Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched an intensified daily inspection regime targeting price stability for nine essential commodities throughout Ramadan 2026. The comprehensive monitoring program focuses on cooking oil, eggs, dairy products, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat—items deemed critical for household consumption during the holy month.
Inspectors are utilizing specialized barcode-scanning devices that instantly verify whether merchandise prices remain within government-mandated ranges. According to UAE regulation, any price increase on these designated essentials requires formal approval from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism accompanied by justified rationale.
Ahmed Ahli, Director of Tourism Activities Monitoring at DET, confirmed to Khaleej Times that while seasonal staples like samosas, Vimto, and dates aren’t price-controlled, they remain subject to reasonableness checks. The daily inspection protocol—also implemented during Eid, New Year’s Eve, and back-to-school periods—supplements regular monthly price verification routines.
The initiative builds upon previous enforcement efforts that recorded 7,702 violations nationwide in 2025, with 93.9% of consumer complaints resolved within days. DET has already conducted 400 site visits and 10 supplier workshops emphasizing consumer rights obligations this season.
A critical aspect of the inspections involves ensuring retailers transparently display loyalty program pricing. “Previously these were footnotes in small font,” Ahli noted. “Now we mandate clear, bold labeling indicating whether prices apply to all customers or specific program members.”
The department emphasizes evidentiary requirements for consumer complaints, urging shoppers to retain receipts and documentation. Complaints without supporting evidence frequently face dismissal, according to officials. Consumers may submit grievances through the official portal (consumerrights.gov.ae) or hotline (600 545 5555).
Alongside enforcement, DET continues consumer awareness campaigns including digital distribution of the ‘Consumer Rights Guide’ to encourage violation reporting. Last year’s nearly 100,000 requests included approximately 89,000 consumer complaints, though officials note not all complaints indicate merchant fault, sometimes reflecting misunderstandings or unmet expectations.