UAE | General
Food prices continue to pinch
As the world marks World Food Day to highlight the plight of 923 million undernourished people across the globe, residents in the UAE say they are allocating bigger parts of their budget towards buying food.
- By Wafa Issa and Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporters
- Published: 23:32 October 15, 2008
- Food displayed on shelves in a supermarket. Many people say they are forced to compromise lifestyle and dietary habits due to rising cost of food in the country.
- Image Credit: Karl Jeffs/Gulf News
Dubai, Abu Dhabi: As the world marks World Food Day on Thursday to highlight the plight of 923 million undernourished people across the globe, residents in the UAE say they are allocating bigger parts of their budget towards buying food.
Daoud Khalaf, a Jordanian father of three, said increase in food prices in the UAE is taking a toll on people as retailers are take advantage of the global trend.
"While the effect of global inflation might be felt to a certain extent in the UAE, I still feel that the hike here is exaggerated and retailers are seeking to maximise their profits," he said adding that a bigger chunk of his salary is going towards buying food.
Bridget Selvaraj, an Indian mother of two, said her monthly grocery bill has more than doubled in the last year, forcing her to give up monthly savings to maintain her family's lifestyle.
Some people do not only to alter their saving but also need to make a change in their food habit to make end meets.
Mohammad Omair Al Jabiri, 19, an Emirati student said there was a huge increase in food prices recently. "I felt it almost doubled." Fruits and vegetables were the worst hit, he said. "We have reduced the amount of meat and prepare more dishes with rice," he added.
Ursula Pupik, a German operations manager, said prices of basic food items should be controlled. "Otherwise, life will be miserable for common people."
Meanwhile, retailers said that the prices of some basic commodities such as non basmati rice and milk powder have gone down in the UAE and prices are expected to fall further.
Ashraf Ali, executive director of Lulu hypermarket group, said prices have begun falling in the country and more declines are expected in the next six months. "The reason behind the decline is the combination of a stronger dollar and falling oil prices," said Ali.
What percentage do food expenses amount to in your monthly budget? How have the food prices changed your spending pattern? Have you cut down on eating-out? Fill in the form bellow to send your comments.
Your comments
We have cut on meat 50% and eat more veggies but it is very hard to find fresh vegetables in the supermarkets right now for an unknown reason.
Maryam
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: October 16, 2008, 11:38
Well, Dubai is not only made up of the rich people. And with the soaring food prices, it is becoming extremely difficult to live a normal lifestyle. The food prices and school fees have doubled and one cannot save anything. I think the authorities should look into this and see how the people of Dubai can lead a decent lifestyle.
Leonie
Dubai,U.A.E.
Posted: October 16, 2008, 10:33
I agree with Ursula, basic commodities (also rents) must be regulated by the government, there must be a specific rate of increase in prices in the country just like what is being implemented in other countries. This will limit retailers on taking advantage and would also decrease inflation in the country.
Karen
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: October 16, 2008, 09:49
Food prices have definitely doubled in the UAE. The cost of living has become very high where as to some families are being forced to relocate to their home countries due to the increase in everything. Too many things to pay like rent, school, salik etc... it is now becoming much more difficult for an average person to live. Frustrated mother of 3
DEE
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 16, 2008, 07:42
really its true the prices of food increased in evey shop they have there own rates,they say we buy also on double rates. 1500/- is my salary my budget for the monthly food is now 700/-before it was 280/-max
MOHD ABID
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: October 16, 2008, 07:32
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