UAE cracks down on price hikes for essential items

Since the start of the regional crisis, the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has recorded over 560 violations, mainly for unjustified price hikes, issuing 449 warnings and fines exceeding AED 207,000.

Over 7,100 inspection tours have been carried out targeting traders, suppliers and points of sale nationwide.

The Ministry says daily field inspections are being conducted by specialised teams to ensure price stability and the availability of essential consumer goods.

Authorities are also ensuring compliance with consumer protection rules covering nine essential commodities, including cooking oil, eggs, dairy products, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat — whose prices cannot be increased without prior approval from the Ministry.

The Ministry added that recent price increases in some items, such as onions and tomatoes, are temporary and limited, linked to the regional situation, adding that additional supplies have already been delivered to markets.

Speaking to The Agenda on Dubai Eye 103.8, Ahmed Ahli, Director of Consumer Protection, Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection & Fair Trade, broke down why the prices increased for those commodities:

He added that the issue was sorted with the merchants, noting that panic buying and increasing the price of commodities are not recommended.

Officials stressed that essential goods remain widely available, supported by a strategic stockpile capable of covering market needs for up to six months, while supply chains and shipping movements continue to operate normally.

The Ministry also urged consumers to report any violations through its official channels and encouraged the public to buy responsibly and avoid unnecessary stockpiling to help maintain market stability.

The Ministry also emphasises that responsible purchasing according to actual needs helps maintain market stability and ensures goods are available for everyone. #ConsumerProtection #OurFoodSecurityIsARedLine #MinistryOfEconomyAndTourism #UAE pic.twitter.com/sUs0MfCWh8

— وزارة الاقتصاد والسياحة (@Economyae) March 10, 2026

Consumers can either call the contact center at 600545555, or file a complaint on consumerrights.ae or consumerrights.gov.ae

Ahli advised consumers not to share any bank details, as their services do not charge for any of the complaints or concerns. 

He also noted that an advanced WhatsApp channel has been launched at the start of the month to initiate further support to the public: