UAE fines food traders, supermarkets for unjustified price rises

ABU DHABI — UAE authorities have imposed fines totalling more than AED 12 million on 47 food traders, supermarkets and importers for unjustified price increases on essential items including rice, sugar, cooking oil and poultry, the Ministry of Economy announced today.

The crackdown comes as global oil prices remain above $104 per barrel following Iran’s missile and drone campaign against Gulf infrastructure. Inspectors from the Ministry of Economy, in coordination with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development, conducted surprise checks across 380 outlets in the past 48 hours after consumer complaints surged.

“Any trader who exploits current regional circumstances to raise prices without valid cost justification will face immediate penalties and possible licence suspension,” said Ministry of Economy Under-Secretary Mohamed Ahmed Al Shehhi.

“The UAE’s food supply chains remain fully secure and well-stocked. There is zero tolerance for profiteering,” he added.

The largest single fine — AED 1.8 million — was issued to a major hypermarket chain in Dubai that increased prices of imported rice and edible oils by 18-27% within 24 hours of the Bahrain and Kuwait incidents.

Several smaller traders in Sharjah and Ajman were fined between AED 150,000 and AED 450,000 each for similar violations on chicken and dairy products.

Officials confirmed that strategic reserves managed by the Emirates Food Security Council have kept wholesale prices stable, with no actual supply shortages recorded.

 The fines are part of a wider government directive issued immediately after Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed’s meeting with business leaders on Tuesday, where he stressed that “business continuity and fair pricing are non-negotiable.”

All fined entities have been ordered to refund affected customers and revert prices to pre-crisis levels within 72 hours. Repeat offenders risk losing their operating licences for up to six months. The ministry has also launched a consumer hotline and mobile app for real-time price monitoring and reporting.

The move reinforces the UAE’s long-standing policy of protecting consumers during external shocks. Despite Iranian strikes on neighbouring states and the resulting volatility in energy markets, food imports through Jebel Ali and other ports continue uninterrupted, with alternative sourcing routes already activated.

As Sheikh Hamdan stated earlier this week, the UAE will “emerge stronger.” By swiftly punishing unjustified price rises, the country is sending a clear signal that its economy remains open, resilient and firmly on the side of its people and legitimate businesses.