This Ramadan, consumers will be able to buy a list of food items at reduced prices as UAE supermarkets slash prices of 5,000 food items by up to 70%, announced the Ministry of Economy. The price cuts and subsidies are, reportedly, worth a total of AED250 million ($68 million).
The ministry has also asked basic goods suppliers – including rice, flour, oil, milk, fruits and vegetables – to raise the level of imports by at least 30% during Ramadan. A total of 18,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables are to be imported daily into Dubai and 4,000 tonnes to Abu Dhabi, which is 30% more than normal. In addition, prices of 4,000 other goods have been fixed for the holy month, up from 3,500 in 2015.
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) is Qatar has also imposed a price cap on more than 400 consumer products during Ramadan.
The list includes popular consumables during Ramadan such as Vimto, dates, nuts and dried fruits. It also includes meat and poultry, mineral water, pasta, dairy goods and frozen vegetables. Household products such as soaps and tissues have been included as well.
In both countries, the authorities will undertake regular inspections to ensure retailers are following the guidelines.