Abdullah bin Touq: The UAE enjoys a strong food security system and is connected to a wide network with world markets
Sharjah, 22 March / WAM / His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection, confirmed that the UAE enjoys a strong and advanced food security system that does not depend only on local stocks, but includes a wide network of economic relations with world markets, which allows it to access multiple alternatives to food sources in the event of any supply path being disrupted.
His Excellency said during an inspection tour he made today at Lulu Hypermarket in Sharjah that the UAE has an advanced logistical infrastructure that includes global ports, multiple shipping lines, alternative shipping routes, an efficient air and land transport network, and modern storage and handling centres, making it a regional center for food distribution in the region and giving it the ability to deal with any disruptions in supply chains without any interruption in the markets and making basic goods available to consumers at all times, including peak seasons and holidays.
His Excellency pointed out that the major sales outlets in the country play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth flow of products in the markets, as they form a direct link between supply chains and consumers and at the same time contribute to controlling prices and maintaining their stability by regulating the quantities supplied and meeting the increasing demand.
This tour comes within the framework of ongoing efforts to enhance monitoring of price stability in the markets, ensure the availability of goods and food products in abundant quantities to meet the needs of consumers during the current circumstances, see the readiness of stores to deal with the high demand during the Eid days, and ensure the presence of fresh and diverse basic food products in sufficient quantities, which reflects the Ministry’s concern for the comfort of consumers and maintaining the stability of the markets.
The tour included following up on various sections, including fresh food, baked goods, meat and fish, in addition to dairy and other basic products, to ensure the diversity and quality of the supply and its continued availability to all consumers.
For his part, Yusuf Ali Musaliyam, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Lulu International Group, confirmed that the group is working closely with its global supply offices and other manufacturers to ensure the continued availability of food products without interruption and to maintain price stability in all its stores in the UAE.
He added that during the current period, the group has imported more than 5,000 tons of fruits, vegetables, meat and other perishable and non-perishable food products from various parts of the world through 26 charter flights and cargo ships.
He thanked the wise leadership and all government agencies for their proactive initiatives and support during these current circumstances.
The tour showed the availability of various offers and discounts on the prices of consumer goods such as rice, oils, eggs, dairy and poultry, driven by the increase in supply and the diversity of choices for consumers, which reflects the keenness of sales outlets to meet the needs of families during peak seasons and holidays by providing basic products with high quality and competitive prices that support purchasing power, while consumers’ purchasing activity proceeds normally without signs of accumulation or unusual demand in light of the abundance of supply and the stability of the markets.
In light of the current circumstances, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in cooperation with economic development departments at the state level, continues its efforts to enhance market supervision through specialized work teams, in addition to relying on the Ministry’s electronic price monitoring system, which contributes to monitoring prices directly and in real time.
The system covers 627 major sales outlets, including cooperative societies, hypermarkets and major stores, representing about 90% of the volume of internal trade of basic consumer goods in the country, thus enhancing price stability and protecting the interests of consumers.
The Ministry confirmed that if any violation is detected in the markets, shortage of goods, cases of monopoly or fraud, or any unsound commercial practices, including raising prices without justification, it calls on the public to contact it directly on the number 8001222 or e-mail info@moet.gov.ae to report any violation in a way that contributes to protecting the rights of consumers, stabilizing the markets, and following up on the performance of the sales outlets.
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