The UAE’s Ministry of Economy has announced a comprehensive plan to enhance the oversight of product and service prices across the country’s markets during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The initiative aims to reinforce consumer protections and ensure price stability for residents.
The announcement was made during a media briefing led by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, who detailed the country’s expanding regulatory framework designed to safeguard consumer rights and foster a fair commercial environment.
“The UAE has made significant progress in building a comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework for consumer protection,” said Bin Touq, adding that the measures reinforce consumer confidence and support a transparent and competitive business landscape.
Fortifying Legal and Commercial Frameworks
The Ministry has intensified coordination with federal and local authorities, notably through the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection, to ensure compliance with consumer protection laws. This includes deepened engagement with cooperatives and private sector entities to promote sound commercial practices.
A key development is Federal Decree-Law No. 5 of 2023, which amends the existing Consumer Protection law. This new framework imposes over 43 obligations on suppliers to uphold high standards, strengthening deterrence against violations and ensuring consumer satisfaction.
Price Controls on Essentials and E-commerce Oversight
To directly address price stability, the Ministry has established a “Pricing Policy for Essential Consumer Goods.” This policy prohibits price increases on nine key items—cooking oil, eggs, dairy products, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat—without prior approval from the Ministry. All other goods will remain subject to market competition and supply-and-demand dynamics.
The government has also strengthened regulations for the booming e-commerce sector through Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2023. The law defines guaranteed consumer rights in online transactions, mandates adequate technical protection for safe digital purchases, and requires secure payment methods without imposing additional fees on consumers. It also ensures the protection of consumer data in line with existing legislation.
Proactive Market Monitoring and Enforcement
The Minister affirmed that the UAE maintains a robust strategic reserve of essential goods, ensuring sufficient supply throughout Ramadan to prevent unjustified price hikes.
To ensure compliance, the Ministry of Economy will coordinate with local economic departments to monitor both the pricing and availability of goods. The plan includes holding 26 meetings with major suppliers and importers and conducting 420 inspection campaigns during Ramadan, with legal action promised against any violators.
An advanced online price monitoring system, linked to 627 major retail outlets representing over 90% of domestic trade in essential goods, has been activated. The system allows for real-time price tracking and swift identification of discrepancies, as retailers are required to submit periodic price lists for automated analysis.
Graduated Penalties and Consumer Engagement
The Ministry has a graduated system for administrative penalties to promote compliance. Actions are determined based on the nature and severity of a violation, starting with a written warning and escalating to financial fines ranging from Dhs 500 to Dhs 100,000. Further measures can include the temporary closure of establishments.
Consumer engagement remains a core part of the strategy. Last year, the ministry received 3,167 complaints and successfully resolved nearly 94% of them. It also processed 130 product recall requests, resulting in the recovery of over 550,000 goods from the market. The Ministry continues to encourage consumers to report harmful practices through its official communication channels.
About The UAE Ministry of Economy
The Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates is the federal government body responsible for planning and implementing economic policies for the country. Its mandate includes fostering a competitive and diversified economy, protecting consumer rights, promoting foreign trade and investment, and developing national industries to support sustainable economic growth.
Source: Gulf Business
