Officials caution against price manipulation and unfair trade practices.
Dubai: Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, emphasized that ensuring food availability and safeguarding consumer rights remain a “red line” for the UAE. He warned that authorities will not tolerate any unfair commercial practices that could undermine market stability.
The minister made the comments during an inspection of the Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market in Dubai, where he assessed the availability of food supplies amid the ongoing regional crisis.
“Al Marri, who chairs the UAE’s Higher Committee for Consumer Protection, visited retail outlets, wholesale shops, and market facilities to verify adequate food supplies and oversee compliance with consumer protection rules and price transparency.”
“He emphasized that the UAE ministry will take strict legal measures, including fines, against any violations to protect market stability and uphold consumer rights.”
During the tour, the minister noted that daily imports of fruit and vegetables at Al Aweer Market remain normal despite the regional situation, highlighting the UAE’s robust strategic food reserves and stable supply chains.
He added that the ministry, in coordination with economic departments across the country, is closely monitoring stock levels among suppliers and retailers, while conducting regular assessments of essential food supplies to prevent shortages.
“As part of its market oversight efforts, the ministry plans to carry out over 420 inspection campaigns during Ramadan.”
Officials also rely on the ministry’s electronic price monitoring system, which tracks prices in real time across 627 major retail outlets—including cooperatives, hypermarkets, and large supermarkets—covering about 90 percent of the country’s domestic trade in essential consumer goods.
Since the onset of the regional crisis, the ministry and local economic authorities have conducted 4,468 inspection visits across UAE markets, recording 554 violations, primarily related to unjustified price increases. Authorities issued 449 warnings to traders and suppliers and imposed fines totaling Dh176,000.
