The UAE’s Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, has moved to reassure businesses and the public that the country’s food supply remains stable and well-stocked, even as regional geopolitical pressures continue. Speaking during a visit to the Abu Dhabi Vegetable Oil Company (ADVOC), the minister confirmed that stronger price monitoring mechanisms are on the way — with new decisions expected to be issued this week.
Strategic Stocks Are Secure
The minister confirmed that the UAE’s strategic stockpile of essential commodities is sufficient to cover market needs for four and six months. He cited the country’s advanced infrastructure, flexible supply chains, and strong private sector partnerships as key factors underpinning this resilience. Shipping and supply movements, he said, are continuing normally through all entry points, with supply chains fully operational.
Nine Essential Goods Under Price Protection
Price controls are in place for nine essential food categories — cooking oil, eggs, dairy products, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat. Retailers cannot raise prices on any of these items without prior approval from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and a designated national committee. The minister stressed that food security is a national priority and described it as a “red line” for the UAE’s leadership, with zero tolerance for compromise.
Tougher Monitoring Is Coming
The Ministry is set to issue new decisions this week aimed at strengthening price monitoring mechanisms and enhancing market transparency. This builds on an already active enforcement framework. Since the start of the regional crisis, authorities have conducted approximately 7,105 inspection tours nationwide, detecting 567 violations — mostly unjustified price increases. Enforcers issued 449 warnings and levied fines totalling Dh207,250 against traders found in breach.
The Ministry also operates a real-time digital price monitoring system linked to 627 major retail outlets across all seven emirates, covering more than 90% of domestic trade in essential consumer goods. Retailers submit price lists to the system, which automatically flags deviations against benchmark levels.
A Call for Public Calm
The minister urged residents not to panic-buy or stockpile goods, stressing that markets are well-supplied across the country. He noted that the UAE has consistently demonstrated an ability to manage global supply chain pressures with high efficiency, backed by a broad and diversified network of international trading partners.
For more trusted business news, market insights, and investment updates from the UAE and beyond, visit www.moneypetrol.com and stay ahead of the curve.
🎧 Watch & subscribe to MoneyPetrol podcasts on YouTube for in-depth conversations with industry leaders and decision-makers.
Follow us on Instagram for real-time updates, expert perspectives, and exclusive content.
