Supreme Committee for consumer protection approves integrated inspection plan for Ramadan 2026

Meeting discusses updates on the implementation of the Code of Conduct Guidelines in the consumer goods sector

The Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection held its first meeting for the year 2026, chaired by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, and attended by the Committee’s member entities. The meeting reviewed key efforts and achievements in developing the legislative and regulatory framework for consumer protection, as well as in providing a secure consumer environment in the UAE’s markets. These efforts form part of strengthening national integration to ensure market stability and safeguard consumer rights.

The Committee adopted an integrated inspection plan for the holy month of Ramadan, developed in collaboration between the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and various relevant federal and local market oversight authorities. The plan includes inspection tours, awareness initiatives, and dialogue with the consumer and cooperative sectors, aimed at enabling sound commercial practices, raising market compliance levels, preventing commercial fraud, and ensuring price stability and product availability.

H.E. Bin Touq stated the UAE’s success in developing an integrated legislative and regulatory framework for consumer protection. It reflects the UAE’s commitment to enhancing fairness and transparency in markets and establishing a stable consumer environment in line with global best practices. These efforts strengthen the country’s position as a leading destination for quality of life and business competitiveness, supporting the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” vision.

“Through the first meeting of the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection, we aim to foster dialogue and develop new recommendations that support national directions in enhancing consumer protection in the country, particularly ahead of Ramadan. This is to ensure market stability and enhance community confidence in the consumer environment and the wholesale and retail trade sector in the UAE,” H.E. added.

H.E. Bin Touq welcomed H.E. Hassan Jasem Al Nowais, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, as a new member of the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection. H.E. affirmed that broadening the participation of national entities in the Committee consolidates its effectiveness in following up on the files related to market development, strengthening oversight, and the diversification of initiatives that serve consumers and enhance the quality of life in the UAE.

Strong oversight indicators in 2025

The Committee reviewed the key results and performance indicators achieved through joint efforts by the Ministry and relevant authorities to strengthen oversight and consumer protection in the UAE’s markets. Specialized teams from the Ministry and the local economic development departments from across the country conducted 155,218 inspection tours in 2025, resulting in the issuance of 7,702 violations. During the past year, the Ministry also received 3,167 complaints via its website, which were efficiently addressed, with 93.9 per cent of them resolved. During the same period, it received 130 requests for product recalls, leading to the recovery of 551,976 items.

An advanced legislative system for consumer protection

H.E. Bin Touq affirmed that the legislative environment for protecting consumer rights in the UAE has witnessed considerable developments recently. A comprehensive national policy regarding the pricing of essential consumer goods was adopted pursuant to Cabinet Resolution No. (120) of 2022 on the Rules and Controls for Pricing Consumer Goods in the country.

H.E. underscored the issuance of three ministerial resolutions supporting the policy on the pricing of essential consumer goods. These include setting unit prices for some essential consumer goods, monitoring the prices of essential goods and prohibiting any price increases without prior approval from the Ministry, covering nine key items, as well as adopting Code of Conduct guidelines to regulate the relationship between suppliers and retailers and enhance market transparency.

H.E. also highlighted Federal Decree-Law No. 14/2023 on Trading by Modern Technological Means, which aims to regulate e-commerce and uphold consumer rights by providing technical protection means, secure digital payment channels, and data protection. H.E. further noted the issuance of Cabinet Resolution No. 200 of 2025 concerning violations and administrative penalties for acts committed in violation of the decree by law.

Follow-up on Committee’s recommendations

During the meeting, committee members reviewed a report providing updates on the follow-up of recommendations from the second meeting of the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection in 2025. The report summarized key decisions and the results of national coordination between the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and relevant local authorities in the areas of oversight and consumer protection. It also highlighted efforts to develop a unified and integrated oversight framework aimed at enhancing compliance with market regulations, reducing violations, and promoting sound commercial practices that support a balanced and fair relationship between suppliers and consumers.

The report also highlighted the Ministry’s mechanisms for monitoring price movements of essential consumer goods, in coordination with economic development departments, and for overseeing major retail outlets across the UAE to ensure that no unjustified price hikes occur. It further reviewed the consumer protection plan for Ramadan, which includes enhancing price oversight, preventing commercial fraud and manipulation of Ramadan offers, verifying the quality and safety of food products, and strengthening partnerships with organizations supporting consumer protection through joint awareness campaigns and workshops that advance the national oversight plan.

Market regulation efforts and ensuring availability of goods before Ramadan

The Committee discussed the efforts of local entities to strengthen market oversight and ensure the availability of essential goods before the Holy Month of Ramadan. The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) presented its field plan to monitor price movements, ensure sufficient supply of essential goods across retail outlets, strengthen oversight of compliance with pricing policies, and prevent exploitative practices during peak season.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism also reviewed its oversight efforts and proactive plans to regulate markets, monitor Ramadan offers, ensure compliance with price labelling and transparency, and strengthen oversight of product quality and safety.

Furthermore, the Committee approved an integrated market oversight plan for the Ramadan season, which includes nearly 26 meetings with major suppliers and importers to ensure sufficient supply of essential goods. It further includes 420 inspection campaigns and field visits to retail outlets in Ramadan to monitor prices, ensure compliance with pricing policies, prevent commercial exploitation, and take legal procedures in cases of violations. In addition, the plan encompasses intensive awareness campaigns in collaboration with departments of economic development to promote responsible consuming behaviour during the Holy Month, as well as support special promotions launched by retail outlets across the UAE.

Updating the Code of Conduct Guidelines in the consumer goods sector

The committee also discussed updates on the implementation of the Code of Conduct Guidelines in the consumer goods sector, which aims to regulate the contractual relationship between suppliers and retailers and enhance integrity and transparency in the essential consumer goods sector.

Members reviewed suggestions from retail outlets on the implementation of the Code. Several outlets affirmed their full compliance, while others proposed suggestions to strengthen its positive impact and adherence to its guidelines, particularly concerning e-commerce provisions, promotional offers, and contractual models between suppliers and retailers in line with best practices.