Dubai: Shoppers have complained about rising prices of commodities ahead of Eid Al Fitr and called on the authorities to step in to check retailers from charging their customers unfairly.
Prices of readymade garments, gifts, and sweets, among other goods, have been going up in the past few days, shoppers said. Many residents said the price increases have been unprecedented and even went to suggest that the upward trend in prices have gone unnoticed by officials.
Farah Al Ameer, 22, said: “Most brand name shopping stores were on discount in the first two weeks of Ramadan. Currently, all prices have increased significantly.
“A shirt, which was priced at Dh120, currently costs Dh195, while a dress being sold for Dh80 is now Dh140 in Dubai’s stores,” she added.
Ayman Harake, owner of a men’s clothing store, said: “Almost 90 per of my customers consider clothes and perfumes to be 20 to 30 per cent more expensive during Eid Al Fitr shopping festival.”
Mothana Tarshahani, a Syrian resident, said he has never witnessed such increases in prices, especially for clothes and shoes, in the 15 years he’s been in the UAE.
“I used to plan a budget of Dh3,500, including Eid shopping, family lunch gatherings, family trips, and gifts of money to the young ones. Now, I spend more than Dh5,000 in only four days,” he added.
Zaina Mohammad, boutique owner, said: “Prices of clothes for males, females, and children are higher this Eid and the rising costs have almost no impact on shoppers who continue to spend.
“Families spend hours browsing in shops and spending more money. Retailers take this period of time as an opportunity to increase prices,” she said.
Manal Abdullah, a Syrian mother of four, said she has budgeted for Eid shopping and gifts for the family.
“Sadly, we have forgotten the true essence of Eid and transformed it into a scale of judging each other’s financial status. Your best clothes are supposed to be expensive, the food you prepare is expected to be exotic and unique that a majority of people can barely afford and, to top it all, you have to gift sums of money to the young ones,” she added.
Suhair Assi, a Syrian mother of two, said, “Everything is getting more expensive but it won’t stop us from indulging the family.
“Eid Al Fitr is a very special occasion and only happens once a year. My children are thrilled about this special occasion. We are taking them to Atlantis and buying many games that both my sons have been asking for,” she said.
Residents stressed that the authorities, including the Economic Department and Consumer Protection Department, should play a more proactive role in protecting consumers who, they said, are exploited every Eid by greedy traders.
Dr Hashim Al Nuaimi, Director of the Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry of Economy, said that inspections will be carried out by the ministry at shops and restaurants throughout Eid Al Fitr to ensure a cap on prices in the best interests of customers.
-Nawal Al Ramahi is a trainee at Gulf News
