The Ministry of Economy (MoE) has outlined its plan to strengthen the supervision of prices of products and services in the country's markets during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The objective is to establish a robust consumer ecosystem in line with global standards, ensuring a balanced trade-consumer relationship in the UAE, as announced during a media briefing at the ministry's Dubai headquarters. The plan involves enhancing collaboration with partners to enforce consumer protection laws, educating consumers on legislative frameworks, pricing policies for essential goods, and promoting awareness of rights and responsibilities during purchases for informed consumption choices.
Abdullah Sultan Al Fan Al Shamsi, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Monitoring and Follow Up Sector at the Ministry of Economy, highlighted the UAE's progress in developing a comprehensive regulatory framework to protect consumers and ensure their rights. He underscored the Ministry of Economy's ongoing collaboration with federal and local government bodies, particularly through the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection, as well as engagement with the cooperative and private sectors, and stakeholders to establish a secure and favorable environment for consumers in product purchases and service utilization.
In 2023, the Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry organized more than 26 meetings with suppliers of essential goods, such as cooking oil, eggs, dairy products, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat, to ensure ample availability for consumer needs during Ramadan 2024, according to Abdullah Sultan Al Fan Al Shamsi, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Monitoring and Follow Up Sector.
Al Shamsi affirmed the UAE's commitment to strategic supply policies, backed by clear directives and support from leadership, preventing unjustified price hikes for key items, including cooking oil, eggs, dairy, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat, without prior ministry approval.
The amendment of Federal Law No. 15 of 2020 on consumer protection through Federal Decree Law No. 5 of 2023 has fortified consumer rights and enhanced price regulation in the UAE markets. With over 43 obligations imposed on suppliers and comprehensive regulatory measures promoting fair business practices, the Ministry will oversee Ramadan promotions, including discounts of up to 50%, covering around 4,000 commodities in cooperatives. Increased competition, ample supply, and heightened consumer awareness are cited as key factors driving the surge in promotions during Ramadan 2024.
New Initiatives to Strengthen Consumer Protection
Additionally, Al Shamsi outlined several upcoming initiatives that the Ministry of Economy, in collaboration with relevant federal and local authorities and economic development departments, aims to implement in the next phase. These initiatives are designed to enhance consumer safety, elevate competitiveness, and foster prosperity in the country. Key initiatives include establishing a national team to monitor prices of essential consumer goods, introducing a code of conduct to strengthen the contractual relationship between outlets and suppliers, and ensuring retailers adhere to unit prices with rigorous oversight and appropriate action against any irregularities related to not raising the prices of essential consumer goods.
Implementation of Market Inspection Tours
In 2023, the Ministry of Economy conducted approximately 96,200 inspection tours, resulting in the detection of 6,645 violations, with an additional 620 inspections in January and February 2024. These efforts aim to monitor markets, assess merchants' commitment to price labeling, prevent commercial fraud, and address trademark infringements.
Abdullah Sultan Al Fan Al Shamsi highlighted the importance of providing consumers with alternatives, allowing flexibility in product choices based on budget and quality considerations. Consumers were encouraged to engage in market monitoring by reporting violations or proposing ideas for consumer protection through available channels.
Al Shamsi emphasized the significance of retaining invoices for conscious purchasing practices, ensuring consumers' rights are protected. The ongoing collaborative efforts with relevant authorities aim to uphold consumer rights, strengthen competitiveness, and position the UAE market as a sustainable destination for major brands.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
