Combating Covid-19: Notice high prices in UAE's retail stores? Report them

Abu Dhabi - The Ministry of Economy coordinates with the local authorities to monitor prices and inspect more than 1,600 suppliers and retail outlets.

If residents have detected unreasonable hike in prices of food products, there're many platforms to report such violations.
The Ministry of Economy and government bodies from each emirate have made available helpline phone numbers and websites to register complaints of price hike owing to impact of Covid-19.
Tariq Al Suwaidi, Director, Sharjah Office of the Ministry of Economy, on Tuesday said all efforts were being made to protect the interest of consumers.
"The Ministry of Economy continues to make daily inspections in the markets to check the availability of goods," Al Suwaidi said.
The Ministry of Economy coordinates with the local authorities to monitor prices and inspect more than 1,600 suppliers and retail outlets.
"We have a dedicated team to investigate complaints submitted by consumers and take appropriate action. We urge consumers to report any unjustified price increase," Humaid Al Muhairi, Ministry of Economy spokesperson, said.
Check DED 'Price Monitor'
Dubai Economy has launched a 'Price Monitor' to track daily prices of food products and essentials. People can log onto official website www.dubaided.ae/ and click Price.ded.ae to reach consumers rights page dedicated to register complaints and queries. The 'Price Monitor', available in Arabic and English, will allow shoppers and businesses on a daily basis to track and compare the prices of essentials. Consumers can also follow twitter handle @Dubai_DED to get daily updated list of minimum and maximum prices of essentials. People can also call 600545555.
On Sunday, Dubai Economy imposed fines on 14 merchants, including nine pharmacies.
TAMM portal, chat bot too
Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) asked consumers to use digital 'Consumer goods prices' services to know if products across major outlets in Abu Dhabi are correctly priced before purchasing them. Prices can be checked on www.tamm.abudhabi/ar-ae/services/tamm-ded/goodsinquiry. Consumers can search with product's name or goods category and know the exact prices. The department has urged general public to raise voice if they detect any violations.
"Be our eyes in the market. Connect with us to register complaints, inquiries, violations or rise in prices through our chat bot and other contact channels."
Consumers can find chat bot on https://www.adbc.gov.ae. The website also offers details on prices of goods.
5,300 inspections in six days
Between March 30 and April 4, the department has carried out more than 5,300 visits across commercial outlets including grocery shops, restaurants, pharmacies, shopping centres etc. Seven violators have been fined and 52 others warned.
Commercial establishments and pharmacies caught hiking prices of food products and medicines illegally or hoarding essential items will face fines ranging from Dh250,000 and Dh2 million.
"Protecting the rights of the consumers is one of ADDED's top priority. We conduct daily inspections across commercial establishments to curb wrong practices while ensuring transparency in the business sector."
Abu Dhabi consumers can register and violations on contact numbers 800555 (8am to 8 pm) and 028158888 (8am to 6 pm) or mail complaints to contact@tamm.abudhabi.
General public can be rest assured your identity will not be revealed and the authorities urge community to help check violations.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com