Today's Edition
ASILA AL BADI (ABU DHABI)
With the UAE’s new price tracker for essential goods, residents say they will be able to shop smarter, save time and effort, and reduce their grocery bills.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has launched the digital Essential Goods Prices Platform, which allows the public to compare prices of basic necessities and find the lowest available options across major retailers in the UAE.
Accessible in just a few clicks via the ministry’s official website, the platform is part of broader efforts to boost price transparency and help consumers better manage their day-to-day expenses.
Among the essentials monitored are rice, bread, whole chicken, different types of cooking oil, milk, eggs, beans, lentils, grains, and flour.
For families working within fixed monthly budgets, the initiative could make a meaningful difference.
Anood Alhosani, a mother of four, sees the new platform as a big help, making it easier for her to decide where to shop.
Alhosani said she would usually spend a considerable amount of time checking shelves and supermarkets to find the best prices. With the new platform, however, she can now do her checks before leaving home.
“As the person responsible for groceries at home, this platform helps me track prices and compare options. It gives you the best prices and shows where items are available, which can save both time and money. For families, tools like this make planning much easier and help us spend more wisely,” she told Aletihad.
Young professionals who live independently also view the platform as a practical budgeting tool.
Abu Dhabi resident Zeyad Sobhi said many people are managing rent, transport, and daily expenses on their own, making a price comparison platform especially useful for groceries.
“Even small differences in prices add up over the month. If I can save a few dirhams on several items each week, it can make a noticeable difference by the end of the month,” he said.
Sobhi added that he often shops based on convenience or whichever supermarket is closest. However, with the new price tracker, he will be able to plan better and choose stores that offer better value for money.
“Instead of checking different apps or visiting several supermarkets, you can compare everything in one place,” he said.
Abdullah Alzaabi, who moved from Abu Dhabi to Dubai last year for work, said living alone has meant learning to manage groceries and household shopping on his own.
He admitted that he does not always know which supermarket offers the best value or where to go for certain items. The platform helps address this challenge.
“A platform like this gives clear and reliable information, allowing me to make better shopping decisions,” he said.
