UAE authorities have intensified market monitoring and supply chain coordination ahead of Ramadan 2026, aiming to ensure ample availability of essential goods, stabilize prices, and protect consumers during the high-demand festive season.
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism continues to track the availability and pricing of essential commodities under a robust regulatory framework, ensuring market stability, fair pricing, and consumer protection during Ramadan 2026.
Ahead of Ramadan 2026, federal and local UAE authorities are collaborating with the private sector to bolster strategic food reserves and strengthen supply chains to meet seasonal demand.
According to DP World trade data, retailers begin increasing shipments of key food items through Jebel Ali six to eight weeks before Ramadan as part of proactive planning to ensure ample availability and stable prices.
The ministry has held 26 meetings with major suppliers and importers to ensure steady flows of essential goods and prevent price hikes ahead of Ramadan 2026. During the holy month, the ministry plans to conduct 420 inspection visits to retail outlets to enforce pricing policies and curb violations.
Its digital price monitoring system, linked to 627 major outlets representing over 90 percent of domestic trade in essential consumer goods, continuously tracks price movements and flags any unjustified increases.
In 2025, the ministry carried out 155,218 inspections in coordination with economic development departments, recording 7,702 violations. Of consumer complaints received, 93.9 percent were resolved, and 551,976 products were recovered through recall procedures.
Rep Image Credits: Freepik | Cropped by GBN
Local economic departments and consumer protection agencies have also intensified inspections of wholesale and retail markets, including e-commerce platforms, to ensure price transparency and sufficient supply of high-demand items during Ramadan and ahead of Eid Al Fitr.
Meanwhile, major retailers have announced plans to boost inventories and roll out seasonal promotions, including discounts on staples such as rice, flour, sugar, cooking oil, fresh produce, meat, poultry, and dates, ensuring consumers can access essential goods at fair prices throughout the festive season.
