The UAE on Tuesday set out new measures to bolster price controls on staple foods, with a minimum six-month gap between increases, to protect consumers.
The Ministry of Economy announced federal decrees to come into effect on January 2 to tighten regulations on charges to customers for nine items: cooking oil, eggs, dairy, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread and wheat. These regulations also cover some related items, along with prices for cleaning products, the ministry said.
The ministry said the policies, which will complement existing rules on the sale price of food products, would provide additional government oversight and allow customers to act against suppliers and retailers flouting the law.
Under the directives, prices can only be raised with approval from the ministry. A task force is to be established to monitor prices, review requests to increase them and address complaints.
The strengthened laws aim to guard against price fluctuations “caused by unforeseen circumstances or external economic changes”, the ministry said.
Shops and online retailers with premises exceeding 1,000 square metres will be mandated to display prices per unit “in a clear and understandable manner using standardised units of measurement for each product”.
Abdullah Al Saleh, undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, said the display pricing directive aims to promote transparency and provide consumers with accurate information. It also aims to “foster fair competition among products by considering their unit price rather than solely relying on overall promotional prices currently in the market”, said Mr Al Saleh.
Global food prices rose to their highest level in 18 months in October, data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation showed. Vegetable oils saw the largest price increases among the most basic food commodities.
In March last year, the UAE allowed retailers to temporarily charge up to 13 per cent more for eggs and poultry products due to higher production costs from suppliers. The decision was designed to protect producers from soaring overheads and keep prices to consumers stable.
In July last year, it was announced that inspectors monitoring supermarkets and grocery shops in the UAE had detected more than 100 violations by retailers who raised the price of essential items.
A total of 125 sellers were found to have increased the price of groceries such as chicken and eggs between April and July 5, despite a government limit in place to protect consumers.
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
RESULTS
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Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
Rating: 4/5
Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5