Worried about your grocery bill spiking this Ramadan? The UAE Ministry of Economy has issued a strict warning to retailers: Keep prices stable or face fines. Here is the official list of 9 basic commodities protected by law in 2026.

DUBAI – As families across the Emirates prepare for the Holy Month of Ramadan 2026, the UAE government has delivered a clear message to retailers: Price gouging will not be tolerated.

In a move to protect consumer wallets during the high-demand season, the Ministry of Economy has confirmed it is intensifying its monitoring campaigns. The target? Unjustified price hikes on the daily essentials that end up in every shopping cart.

The 'Iron Fist' on Inflation

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, announced that inspection campaigns will run throughout the entire month of Ramadan. The objective is strict: to ensure that the festive rush isn't used as an excuse to inflate profit margins at the expense of residents.

Violators caught manipulating prices without official approval will face hefty fines, a deterrent designed to keep the market stable and fair.

The 9 "Protected" Commodities

The Ministry has specifically identified nine basic food items that will be under the microscope. Retailers are expected to keep prices for these essentials stable:

  • Cooking Oil
  • Eggs
  • Dairy Products
  • Rice
  • Sugar
  • Poultry
  • Legumes
  • Bread
  • Wheat

The 6-Month Pricing Rule

This crackdown isn't just a temporary measure; it is backed by solid policy. Last year, the Ministry introduced a groundbreaking pricing mechanism to curb inflation. Under this policy, retailers must observe a minimum period of six months between two consecutive price increases for basic commodities.

This "cooling-off period" prevents sudden, back-to-back spikes in cost, giving consumers a predictable and stable pricing environment.

Digital Eyes on the Market

To ensure total compliance, the Ministry is leveraging technology. A sophisticated digital platform now monitors the prices of these nine key commodities in real-time. This system flags any unauthorized increases, ensuring that retailers cannot quietly raise prices without prior Ministry approval.

The Bottom Line: If you spot a sudden price jump on your bag of rice or bottle of oil this Ramadan, know that the law is on your side.