The Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MoET) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to strengthen oversight of product and service prices across UAE markets during the Holy Month of Ramadan, reinforcing consumer protections and ensuring price stability.
The announcement came during a media briefing led by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, who highlighted the country’s expanding regulatory framework aimed at safeguarding consumer rights and maintaining a fair commercial environment.
Read more-Ramadan fasting hours to be shorter in the UAE this year
“The UAE has made significant progress in building a comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework for consumer protection,” Bin Touq said, according to a WAM report. He added that the measures reinforce consumer confidence and support a transparent and competitive business landscape.
Stronger coordination and legal frameworks
The minister said the ministry has intensified coordination with federal and local authorities, particularly through the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection. Engagement has also been strengthened with cooperatives, private sector entities and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with consumer protection laws and promote sound commercial practices.
Among the most significant legislative developments, Bin Touq pointed to Federal Decree-Law No. 5 of 2023, which amends certain provisions of Law No. 15 of 2020 on Consumer Protection, along with its Executive Regulations.
Together, these frameworks impose more than 43 obligations on suppliers to uphold high standards of consumer protection. The measures are designed to strengthen deterrence against violations and breaches while ensuring consumer satisfaction and well-being within a safe and fair commercial environment.
To further enhance price stability, the ministry has implemented the “Pricing Policy for Essential Consumer Goods.” The policy prohibits price increases for nine key items, cooking oil, eggs, dairy products, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread and wheat, without prior approval from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. All other goods remain subject to market competition and supply-and-demand dynamics.
E-commerce regulations strengthened
Bin Touq also highlighted the importance of Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2023 on Trade by Modern Technological Means, which regulates and advances e-commerce across UAE markets.
The decree clearly defines guaranteed consumer rights in online transactions. It requires adequate technical protection measures to ensure safe purchases through digital platforms and mandates secure digital payment methods that comply with approved technical and regulatory standards. Importantly, such services must be provided without imposing additional fees.
The law also ensures the protection of consumer data in line with regulatory, professional and technical requirements set out under relevant legislation.
In addition, the Cabinet issued Resolution No. 200 of 2025 concerning violations and administrative penalties for breaches of the e-commerce law, further strengthening enforcement mechanisms.
Strategic reserves and market monitoring
The minister stressed that the UAE maintains a robust strategic reserve of essential goods, ensuring sufficient supply during Ramadan without unjustified price increases. He attributed this resilience to prudent national policies and strong leadership support.
To ensure compliance, MoET will coordinate with local economic departments to monitor both pricing and availability of essential goods. The ministry plans to hold 26 meetings with major suppliers and importers and conduct 420 inspection campaigns during Ramadan. Legal action will be taken against violators.
In cooperation with local authorities, the ministry will also launch awareness campaigns promoting responsible consumption. These initiatives will guide consumers on their rights and encourage communication through the ministry’s toll-free number, 8001222.
Oversight of Ramadan promotions
The ministry will closely oversee Ramadan promotions announced by cooperatives and retail outlets, including discounts exceeding 50 per cent on selected products. Special “Ramadan baskets” containing essential goods such as rice, sugar, flour, grains, oil, legumes and milk will also fall under scrutiny to ensure transparency and compliance.
MoET has activated an advanced online price monitoring system linked to 627 major retail outlets, representing more than 90 percent of domestic trade in essential goods. The system enables real-time tracking of prices and facilitates swift identification of violations.
Retailers are required to submit periodic price lists, which are automatically analysed against reference prices to detect discrepancies.
The ministry warned against violations, including increasing prices of the nine essential goods without prior approval, manipulating goods-related data, withholding required information, providing misleading data that hinders monitoring activities, or engaging in prior agreements between suppliers and traders to collectively raise prices.
Graduated penalties and enforcement
The ministry’s system for administrative penalties follows a graduated approach designed to correct violations while promoting compliance. Authorities assess the nature, severity, frequency and market impact of each violation before determining appropriate action.
Penalties may begin with a written warning and a deadline for rectification. Financial fines range from Dhs500 to Dhs100,000, depending on the violation. Additional measures may include temporary closure of establishments. In severe or repeated cases, stricter actions proportionate to the gravity of the offence may be imposed.
During 2025, the ministry and economic development departments conducted approximately 155,218 inspection tours across markets nationwide. These inspections resulted in 7,702 violations. Authorities monitored price labeling, product quality and compliance with laws aimed at preventing commercial fraud and trademark infringement.
Complaint handling and product recalls
Consumer engagement remains a central component of the ministry’s strategy. Last year, the ministry received 3,167 complaints through its website, resolving 93.9 per cent of them. Officials said the high resolution rate reflects the effectiveness of the electronic system and the prompt response of competent authorities.
The ministry also processed 130 product recall requests, resulting in the recovery of 551,976 goods from the market. This, officials noted, demonstrates ongoing oversight of product quality and safety standards.
In closing, the ministry urged consumers to practice conscious purchasing habits, including retaining receipts and verifying purchases, as receipts serve as a fundamental guarantee of consumer rights. Consumers are also encouraged to engage with regulatory authorities and use official communication channels to report harmful practices.
