H.E. Abdulla bin Touq conducts field visit to Al Ain fruit and vegetable market to assess availability of goods and price stability

Inspection tours assess retail outlets’ compliance with consumer protection policies and legislation, confirming price transparency and market stability

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection, conducted a field visit to Al Ain fruit and vegetable market to review the availability of food commodities at fair prices, monitor traders’ compliance with sound commercial practices, and assess the efficiency of food supply chains. The initiative also contributes to enhancing market stability and ensuring that consumer needs are met under varying circumstances.

The visit forms part of a series of field tours conducted by H.E. the Minister of Economy and Tourism during the current period to monitor market conditions across the country. It aligns with the national efforts to strengthen strategic stockpiles, ensure the availability of essential goods, particularly food, and maintain supply chain continuity. The visits assess retail outlets’ compliance with consumer protection policies and legislation, while confirming price transparency and market stability.

H.E. Bin Touq emphasized that food security and protection of consumer rights in the UAE represent a national priority, in line with the directives of the wise leadership. H.E. highlighted that the daily import flow of food commodities in the market is proceeding normally, with adequate supplies available in warehouses and on shelves. H.E. added that there are no indications of shortages or disruptions in supply, reflecting the high readiness of supply chains and the efficiency of strategic stock across the country’s markets. H.E. urged consumers to purchase according to their needs and avoid excessive buying that leads to waste, thus enhancing price stability and maintaining the availability of goods for all.

H.E. added: “The UAE boasts an advanced logistics network and infrastructure that have strengthened the protection of supply chains for essential goods since the beginning of the current crisis, particularly food, medical, and industrial products. This has been achieved by activating alternative supply routes and strengthening the strategic stock ecosystem, which now functions as an integrated and flexible network capable of efficiently redirecting supplies within record timeframes.”

Market operations were reviewed during the visit, starting from the receipt of shipments, through sorting and distribution processes, all the way to cold storage systems that help maintain product quality and safety in adherence with food safety requirements. The visit also monitored trading activity, which reflects efficient organisation and diversified supply sources, confirming the market’s readiness to meet different levels of demand and handle fluctuations in demand and consumption. H.E. also reviewed the level of integration and coordination among working entities within the market and their compliance with approved operational standards.

In coordination with local entities and economic departments, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism continues to monitor stock and the availability of goods across markets on a day-to-day basis. The Ministry underscored that it has intensified its inspection and oversight activities during the current period. Any violations affecting the availability of goods or consumer rights, including monopoly, deception, or exploitation of current circumstances to manipulate prices or introduce unjustified and unreasonable increases, will be confronted and handled in accordance with applicable legal regulations, including the imposition of fines.

Since the beginning of the crisis, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in cooperation with local economic departments, has carried out approximately 12,284 inspection tours across the country’s markets. These resulted in identifying 249 violations, including unjustified price increases and the issuance of 905 warnings to traders, suppliers, and retail outlets.