• AUS students introduced Thimaar, a blockchain-based platform that reduces food waste and supports sustainable farming communities.
• The project aligns with the UAE Year of Sustainability and global efforts to promote responsible consumption and climate action.
• Thimaar targets a growing USD 50 million market for sustainable food solutions among female homemakers in the UAE.

Thimaar: A Sustainable Marketplace Revolution

A team from the American University of Sharjah (AUS) has developed a blockchain-powered sustainable marketplace. Thimaar connects consumers with farmers while promoting responsible consumption, cutting food waste, and supporting organic agriculture.

No shenanigans here—just smart sustainability!

The platform’s AI-based system calculates grocery portions to minimize waste, rewards customers with loyalty points for food waste collection, and channels repurposed waste to local organic farms.

“Our motto is reach, relive, and reward,” said Izma Fatima, AUS international studies student, while introducing the Thimaar at the ICESCO Youth Climate Leaders Camp. Thimaar took first place at the event and it is set to debut at COP29 in Azerbaijan.

A Bottom-Up Approach to Sustainability

Targeting UAE’s female homemakers—who make up a USD 50 million market for organic food—Thimaar aligns with UAE’s 2024 Year of Sustainability goals: responsible consumption and planting wisely.

It also tackles six United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including zero hunger and climate action. By addressing barriers like accessibility and limited resources, the platform provides a scalable solution for healthier, sustainable household consumption.

Fatima credits AUS’s multidisciplinary education for the team’s success: “Courses in environmental sciences, economics, and international studies gave us the tools to create this comprehensive solution.”

Field visits to initiatives like Sharjah’s Manbat and Shajar, combined with mentorship from sustainability and ESG experts, reinforced the project’s practical foundations.

Aligning with Global and UAE Sustainability Goals

Thimaar exemplifies how technology can address environmental and social challenges, aligning perfectly with the local and global sustainability agendas.

By fostering a circular economy and leveraging blockchain for transparency, the platform promises long-term impact in food systems.

While scalability and market adoption present challenges, Thimaar’s alignment with global trends in responsible consumption provide it with additional support.