Government

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MoET), in the presence of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, has outlined enhanced oversight measures to monitor commodity and service prices across UAE markets during Ramadan 2026, alongside expanded consumer protection initiatives.

The announcements were made during a media briefing held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dubai, where officials detailed inspection plans, digital monitoring systems, and regulatory enforcement designed to ensure price stability and safeguard consumer rights during the holy month.

H.E. Bin Touq said the UAE has made significant progress in developing a robust legislative and regulatory framework for consumer protection, reinforcing market transparency and consumer confidence while supporting sustainable economic growth.

He noted that the Ministry is working closely with federal and local authorities, including the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection, as well as private sector and cooperative partners, to increase compliance across retail outlets and strengthen oversight of goods and services.

Essential goods pricing policy enforced

The Minister highlighted the implementation of the Pricing Policy for Essential Consumer Goods, which prohibits price increases — without prior Ministry approval — on nine key categories: cooking oil, eggs, dairy products, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat. Other goods remain subject to market competition and supply-demand dynamics.

He also referenced Federal Decree-Law No. 5 of 2023 amending the Consumer Protection Law and its executive regulations, which impose more than 43 obligations on suppliers and strengthen deterrent measures against violations.

In e-commerce, Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2023 on Modern Technology-Based Trade and Cabinet Resolution No. 200 of 2025 set out consumer rights, secure digital payment standards, and data protection requirements, while defining administrative penalties for violations.

420 Ramadan inspection campaigns planned

MoET announced a nationwide Ramadan action plan that includes:

1. 420 inspection tours and field visits to retail outlets

2. 26 coordination meetings with major suppliers and importers

3. Joint monitoring campaigns with local economic development departments

4. Oversight of pricing compliance and prevention of commercial exploitation

Authorities said legal action will be taken immediately against violators.

The Ministry confirmed that UAE strategic stockpiles remain sufficient and diversified, ensuring stable supply of essential goods throughout Ramadan without unjustified price increases.

Digital price monitoring expanded

Officials said a real-time digital price monitoring system is now linked to 627 major retail outlets, including cooperatives, hypermarkets, and large stores, representing more than 90% of essential goods trade volume across the UAE.

The system receives regular price lists, automatically analyzes changes, and flags deviations from approved reference prices, enabling faster enforcement action.

Discount campaigns and Ramadan baskets

The Ministry will also monitor Ramadan discount campaigns launched by cooperatives and major retailers, with some discounts exceeding 50% on selected items. Special Ramadan baskets containing staple goods — such as rice, sugar, flour, oil, grains, legumes, and milk — will be offered at promotional prices.

Consumer awareness and complaints channels

MoET and local authorities will run awareness campaigns promoting responsible consumption and consumer rights, including guides distributed via social media. Consumers are encouraged to keep receipts and report violations through official channels, including the toll-free number 8001222.

2025 inspection and complaint data

The Ministry shared recent enforcement data:

1. 155,218 inspection tours conducted in 2025

2. 7,702 violations recorded

3. 3,167 consumer complaints received, with 93.9% resolved

4. 130 product recall requests processed, resulting in recovery of 551,976 items

Administrative penalties for violations range from written warnings to fines between AED 500 and AED 100,000, temporary closures, and stricter measures for repeat or severe offenses.

MoET said it will continue strengthening consumer protection frameworks and market oversight in cooperation with relevant authorities to maintain fair pricing, product quality, and market stability across the UAE.

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