Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Regional tensions have rippled through economies thousands of miles away, yet in the UAE, consumer prices across markets have remained stable. Retailers attribute this resilience to proactive planning and coordinated efforts, from the authorities to businesses and logistics operators on the ground.
Cooperation across the retail ecosystem is crucial to ensuring a smooth flow of goods, said Mohamed Al Hashemi, Chief Executive Officer of Union Coop, the largest consumer cooperative in the country.
“We operate as part of an integrated national ecosystem, [supported by] continuous coordination with federal and local authorities, along with suppliers and logistics partners,” he told Aletihad.
Availability is ensured through strategic stockpiles, diversified sourcing, and a proactive strategy, Al Hashemi said. “We do not rely on a single supplier or route. We work across local and international partners.”
More than anything, being two steps ahead is what keeps the system running like clockwork. “We prepare for disruption before it happens,” Al Hashemi said.
Dinesh Pagarani, Director at supermarket chain Choithrams, emphasised that being proactive means “staying close to the market and acting before pressure turns into disruption.”
Stability, he added, is anchored in strong oversight and timely interventions, and the UAE has demonstrated how these are translated into real-world outcomes over the past weeks.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism, along with local government entities, combed through supermarkets, facilities, and warehouses to ensure prices remain stable, shelves are stocked, and supply chains run smoothly.
“The UAE is able to build a near-real-time picture of pricing and availability, [supported by] more than 8,000 inspections, showing proactive enforcement and care for the community,” Pagarani said.
Collaboration, he added, has been central to making this possible. “UAE authorities and major retailers have been working as a single unit to support the community.”
From sharing shipping containers to finding smarter ways to move goods, everyone has been working towards the same goal, Pagarani said, explaining how teamwork unfolded on the ground.
Technology and data analytics have also played a key role in keeping prices and supplies in check, industry experts said.
“We use data to forecast demand, manage inventory in real time, and move products efficiently,” Al Hashemi said. Online platforms also provide a reliable alternative channel, ensuring consistent consumer access, he added.
Pagarani explained that these systems allow retailers to “look at live sales and make real-time adjustments”, while digital platforms offer continuous insight into customer demand.
He also highlighted the role of data-driven inspections in ensuring fairness. “These inspections bring consistency and transparency,” helping maintain consumer confidence while ensuring pricing remains reasonable.
By identifying patterns and enforcing standards, authorities help create a level playing field, which builds trust among customers, Pagarani said. “This approach supports transparency, protects customers, and ensures that responsible operators are recognised for doing things properly.”
