Potential of using groceries in disasters/pandemics management: Case of Al Ain City, UAE

This study provides insights into how privately owned groceries can complement large food storage facilities and provide sustainable public and private sectors (Public–Private Partnerships-PPP). Feedback from grocery tenants and customers showed that groceries can be crucial in disaster management. The grocery sector could bring innovative solutions to food distribution during a disaster/pandemic. PPP can save time, save cost, improve efficiency, and bring various benefits to stakeholders involved in disaster management.

The publication concludes the following: 

• Policies and regulations for building groceries: Public disaster management authorities need to be involved in policies related to groceries (e.g. disaster-proofing buildings). Authorities’ involvement will help account for disaster needs in the grocery retail market; 
• Providing incentives to private sector/groceries (e.g. subsidies, training, public credits, recognition, and tax reductions) for their contribution to disaster management;
• Conduct further study related to social, theoretical, managerial, and policy implications related to PPP.