UAE to monitor food price hikes during Ramadan 2026; fines for violators

The price of basic food items will not increase during Ramadan, the UAE Ministry of Economy affirmed. In preparation for Ramadan 2026, the ministry will continue its campaign to monitor price hikes for basic food items to make sure they are not unjustifiably spiked. These nine basic commodities include cooking oil, eggs, dairy, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread and wheat.

Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, said that the campaign will continue throughout the month, with daily inspections taking place.

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Last year, the Ministry introduced a new pricing policy that gave retailers a minimum period of six months between two consecutive increases in the prices of basic commodities, in an effort to protect consumers.

It also launched a digital platform that monitors the prices of these nine basic commodities to ensure retailers are not unjustifiably raising prices without the Ministry's prior approval. Al Marri said that in the last year, 3,167 complaints were received in the platform, of which around 93 per cent were successfully solved. 

Dh100,000 fine for violators

Depending on the type of violation, retailers may either receive a written warning and a deadline to rectify the situation. In severe cases, where violations are repeated, the Ministry will enact stricter measures relevant to the gravity of the violation. It may also give violators fines starting from Dh500 and can reach up to Dh100,000.

It also launched a digital platform that monitors the prices of these nine basic commodities to ensure retailers are not unjustifiably raising prices without the Ministry's prior approval. Al Marri said that in the last year, 377 complaints were received in the platform, of which around 30 per cent were successfully solved.

He added that the Ministry will analyse the prices of these basic food products on a daily basis, with certain procedures aiming to correct the prices should they rise.

The Minister called for the general public to raise any complaint of food price hikes through the toll free number 800 1222 or through its digital platforms. “We invite you to have responsible purchase like having the bills, compare bills with what you already purchased to ensure this is your way to ensure getting your rights. We also encourage you to communicate with inspectors and reach out to them,” he said.

Major Ramadan discounts

Meanwhile, retailers across the UAE have rolled out extensive Ramadan promotions, announcing discounts of up to 70 per cent on thousands of products, with some items priced from as low as Dh1.

Abu Dhabi-based ADCOOP said it has allocated Dh20 million for its Ramadan campaign, offering discounts of up to 60 per cent on more than 4,000 products, while reducing prices on 1,500 essential items. The retailer will also distribute 30,000 free Iftar meals and provide 12,000 Ramadan essentials boxes priced at Dh99 and Dh149.

Al Maya Supermarkets also announced discounts ranging between 25 and 40 per cent on selected categories, particularly on high-demand essentials. The chain said its Ramadan promotion covers over 300 products, including food staples, beverages and everyday household items.