Food security sits at the top of the UAE government’s priorities, Economy and Tourism Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said Wednesday, as authorities moved to assure residents that shelves would remain stocked despite escalating instability in the broader region.
Bin Touq framed the country’s preparedness as the product of deliberate, long-term planning. “The UAE has demonstrated an exceptional ability to manage global supply-chain challenges with high efficiency and flexibility. Today, we possess a broad network of trading partners worldwide, alongside proactive plans to diversify import sources and continuously open new markets—ensuring uninterrupted flows of goods. We remain in constant coordination with partners across the public and private sectors to safeguard supply adequacy and market balance,” he said.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism said its electronic price-monitoring system is operating continuously, pulling and analysing stock data from suppliers and retailers across the country. That real-time surveillance is backed by periodic on-the-ground assessments, and officials said daily direct contact with distributors and warehouse operators is maintained to track sufficiency levels product by product.
Major retail chains have reported no abnormal shifts in procurement, imports or warehousing, the Ministry said, adding that current strategic reserves are sufficient to cover domestic demand for extended periods.
Bin Touq was direct in addressing public anxiety, describing essential goods — food in particular — as a threshold the leadership will not allow to be crossed. “The provision of essential goods—particularly foodstuffs—is a red line for the UAE’s leadership, with zero tolerance for any compromise to the country’s food, economic or social security,” he said.
Residents were urged not to panic-buy. “We urge the public to remain reassured and not to be driven by unfounded concerns, excessive purchasing or stockpiling. The UAE’s markets are well supplied with the full range of goods and products consumers need. Strategic reserves are available at high and secure levels, and contingency and response plans are fully in place to ensure continuity under all circumstances,” the minister said.
Inspection campaigns at retail outlets are ongoing, conducted jointly with federal and local regulators, targeting unjustified price hikes and monopolistic behaviour under the Consumer Protection Law.
Those wishing to flag pricing irregularities or supply concerns can reach the Ministry via its website at www.moec.gov.ae, by calling the toll-free line 8001222, or by emailing info@economy.ae.
