Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
Major retailers across the UAE have confirmed that supermarkets remain fully stocked and supply chains are operating smoothly, ensuring that essential goods remain available amid regional developments.
Proactive measures are in place to maintain price stability, and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MoET) is closely monitoring points of sale to prevent unjustified hikes and safeguard consumer access to basic items.
Among the retailers, LuLu Group told Aletihad that shelves are full and consumers are shopping as usual. Essential items, including groceries, fresh produce, meat, eggs, and dairy products are all available in sufficient quantities, it said.
The MoET said on Tuesday that the UAE maintains a strategic stockpile of essential goods that can cover market needs for up to six months.
Shipping and supply chains are operating normally and efficiently through various entry points, according to the ministry.
It confirmed that the country can quickly and efficiently secure alternative markets during crises and emergency situations.
Retailers are relying on global sourcing networks to maintain uninterrupted supplies.
LuLu recently arranged chartered flights to bring 80 tonnes of fresh produce from Kochi, India, and 80 tonnes of meat from Delhi, in addition to regular shipments from Australia, Europe, the Far East, and the UK.
"Our diversified sourcing network, spanning more than 40 countries, ensures that we are not reliant on a single market. We also continue to support locally produced Emirati products," the company said in a statement to Aletihad.
Other major chains confirmed that operations are proceeding as usual.
Al Maya Group recently said that all its supermarkets are running normally with strong measures to maintain product availability.
Spinney's UAE advised customers to buy only what they need and avoid stockpiling.
Union Coop's CEO, Mohamed Al Hashemi, confirmed on Tuesday that the cooperative's strategic stock levels are enough to meet consumer demand for extended periods.
He noted that operational activities and supply chains across all branches and online platforms remain uninterrupted, supported by coordinated inventory management and supplier partnerships.
Purchasing patterns remain typical, and the cooperative continuously monitors market indicators to ensure stability and support the UAE's national food security priorities, Al Hashemi added.
Shoppers 'Not Worried'
Consumers who spoke to Aletihad also reported a sense of normalcy in their shopping routines. "We go to the supermarket, pick up what we need and go home," said Fatima Al Mansoori, an Emirati mother of three.
"People here trust that the government prepares for situations like this, so I'm not worried about finding what my family needs," she added.
Ahmed Hassan, a long-time resident in Abu Dhabi, also confirmed he hasn't noticed any shortages while doing his weekly shopping."Prices are mostly stable and the shelves have everything I usually buy," he told Aletihad. "It's reassuring to see that even with all the news, daily life and food supply here feel normal."
The ministry confirmed that minor price increases for some commodities, such as onions and tomatoes, are temporary.
Additional quantities have already been supplied to maintain stability.
Daily inspections are conducted by specialised teams in coordination with economic development departments across the country. Since the beginning of the regional crisis, around 7,105 inspections have been carried out, resulting in 567 violations detected, 449 warnings issued, and Dh207,250 in fines.
The ministry urged consumers to continue purchasing responsibly, avoid hoarding, and report any price violations through its official channels, including the website www.moet.gov.ae, WhatsApp at 8001222, or email at info@moet.gov.ae.