Abu dhabi: The Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MoET) hosted a media briefing to unveil new strategies aimed at enhancing oversight of product and service prices across UAE markets during the Holy Month of Ramadan to protect consumer rights.
According to Emirates News Agency, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, emphasized the UAE’s progress in establishing a robust legislative and regulatory framework for consumer protection. He noted that the ministry has been working closely with federal and local authorities, particularly through the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection, and engaging with cooperatives and the private sector to ensure adherence to consumer protection laws and encourage ethical commercial practices.
Bin Touq highlighted the significance of the Federal Decree-Law No. 5 of 2023, which amends certain provisions of Law No.15 of 2020 on Consumer Protection. This law, along with its Executive Regulations, imposes over 43 obligations on suppliers to ensure high standards of consumer protection. It aims to enhance deterrent measures against violations and promote consumer satisfaction within a fair commercial environment.
To ensure price stability, the ministry has implemented the ‘Pricing Policy for Essential Consumer Goods,’ which prohibits price increases for nine key items, including cooking oil, eggs, dairy products, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat, without prior approval from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. Other goods remain subject to market competition and supply-demand dynamics.
Bin Touq also noted the importance of the Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2023 on Modern Technology-based Trade, which regulates e-commerce within the UAE. The decree outlines consumer rights, including technical protection measures for safe online purchases, secure digital payment methods, and data protection according to regulatory standards.
Additionally, the Cabinet issued Resolution No. 200 of 2025, concerning regulations on violations and administrative penalties related to the provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2023.
The minister assured that the UAE maintains a strategic reserve of essential goods to prevent unjustified price hikes during Ramadan, crediting prudent national policies and leadership support. MoET will collaborate with local economic departments to monitor price compliance and the availability of essential goods. The ministry plans to conduct 26 meetings with major suppliers and importers and execute 420 inspection campaigns during Ramadan. Legal action will be taken against any violations.
In collaboration with local authorities, the ministry will launch awareness campaigns to promote responsible consumption and educate consumers about their rights. This includes guidance through a toll-free number (8001222).
The ministry will oversee Ramadan promotions from cooperatives and retail outlets, including discounts exceeding 50 percent on selected items and ‘Ramadan baskets’ containing essential goods.
MoET has activated an online price monitoring system linked to 627 major retail outlets, representing a significant portion of domestic trade in essential goods. This system allows for real-time tracking of prices and violation detection through periodic price list submissions and automatic analysis against reference prices.
The ministry warned against violations such as unauthorized price increases for essential goods, data manipulation, withholding information, providing misleading data, and collusion between suppliers and traders to raise prices.
The ministry’s administrative penalty system takes a graduated approach to rectifying violations, considering factors like the nature, severity, and market impact. Penalties range from written warnings to financial fines of up to AED100,000, with possible temporary establishment closures for severe or repeated violations.
In 2025, the ministry and economic development departments conducted about 155,218 inspection tours nationwide, resulting in 7,702 violations. These inspections focused on price labels, product quality, and preventing fraud and trademark infringement.
Last year, the ministry received 3,167 complaints through its website, resolving 93.9 percent of them efficiently. Additionally, 130 product recall requests led to the recovery of 551,976 goods, underscoring ongoing efforts to ensure product quality and safety.
The ministry urges consumers to practice conscious purchasing, such as retaining and verifying receipts, and encourages them to engage with regulatory authorities through official channels to report issues.
