UAE retailers banned from raising prices of 9 food items during Ramzan

Abu Dhabi: UAE retailers must not hike prices for nine essential commodities during Ramzan without approval from the Ministry of Economy (MoE). These commodities include cooking oils, eggs, dairy, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat.

Abdullah Sultan Al Fan Al Shamsi, assistant undersecretary for the monitoring and follow-up sector at the MoE, underscored the importance of the pricing policy in regulating market prices. He stated, “The UAE implements best policies to ensure a strategic supply of all vital goods required by citizens, residents, and visitors in the country, in ample quantities for extended periods, guided by clear directives and unwavering support from our wise leadership.”

With Ramzan approaching, Al Shamsi noted a significant increase in the availability of goods, particularly essential consumer items, in UAE markets. The ministry is committed to meeting consumer needs, ensuring easy access to goods without unreasonable price hikes, and providing necessary quantities.

Al Shamsi stated, “The ministry will oversee the promotions announced by a group of consumer cooperatives and outlets in the country and those related to the discounts on the prices of goods and products during the Holy Month of Ramzan. The discounts on some products in the cooperatives go up to nearly 50 percent.”

In 2023, UAE’s regulatory authorities conducted 96,200 inspections to address price labelling, product quality monitoring, commercial fraud, and trademark infringements, detecting 6,545 violations.