The United Arab Emirates confirms its six-month strategic stock of basic commodities as authorities intensify market inspections nationwide/representative image
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has intensified market inspections to maintain price stability and ensure essential goods remain available, assuring residents that the country possesses strategic reserves of key items that can meet demand for up to six months.The ministry said that inspection teams conduct daily inspections of shops and retail outlets across the country. These inspection campaigns are conducted in coordination with the economic development departments in all the emirates of the country through a joint national oversight team. These efforts aim to prevent unjustified price increases, stop unsound business practices, and maintain close oversight of market activity.Authorities said retailers must follow consumer protection regulations, especially rules governing the pricing of basic goods.
Under the current policy, merchants cannot raise the prices of some basic commodities without obtaining prior approval from the ministry and a national committee responsible for monitoring price changes.The rule applies to nine basic items: cooking oil, eggs, dairy products, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat.The Ministry also addressed the recent increases in the prices of onions and tomatoes over the past two days.
Officials said the increase was temporary and linked to the impact of the regional crisis. Additional supplies of these vegetables have already been delivered to the markets in bulk to stabilize availability.The authorities stressed that essential goods remain available in sufficient quantities and that consumers also have access to multiple alternatives. Officials added that prices are expected to return to normal levels soon as supply continues to increase.The ministry said that the UAE maintains a strategic stock of basic commodities capable of covering market demand for up to six months. These reserves are distributed across different regions of the country through a system designed to strengthen supply chains and allow authorities to quickly respond to market needs during emergency situations.Officials also confirmed that shipping and supply operations through the country’s ports are continuing normally.
Supply chains remain efficient and goods reach local markets without interruption.The UAE also relies on a wide network of international partner markets that supply imports of various goods. This allows authorities to quickly secure alternative sources in the event of disturbances.Since the beginning of the regional crisis, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and local economic development departments have conducted approximately 7,105 inspection tours across markets nationwide.
These campaigns resulted in the arrest of 567 violations, most of which were related to unjustified increases in prices.The authorities issued 449 warnings to merchants, suppliers and retail outlets, and imposed fines totaling 207,250 dirhams.The Ministry said that the regulatory campaigns will continue during the coming period to ensure market stability and protect consumers.Residents are encouraged to report price increases or violations through official channels. Complaints can be submitted through the Ministry of Economy and Tourism website www.moet.gov.ae, or by calling or sending a WhatsApp message to 8001222, or via email info@moet.gov.ae.The authorities also urged consumers to buy goods according to their needs and avoid hoarding or excessive purchasing so that the products remain available to everyone
