emirates7 - A blockchain-driven sustainable marketplace concept, Thimaar, led by an American University of Sharjah (AUS) student, secured first place at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation’s (ICESCO) Youth Climate Leaders Camp - Arab Chapter, held at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park.
Thimaar, an innovative platform, connects consumers with farming communities while offering AI-optimized grocery subscription services to reduce food waste. The platform will be showcased this month at the ICESCO Pavilion during COP29 in Azerbaijan.
Aligned with the UAE Year of Sustainability 2024 priorities—responsible consumption and sustainable agriculture—Thimaar also supports key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Zero Hunger and Climate Action.
Izma Fatima, an international studies student at AUS and the team’s representative, described the platform’s ethos: "Our motto, ‘Reach, Relive, and Reward,’ reflects our mission to help customers minimize food waste through AI-calculated portions. The platform also allows users to virtually engage with the farmers producing their food, fostering an organic farming experience from home while supporting the organic agriculture industry through micro-financing."
The initiative incorporates features like loyalty rewards and organic waste collection, where waste is repurposed to benefit local organic farming communities. This approach supports the UAE’s target of reducing waste by 50% by 2030.
Taking a bottom-up strategy, the team of seven female students targeted female homemakers in the region to encourage sustainable consumer habits rather than oversaturating the market with eco-friendly products that might lack demand.
The proposed partners for Thimaar include organic farms, sustainability-focused brands, local markets, and government entities.
The concept emerged after comprehensive research, including field visits and consultations with organisations like ICESCO, Sheraa, Shajar, and Manbat. These collaborations provided the team with valuable networks and resources to strengthen the initiative.
Thimaar, an innovative platform, connects consumers with farming communities while offering AI-optimized grocery subscription services to reduce food waste. The platform will be showcased this month at the ICESCO Pavilion during COP29 in Azerbaijan.
Aligned with the UAE Year of Sustainability 2024 priorities—responsible consumption and sustainable agriculture—Thimaar also supports key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Zero Hunger and Climate Action.
Izma Fatima, an international studies student at AUS and the team’s representative, described the platform’s ethos: "Our motto, ‘Reach, Relive, and Reward,’ reflects our mission to help customers minimize food waste through AI-calculated portions. The platform also allows users to virtually engage with the farmers producing their food, fostering an organic farming experience from home while supporting the organic agriculture industry through micro-financing."
The initiative incorporates features like loyalty rewards and organic waste collection, where waste is repurposed to benefit local organic farming communities. This approach supports the UAE’s target of reducing waste by 50% by 2030.
Taking a bottom-up strategy, the team of seven female students targeted female homemakers in the region to encourage sustainable consumer habits rather than oversaturating the market with eco-friendly products that might lack demand.
The proposed partners for Thimaar include organic farms, sustainability-focused brands, local markets, and government entities.
The concept emerged after comprehensive research, including field visits and consultations with organisations like ICESCO, Sheraa, Shajar, and Manbat. These collaborations provided the team with valuable networks and resources to strengthen the initiative.