“Shoppers continue normal grocery shopping while retailers report strong stock levels.”
“Dubai: Despite recent rumors of panic buying in the UAE due to regional geopolitical developments, visits to multiple supermarkets show that shoppers are sticking to their usual grocery routines, with retailers confirming ample stock of essential goods.”
“Conversations with supermarket shoppers indicate little evidence of widespread stockpiling, with most saying they are buying their usual weekly groceries while monitoring ongoing developments.”
“Mohammad Jamshah, a 40-year-old Indian resident, said he was aware of the rumours but saw no reason to alter his usual shopping routine.”
“No, no. I’ll just keep some supplies, that’s it. You never know, but I’m fine,” he said.
Jamshah added that his purchases are limited to normal household needs rather than long-term stockpiling.
“So far it’s fine. I’m not buying anything for a month—just the usual weekly groceries,” he said.
Routine shopping continues
Other shoppers expressed similar views, noting that confidence in the UAE’s supply systems left little reason to panic.
“Walid Rabah, a 41-year-old Lebanese resident, said supermarkets are well-stocked and that shoppers feel reassured by the stability of the UAE’s supply chains.”
“Yes, we are completely satisfied with the supply. There’s no panic, especially in the UAE. Everything is secure and well-maintained, so there’s no need to worry,” Rabah said.
He added that purchases remain largely unchanged, with some households buying slightly more of a few staple items as a precaution.
“If we buy anything extra, it’s just a little more rice, that’s all. But we’re not stockpiling—still the usual purchases,” he said.
Matthews Abraham, a 55-year-old resident, also described his supermarket visit as routine. When asked if he was stocking up, Abraham replied that he was continuing with regular grocery shopping and felt confident in the availability of products on store shelves.
Retailers confirm strong stock levels
Retailers report that supply levels remain robust across supermarkets and warehouses, with goods continuing to arrive through established import channels.
Kamal Vachani, Deputy CEO, Group Director, and Partner at Al Maya Group, said stores across the UAE remain fully stocked, giving customers access to products at any time.
“We have full stocks of all FMCG goods in our supermarkets. Our stores operate 24 hours a day, throughout the year, and there is no reason for panic buying. Large quantities of goods are available in our warehouses, and imports continue to arrive regularly,” he said.
Vachani added that customers also have multiple ways to access groceries without visiting stores physically. Local sourcing has further helped maintain steady availability across several food categories.
“The UAE is also becoming increasingly self-reliant in fruits and vegetables. We source large quantities from farms in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, which are supplied directly to our supermarkets,” Vachani added.
Temporary surge quickly faded
Retailers noted a brief spike in demand earlier in the week, a typical response during periods of uncertainty, but the pattern quickly returned to normal.
Florian Hüthmair, President of Everyday Goods at GMG, said customer demand briefly increased before stabilizing.
“We did see a spike in customer demand over the weekend, which is a natural reaction when people feel uncertainty. However, it lasted only a couple of days, and shopping behavior has since returned to normal,” he said.
Store inventories remain strong across all categories, with products continuing to be replenished regularly.
“Our stores are very well stocked across all essential categories, and products continue to be replenished consistently,” Hüthmair said.
He added that local production also plays a key role in maintaining supply levels.
“At GMG, we manufacture a significant portion of our food locally through our Farm-to-Fork strategy. This supports the UAE’s national food security agenda and allows us to ensure consistent availability for our customers,” he said.
Government reassures consumers on supply
Authorities have moved quickly to assure residents that markets remain stable and that supplies of essential goods are secure across the UAE.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism said strategic reserves of essential commodities are strong and diversified, with stock levels sufficient to meet domestic demand for extended periods.
Officials confirmed that supply chains remain fully operational and imports continue without disruption.
Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said the UAE’s economic system is designed to respond effectively to regional and global challenges.
“Thanks to the wise and forward-looking vision of its leadership, the UAE has successfully built a resilient economic system capable of confronting a wide range of regional and global challenges,” he said.
Import flows into the country continue normally, with no signs of supply shortages.
“The UAE has demonstrated an exceptional ability to manage global supply chain challenges with efficiency and flexibility,” bin Touq added.
Authorities also urged residents to avoid unnecessary stockpiling and to continue purchasing according to their normal needs.
Retail outlets across the UAE remain well supplied, supported by diversified import networks, strategic reserves, and advanced logistics infrastructure, ensuring steady availability of goods throughout the country.
