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UAE consumers not hoarding as there is ample supply, says Ministry of Economy
Lulu Group it has imported over 5,000 tons of fresh food and other perishable and non-perishable food products via 26 chartered flights and cargo ships
- PUBLISHED: Sun 22 Mar 2026, 6:51 PM UPDATED: Sun 22 Mar 2026, 10:53 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
UAE residents are not hoarding goods, and there is no unusual demand as consumption is proceeding at a regular pace, as there is a plenty of food supply in the country, the UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism said on Sunday.
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This was announced during an inspection tour by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, of Lulu Hypermarket in Sharjah on the third day of Eid Al Fitr to monitor price stability and the availability of goods in ample supply.
The tour revealed a variety of offers and discounts on consumer goods such as rice, oils, eggs, dairy products, and poultry, thanks to increased supply and a wider range of choices for consumers, reflecting the commitment of retailers to meet families' needs during peak seasons and holidays.
The ministry noted that retailers are providing essential products of high quality at competitive prices that support purchasing power.
It added that consumer activity is proceeding normally, without any signs of hoarding or unusual demand, thanks to the ample supply and stable markets.
As reported by Khaleej Times, UAE retailers have assured that they have sufficient supply of basic food items for months.
Alternative shipping routes
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said the UAE’s logistics infrastructure, multiple shipping lines and alternative shipping routes ensure an uninterrupted supply of food for consumers at all times.
“The UAE possesses a sophisticated logistics infrastructure that includes world-class ports, multiple shipping lines and alternative shipping routes, an efficient air and land transport network, and modern storage and handling centres. This makes it a regional food distribution hub, enabling it to handle any supply chain disruptions without market interruptions and ensuring the availability of essential goods for consumers at all times, including peak seasons and holidays,” said Al Marri, who is also chairman of the Higher Committee for Consumer Protection.
The minister stressed that the UAE has “a robust food security system and a wide network of economic relations with global markets.”
26 chartered flights and cargo ships
Al Marri also visitedother major hypermarket operators in the UAE during the holy month of Ramadan to ensure price stability amid the ongoing regional military conflict.
A statement issued by Lulu Group said the minister expressed his appreciation for the group’s efforts in maintaining well-stocked shelves and ensuring community confidence.
Yusuff Ali Musliam, chairman of Lulu Group International, said his company is working with global sourcing offices and other manufacturers to ensure the continuous availability of food products and maintain price stability across all our stores in the UAE.
“To date, we have imported over 5,000 tonnes of fruits, vegetables, meat, and other perishable and non-perishable food products from around the world via 26 chartered flights and cargo ships," he added.
