Food items such as onions and tomatoes have seen price increases in recent days. Still, the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has said the rise is temporary and linked to the ongoing regional crisis.

The ministry confirmed that additional quantities of these commodities have already been supplied to markets to stabilise supply and help prices return to normal levels soon.

Officials stressed that there is no cause for concern regarding the availability of essential goods, noting that markets across the UAE continue to have sufficient stock and multiple alternatives available to consumers.

Increased market inspections

To maintain price stability, the ministry has intensified monitoring efforts at points of sale across the country. Specialised inspection teams are conducting daily field inspections in coordination with economic development departments in all emirates.

The inspections aim to prevent unjustified price increases and ensure compliance with consumer protection laws and pricing policies.

Essential goods under price regulation

Authorities highlighted that strict pricing policies apply to nine key essential commodities, including:

• Cooking oil
• Eggs
• Dairy products
• Rice
• Sugar
• Poultry
• Legumes
• Bread
• Wheat

Retailers cannot increase the prices of these goods without prior approval from the ministry and the national committee responsible for regulating essential commodity prices.

Strategic food reserves

The ministry also confirmed that the UAE maintains a strategic stockpile of essential goods sufficient to cover market demand for up to six months.

Officials said the reserves are distributed across the country through a carefully planned system, ensuring efficient supply chains and quick responses to market needs.

Shipping and supply operations are continuing normally through all entry points, helping maintain a steady flow of goods to local markets.

Minister inspects Al Aweer market

Meanwhile, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection, conducted a field inspection at the Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market in Dubai.

During the visit, he toured retail outlets, wholesale stores, and commercial shops to ensure compliance with consumer protection laws and price transparency.

The minister stressed that any compromise on food availability or consumer rights is a red line, adding that authorities will take strict legal action against violations or unfair commercial practices.

He also confirmed that daily imports of fruits and vegetables at Al Aweer market remain normal, reflecting the UAE’s strong supply chains and the readiness of its strategic food reserves.

Thousands of inspections conducted

Since the start of the regional crisis, the ministry has conducted more than 7,100 inspection campaigns across markets nationwide.

These inspections resulted in:

• 567 violations detected, mainly related to unjustified price increases
• 449 warnings issued to traders and suppliers
• Fines totalling Dh207,250 imposed

Authorities said monitoring campaigns will continue to intensify in the coming period to maintain market stability and protect consumers.

Dubai Police have urged motorists to avoid random parking near mosques during Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers, especially during the last 10 days of Ramadan, warning that improper parking can cause traffic congestion and pose risks to pedestrians.

Authorities said the advisory aims to ensure smooth traffic flow around mosques and maintain the safety of worshippers and road users during the busy prayer period.

Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said traffic patrols have been intensified around mosques across the emirate to regulate vehicle movement and monitor violations.

He stressed the importance of following traffic rules and avoiding parking that blocks public roads, residential entrances, or pedestrian pathways.

“Random parking can obstruct emergency and ambulance vehicles, increase the risk of accidents and run-over incidents, and endanger the lives of worshippers and pedestrians,” Brig. bin Suwaidan said.

Choose safe parking areas

Brig. bin Suwaidan urged worshippers to use designated parking areas and plan their journeys when attending Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers.

He also advised worshippers to avoid praying on the streets surrounding mosques, noting that doing so may expose people to run-over accidents.

“Worshippers should choose safe and designated prayer locations and cooperate with traffic officers to ensure a safe and organised environment for everyone,” he added.

Strict action against violations

Dubai Police confirmed that legal action will be taken against motorists who violate traffic regulations, including those who block roads or park in unsafe areas.

Authorities said traffic management plans are in place during Ramadan to reduce congestion, organise parking around mosques, and ensure safe entry and exit for worshippers.

Dubai Police reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing road safety and ensuring the comfort of road users throughout the holy month.

Dubai Police have warned motorists against stopping on the road shoulder without necessity, urging drivers to move their vehicles to the nearest safe parking area outside the roadway in case of a breakdown or emergency.

Authorities stressed that unjustified stopping on the road shoulder is a dangerous traffic violation that can lead to serious accidents and disrupt traffic flow on busy highways.

The warning comes after a fatal run-over incident on Sheikh Zayed Road before the Al Yalayis Bridge heading towards Abu Dhabi, where a person lost his life after a vehicle stopped unsafely on the left road shoulder.

Brigadier Juma bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said the incident occurred after two vehicles were involved in a collision. Both drivers stopped their vehicles on the left road shoulder next to the first fast lane — an area where stopping is prohibited except in emergency situations due to the risks involved.

According to Brigadier bin Suwaidan, one of the drivers exited his vehicle to inspect the damage caused by the collision. At that moment, another vehicle approaching from behind encountered him on the roadway.

“Due to the vehicle’s speed and the short distance, the driver was unable to avoid him, resulting in the victim being run over and dying at the scene,” he explained.

Brigadier bin Suwaidan noted that excessive speed and failure to maintain a safe following distance contributed to the severity of the incident. He urged motorists to adhere to speed limits, remain attentive to road conditions and anticipate unexpected situations on highways.

He also emphasised that Dubai Police will continue enforcing strict penalties against dangerous traffic behaviours that endanger lives and property.

The traffic official further explained that stopping on the road shoulder is considered a serious violation that can lead to severe accidents, causing injuries and fatalities.

“The road shoulder is designated strictly for emergencies such as sudden vehicle breakdowns or medical emergencies and must not be used for any other purpose,” he said.

Brigadier bin Suwaidan also highlighted the importance of raising driver awareness about avoiding such behaviour except in exceptional circumstances. He advised motorists to move their vehicles to the safe right side of the road when possible and avoid stopping in dangerous locations on highways.