The UAE's Ministry of Economy and Tourism carried out around 8,168 inspection visits to markets between 28 February and 17 March. These resulted in 729 warnings and 216 penalties, with fines ranging between Dhs 2,000 and Dhs 200,000.
The inspections are carried out to strengthen market oversight, and provide a safe and fair shopping environment for all consumers.
During the period from 28 February to 17 March, the ministry received a total of 2,441 consumer complaints. All complaints were addressed immediately, including field visits to verify the prices of commonly traded food items in markets, such as onions, tomatoes, potatoes, and bananas.
His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection, said monitoring prices and the availability of goods in the country’s markets is a top priority, especially under the current circumstances.
His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri also shared, "At the beginning of the crisis, the ministry formed a national crisis and emergency team focused on market oversight in cooperation with local economic departments. More than 36 meetings were held with major suppliers and importers since the start of the crisis. In addition, there is daily monitoring of stock levels for the top 50 key food items at major retail outlets, including tracking the number of days of supply available, thereby enhancing the readiness and efficiency of the country’s strategic reserves."
The ministry noted that consumers can contact the ministry through its official channels to submit complaints or report price increases or violations. Consumers can reach the ministry through its website, by phone or WhatsApp at 8001222, or via email at info@moet.gov.ae.