ nutritious meals by September 2025 through restaurant collaboration and waste reduction
Expo City Dubai has launched Terrazo, a pioneering food rescue programme designed to repurpose high-quality surplus food from restaurants and deliver it to blue-collar workers across the site. The initiative reflects Expo City’s broader commitment to sustainability, food security, and social inclusion.
The pilot phase of Terrazo will run until September 2025, with the ambitious goal of distributing over 10,000 nutritious meals. According to Mai Shalaby, Senior Manager – Sustainability at Expo City Dubai, the programme is already gaining traction among onsite restaurants, many of which are now actively setting aside high-quality surplus food daily.
“Restaurants are responding enthusiastically by integrating Terrazo into their operations,” Shalaby told Arabian Business. “This initiative doesn’t just help reduce food waste—it brings real dignity and care to workers who play a vital role in our community.”
The project aligns with Expo City’s post-event legacy as a “city of the future” that actively champions innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. By harnessing existing resources and forging a culture of responsible consumption, Terrazo is creating a closed-loop food ecosystem that prioritizes both people and planet.
In addition to feeding thousands, the programme is expected to raise awareness about food waste, encourage hospitality-sector engagement, and potentially serve as a model for other urban communities seeking practical, scalable sustainability solutions.
As Terrazo grows, Expo City Dubai plans to expand restaurant participation and track the programme’s impact, reinforcing the city’s vision for a more equitable and environmentally conscious urban future.
