The United Arab Emirates is proactively reinforcing market stability and bolstering consumer protection systems as the holy month of Ramadan approaches. This commitment, driven by coordinated efforts between federal and local authorities and the private sector, aims to ensure the availability of essential goods, price stability, and increased consumer confidence. This year’s preparations are particularly focused on strengthening the strategic food reserve and enhancing supply chain readiness to meet the anticipated seasonal surge in demand.
جهود الإمارات لضمان استقرار الأسواق في رمضان (UAE Efforts to Ensure Market Stability in Ramadan)
The UAE’s dedication to a stable market during Ramadan isn’t a new development. It’s a continuation of a long-standing strategy to protect consumers and ensure economic well-being. This year, the focus is on proactive measures, moving beyond reactive responses to potential shortages or price hikes. The collaborative approach, involving government entities and the private sector, is crucial to achieving these goals.
The core of this strategy revolves around building a robust food security net. Early planning and coordination of import, storage, and distribution processes are key. This allows retailers to efficiently manage demand and avoid potential disruptions to supply chains as Ramadan nears. Building inventory early is vital for maintaining price stability and ensuring product availability.
تعزيز المخزون الغذائي والاستعداد لسلاسل الإمداد (Strengthening Food Stock and Supply Chain Readiness)
Data from DP World indicates that retailers in the region are already planning ahead to secure food supplies before Ramadan. Increased volumes of essential food commodities are flowing through Jebel Ali port, arriving six to eight weeks before the start of the holy month. This proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to preventing shortages and maintaining a consistent supply.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism is playing a central role in monitoring prices and ensuring sufficient quantities of essential goods throughout Ramadan. This is underpinned by a sophisticated legislative and regulatory framework designed to balance market forces and protect consumer rights. The ministry has held 26 meetings with major suppliers and importers to guarantee the flow of essential goods and prevent price increases.
الرقابة الحكومية على الأسعار وحماية المستهلك (Government Oversight of Prices and Consumer Protection)
Furthermore, the Ministry has conducted 420 inspection tours and field visits to retail outlets to monitor compliance with approved pricing policies and prevent any violations. The electronic price monitoring system, linked to 627 major retail outlets representing over 90% of the country’s consumer goods trade, allows for real-time price tracking and identification of unjustified changes.
Beyond monitoring, the Ministry is actively educating consumers. The “Consumer Rights Guide” is being widely disseminated on digital platforms, encouraging consumers to be informed and to report any concerns. In 2025 alone, collaborative efforts with economic development departments resulted in 155,218 inspection tours, uncovering 7,702 violations. Importantly, 93.9% of consumer complaints were resolved, and 551,976 products were recalled, demonstrating the effectiveness of the monitoring system.
تكامل الجهود بين الإمارات والمؤسسات المحلية (Integration of Efforts Between Emirates and Local Institutions)
These national efforts are complemented by initiatives from economic departments and consumer protection institutions across the UAE’s emirates. These local bodies are intensifying their monitoring campaigns on wholesale and retail markets, including traditional and online outlets. The focus is on ensuring price clarity, the authenticity of offers, and the availability of goods, particularly those in high demand during Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr.
The Dubai Consumer Protection and Fair Trade Authority, for example, has conducted over 220 inspection visits to retail outlets in preparation for Ramadan, verifying the availability of essential and non-essential products, price stability, and transparent offers. They plan to intensify these campaigns throughout the month.
دور القطاع الخاص في دعم استقرار الأسعار (The Role of the Private Sector in Supporting Price Stability)
The private sector is also stepping up. Major retail outlets have announced plans to increase inventory and launch seasonal promotional campaigns to support household purchasing power. These plans include maintaining price stability, enhancing supply, offering discounts on various product categories, and ensuring a steady flow of essential goods like rice, flour, sugar, cooking oil, fresh vegetables and fruits, meat, poultry, and dates. This is being achieved through collaboration with international and regional suppliers, guaranteeing competitive prices throughout Ramadan.
Retail representatives have affirmed their commitment to maintaining fair and stable prices for everyday goods, alongside offering extensive discounts across various departments, including groceries, fresh food, fashion, electronics, and home appliances. They are also enhancing multi-channel sales capabilities through stores, digital platforms, and delivery services. The overall goal is to provide consumers with convenient and affordable access to the goods they need during this special time. The proactive measures taken by all stakeholders demonstrate a unified commitment to ensuring a smooth and prosperous Ramadan for everyone in the UAE.
This comprehensive approach to استقرار الأسواق في رمضان (Ramadan market stability) underscores the UAE’s dedication to consumer welfare and economic resilience. The continued monitoring of prices, coupled with proactive supply chain management and consumer awareness campaigns, will undoubtedly contribute to a positive and secure shopping experience for all residents during the holy month. For more information on consumer rights and Ramadan preparations, visit the Ministry of Economy and Tourism website or contact your local consumer protection authority.
