UAE monitors grocery prices in real time across 627 outlets
Ministry of Economy pledges swift action against manipulation and fake discounts
Dubai: Residents concerned about grocery costs amid regional tensions are being reassured that prices are under constant digital surveillance, with authorities monitoring retail data in real time across the country.
Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downloading the Gulf News app now - it's completely free. Click here for Apple or here for Android. You can also find it on the Huawei AppGallery.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism operates a nationwide price monitoring system linked directly to 627 major retail outlets, including consumer cooperatives, hypermarkets and supermarkets. These outlets represent more than 90% of internal trade in essential consumer goods across the seven Emirates, giving authorities broad oversight of market movements.
Real-time tracking across the UAE
The system enables automatic and continuous tracking of prices through direct technical integration with leading retailers, which periodically submit updated price lists. Inspection teams are alerted to unusual changes, allowing swift intervention where required.
Officials say the framework is designed to detect violations or unjustified price adjustments before they affect consumers. Continuous data collection is supported by field inspections and regulatory follow-up to ensure compliance with approved pricing policies.
The monitoring structure operates within the Consumer Protection Law and its executive regulations, giving the Ministry authority to regulate pricing behaviour, prevent monopolistic practices and reinforce consumer confidence.
Nine essentials under strict control
A dedicated pricing policy applies to nine essential food categories: cooking oil, eggs, dairy products, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread and wheat. Retailers cannot increase prices for these items without prior approval from the Ministry.
Authorities say this safeguard helps stabilise supply and demand while insulating consumers from sudden shocks linked to exceptional circumstances or external economic shifts. The policy is intended to prevent abrupt price spikes during periods of heightened uncertainty.
The Ministry has reiterated that it continues to conduct regular inspection campaigns in coordination with federal and local authorities to deter unjustified increases and ensure transparent commercial practices.
Public reporting channels active
Consumers are encouraged to report any suspected violations or unexplained price increases through official channels, including the toll-free number 8001222, via email at info@moet.gov.ae or through the Ministry’s website.
Officials maintain that the integration of digital monitoring, regulatory oversight and direct coordination with retailers creates a structured response framework capable of preserving price stability. Residents shopping for daily essentials are therefore operating in a market environment where data flows continuously to regulators and corrective action can be triggered quickly.
