UAE issues Dh207,000 in fines to firms for unjustified price hikes

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The UAE’s Ministry of Economy has carried out approximately 7,105 inspection tours to ensure food price stability since the Israel-Iran war began on February, averaging over 700 inspection tours a day.

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In an update statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry revealed that the inspections resulted in the detection of 567 violations, most notably unjustified price increases. Consequently, 449 warnings were issued to traders, suppliers, and points of sale, and financial fines totalling Dh207,250 were imposed.

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Since the beginning of the US, Israel, and Iran military conflict on February 28, 2026, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in cooperation with the local economic development departments across the country has carried out inspection across different emirates.

The Ministry affirmed that it would intensify monitoring campaigns further in the coming period in cooperation with the Economic Development Departments and relevant authorities, to ensure market stability and provide a safe and stable consumer environment for consumers in the UAE.

The Ministry noted that the consumer is considered an active partner in monitoring the prices of goods and products by interacting with regulatory authorities and communicating with the Ministry through its official channels to submit complaints and report any price increases or observed violations. For this purpose, they can utilise the e-services on the Ministry of Economy and Tourism website www.moet.gov.ae or call or WhatsApp via 8001222, or the email info@moet.gov.ae

The Ministry also calls upon consumers across the UAE to follow sound consumer practices, purchase as needed, and avoid hoarding or excessive shopping, to ensure price stability and the availability of goods for all.

In addition, the Ministry explained that the UAE possesses a wide network of partner markets that supply it with imports of various goods and products it needs, with the ability to find alternative markets efficiently and at high speed in crises and emergency situations.

• Iran Israel war

Written by

Waheed Abbas

Waheed Abbas is Assistant Editor, covering real estate, aviation and other business stories that directly affect the lives of UAE consumers. He frequently reports human interest stories, too.