The UAE Ministry of Economy has confirmed its monitoring of retail outlets to ensure price stability.

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism 

                                     

The UAE affirms market stability and ample product availability

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has confirmed the intensification of monitoring of retail outlets across the country to ensure price stability and the availability of essential goods in sufficient quantities to meet consumer needs, especially given the current surge in demand.

The Ministry explained that monitoring and field visits are ongoing daily through specialized inspection teams, in close coordination and cooperation with the economic development departments in the various emirates. This is part of a joint national monitoring team aimed at unifying efforts to prevent price gouging, unsound business practices, and to enhance continuous market monitoring throughout the UAE.

The Ministry noted that there is a high level of coordination among relevant authorities in all emirates to continuously monitor markets and ensure that retailers and merchants comply with consumer protection legislation and policies, particularly the pricing policy for essential consumer goods. This policy covers nine key commodities: cooking oil, eggs, dairy products, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat. The prices of these commodities cannot be increased without prior approval from the Ministry and the National Committee established for this purpose.

Regarding the price increases of some food items, such as onions and tomatoes, over the past two days, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism clarified that these increases are temporary and limited, resulting from the effects of the regional crisis. The Ministry confirmed that additional quantities of the affected goods have already been made available in ample amounts to ensure stable market supply.

The Ministry emphasized that the available quantities of essential goods in the markets are sufficient, with multiple alternatives available. It stated that there is no need to worry about the availability or prices of goods, and that prices will quickly return to normal levels as supply increases.

In this context, the Ministry reported that the UAE maintains a strategic reserve of essential goods sufficient to cover market needs for six months. This ensures the availability of essential goods and price stability, even during emergencies. The strategic reserve is distributed across the country according to a well-planned system that enhances the efficiency of supply chains and ensures the rapid fulfillment of market needs.

The Ministry stressed that shipping and supply operations are proceeding normally and regularly through all ports, and that supply chains are functioning efficiently, contributing to the continuous availability of goods in local markets without any interruption. The Ministry explained that the UAE now possesses a wide network of partner markets that supply it with imports of various goods and products it needs, with the ability to efficiently and quickly find alternative markets in times of crisis and emergency.

The Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai Chambers of Commerce and Industry establish a strategic partnership with TradeLing.

Since the beginning of the regional crisis, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in cooperation with the Departments of Economic Development across the country, has conducted approximately 7,105 inspection tours. These tours resulted in the detection of 567 violations, most notably unjustified price increases. Consequently, 449 warnings were issued to traders, suppliers, and retail outlets, and fines totaling AED 207,250 were imposed. This strengthens market oversight and ensures that traders and retail outlets adhere to and implement consumer protection policies as required.

The Ministry affirmed its commitment to continuing and intensifying inspection campaigns in the coming period, in cooperation with the Departments of Economic Development and other relevant authorities in the country. This will ensure market stability and provide a safe and stable consumer environment for consumers in the UAE.

The Ministry emphasized that consumers are active partners in monitoring the prices of goods and products by interacting with regulatory bodies and contacting the Ministry through its official channels to submit complaints and report any price increases or observed violations. This can be done through the electronic services on the Ministry of Economy and Tourism website www.moet.gov.ae, by calling or messaging 8001222 via WhatsApp, or by emailing info@moet.gov.ae.

The Ministry also urges consumers across the UAE to adopt sound consumer practices, purchase only what they need, and avoid stockpiling or excessive shopping, thus ensuring price stability and the availability of goods for everyone.