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

Scopus database between 2000 and 2023 showed that while groceries are vital in disaster/pandemic management, their roles have not been adequately addressed in the literature. In this study, we argued that privately owned groceries can complement large food storage facilities and provide effective and sustainable Public–Private Partnerships-PPP for disaster/pandemic management. We supported our argument with surveys of 254 customers and 100 grocery tenants, as well as a spatial analysis utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The results indicated that 62% of customers and 89% of grocery tenants agreed that grocery sales increased during COVID-19. Furthermore, 75% of customers agreed that groceries are vital during disaster/pandemic, and 81.8% of grocery tenants agreed that their current infrastructure allows their stores to become emergency food depots. Through GIS analysis, we found that groceries are clustered around population centers, and 69% of customers have groceries within a 5–10-minute walking distance. Our results demonstrated that groceries can be crucial in disaster management. The study aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and UN-SDG goals 11 and 17. The findings could be utilized by organizations working in the field of disaster/pandemic management. The research fills a gap in the literature and offers new insights into the potential of using privately owned groceries in disaster/pandemic management. It highlights the need for further consideration of these important community resources. There are many lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the need for decentralization of food stores and cooperation between public and private sectors (Public–Private Partnerships-PPP). This study provides insights on how privately owned groceries can complement large food storage facilities and provide sustainable 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. Integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is found crucial in supporting surveys. PPP can save time, save cost, improve efficiency, and bring various benefits to stakeholders involve in disaster management.</p