ع
The UAE Ministry of Economy conducted approximately 7,105 inspection tours to monitor market stability and control prices of food and essential goods, according to a Khaleej Times report published on March 10, 2026. These checks identified multiple violations that led to cumulative fines totaling Dh207,000 for firms that raised prices without required authorisation. The enforcement action forms part of wider steps to maintain consumer protection and prevent exploitation during current regional circumstances, the report added.
Federal Law No. 15 of 2020 on Consumer Protection, as amended by Federal Decree Law No. 5 of 2023, prohibits suppliers from imposing unjustified price hikes while guaranteeing consumers receive goods at the declared price, the official UAE government platform stated. The legislation also seeks to preserve consumer health and safety and promotes fair competition by combating monopoly practices. Penalties for violations can reach fines of up to AED 2 million along with possible imprisonment in severe cases, according to the platform.
A dedicated Pricing Policy for Essential Consumer Goods covers nine categories including cooking oil, eggs, dairy products, rice, sugar and poultry, a Ministry of Economy and Tourism review of Ramadan 2026 efforts indicated. Suppliers must obtain prior approval by submitting reports on current prices, production costs over the previous three years, alternative goods pricing and comparisons with GCC neighbours before any increase, the ministry’s request-for-price-increase portal explained. This framework verifies the legitimacy of proposed changes and helps curb monopolistic behaviour, the UAE legislation database noted.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has intensified monitoring of retail outlets in recent months, resulting in hundreds of detected violations that triggered warnings in addition to the financial penalties, City 1016 reporting showed. One such update referenced more than 560 violations overall with 449 warnings issued alongside the Dh207,000 in fines. Public calls have encouraged consumers to report sudden price rises to support ongoing market stability, ministry statements carried by regional outlets indicated.
Executive regulations under the consumer protection law grant authorities power to impose interim measures against exorbitant increases, including price determinations or export prohibitions when necessary, a legal analysis by Afridi & Angell found. Companies face additional risks such as licence suspension or revocation for repeated offences, the regulations specify. The ministry analyses each price adjustment request against historical data and regional benchmarks before issuing decisions, its official channels confirmed.
Consumer protection authorities at both federal and emirate levels hold powers to issue compliance orders, mandate product withdrawals and publicise violations as part of enforcement, the UAE government platform detailed. These tools complement the fine system and aim to deter practices that harm market fairness. The March inspections reflect continued application of these rules to essential goods sectors where demand remains high.
