Price hike forces festive shoppers to rethink holiday purchases

Dubai/Fujairah/Abu Dhabi: Families are cutting back on spending for the festive season and will take price increases into consideration before splurging on clothes and food.

However, most shopkeepers say they are doing brisk business despite the price hikes.

Rudaina Mustafa, a Dubai resident and mother-of-one, said that she has to think twice about whether she really needs to buy something for her family.

Expected rise

"The prices are crazy compared to regular prices, and I think the price hike has not only affected Dubai but all the emirates as well," said Rudaina, who plans to buy toys, clothes, sweets and chocolates for Eid.

Ajman resident Ahmad Jamali said that he will go shopping in Dubai irrespective of the price increase.

"We'll probably be spending a lot for the celebrations because the prices have gone up, especially food."

Ala Faiz, 37-year-old Iraqi, said the increase in prices for all commodities was expected because of the salary increase for the public sector and also because of Eid.

"This year's shopping is special to me because I have a baby and this is our first Eid together. I'm enjoying buying stuff for the baby, but the price hike will make me cut down on what I buy for myself."

Despite these increases, vendors around the UAE say they are seeing an influx of customers shopping for the Eid and Christmas celebrations, and that business has been particularly good.

"Sales have doing very well. Everyone is buying because of the promotions that are going on in our shops," said Shine Pallath, Alukkas shop manager at Dubai Gold Centre.

Flowers are also a big hit with customers who plan to decorate their homes for the holidays. Oleander Flower Shop says it has sold many Christmas trees this week.

"Christmas trees used to be sold for Dh440 and now they are Dh500, but we have not received any complaints from customers because there is not a big difference in price," he said.

Eid sacrifices: keeping slaughter legal

Authorities in Dubai have warned that strict action will be taken against people violating laws on animal sacrifices during Eid.

Municipality officials across the emirates have warned butchers against slaughtering animals in their shops or homes. An official at the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority said that officials - including inspectors at border checkpoints - will work around the clock during the Eid holidays.

He said special inspections will be held on the eve of Eid at slaughterhouses and butchers to ensure the quality of the animals used for sacrifices.