Price manipulation isn’t just unfair, it’s illegal in the UAE.

The UAE Public Prosecution has issued a strong warning to businesses, making it clear that inflating or fixing prices crosses the line into criminal activity, not clever strategy.

In a statement shared online, authorities reinforced that the UAE’s free-market system is built on fairness, transparency, and strict legal oversight. Any attempt to distort competition or exploit consumers is taken seriously and can carry legal consequences.

At the centre of this is Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2023, which bans monopolistic behaviour, price-fixing agreements, and the misuse of market dominance. The goal: keep markets open, competitive, and fair for everyone.

The Public Prosecution also highlighted its role in cracking down on economic crimes, working closely with other authorities to detect violations and protect consumers.

The message is simple: if you manipulate prices, you’re not just bending the rules — you’re breaking the law.

In a strong move to protect consumers and market stability, the UAE Ministry of Economy & Tourism has referred a group of businesses to the Public Prosecution for unjustifiably increasing poultry prices.

Authorities said the group exploited ongoing regional developments to inflate prices, a practice that directly violates consumer protection laws and threatens both food security and economic stability in the country.

What the law says

Under Article 5 of the Regulation of Competition Law UAE, businesses are strictly prohibited from engaging in practices that distort or restrict competition.

This includes:

• Price-fixing or artificially inflating prices
• Coordinating to limit supply or control distribution
• Colluding in tenders or bids
• Imposing unfair conditions on sales or purchases

The law also bans tactics like hoarding, unjustified stockpiling, or creating artificial shortages to manipulate market prices.

Why this action matters

Officials emphasised that such violations go beyond simple misconduct, they can disrupt entire supply chains and impact everyday consumers.

By taking legal action, the ministry aims to:

• Maintain stable food prices
• Protect consumer rights
• Ensure fair competition in the market
• Safeguard national food and economic security

Ongoing market monitoring

This case is part of wider inspection campaigns being carried out across the UAE to monitor pricing and prevent manipulation, especially in essential goods like food.

Authorities have signalled zero tolerance for businesses attempting to exploit market conditions for unfair gains.

If you’ve received a random message asking you to pay a parking fine, don’t click anything just yet.

Dubai residents are being warned about a new wave of scam messages targeting drivers with fake payment links, and it’s catching people off guard.

According to Parkin, fraudsters are sending texts that look legit, claiming you have outstanding parking payments and urging you to pay immediately.

Here’s the catch
These messages include unverified links designed to steal your personal or financial information.

What the warning says
• Don’t click on unfamiliar links
• Always verify payment requests
• Only use official Parkin channels for payments

Earlier this year, similar scams targeted UAE residents with fake toll messages pretending to be from Abu Dhabi’s DARB system, some even threatening fines to pressure users into paying fast.

In one case, a message claimed a small pending fee, but warned of a Dh100 fine if not paid immediately 

How to spot the scam
Watch out for these red flags:
• Messages from international or unknown numbers
• Generic greetings like “Dear Customer”
• Links that look official, but aren’t
• Urgent threats pushing immediate payment

Authorities, including Ras Al Khaimah Police and the UAE Cybersecurity Council, have repeatedly warned residents not to engage with such messages.

The golden rule
Real toll or parking operators in the UAE don’t ask for payments via random SMS links, and they won’t pressure you with threats.

If it feels suspicious, it probably is. Pause, verify, and protect your information. Because one wrong click could cost you more than just a parking fine.