Seven pharmacies and stores in Dubai caught profiteering from the coronavirus outbreak by increasing the prices of face masks have been fined.
Inspectors from the Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection division (CCCP) of Dubai Economy were tipped off by consumers.
The retailers were found guilty of inflating the prices during recent inspections.
Three pharmacies in Warsan, Al Qusais, and Al Jaddaf while two supermarkets in Al Safa and a trading company in Dubai South were fined.
A marine services company was also fined for selling masks without a licence.
Traders and pharmacies caught profiteering face a fine of Dh5,000 for a first offence.
Repeat offenders can expect to have the fine doubled and face possible closure.
In January, Dubai Economy warned all pharmacies and retail outlets in the emirate not to increase the price of face masks.
The department said it was illegal to hike prices amid the coronavirus outbreak and urged customers to report cases of profiteering.
On March 31, officials fined three pharmacies for increasing hand sanitiser and mask prices.
Last week, the CCCP received 784 profiteering complaints after consumers reported cases of price hikes on essential hygiene products and food items.
The demand for face masks has soared in the country as people should cover their nose and mouth at all times when they step outside their homes.
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Dubai Mounted Police officers, in Al Aweer, patrol residential and commercial areas from 6pm to 6am to ensure residents are staying safe indoors during Covid-19 lockdown. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Downtown Abu Dhabi shot from Al Reem Island. Victor Besa / The National -
The Dubai Mounted Police department was established in 1976 with seven horses, five riders and four horse groomers. Today it has more than 130 Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses, 75 riders and 45 groomers. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Dubai Mounted Police officers patrol the streets from 6pm to 6am. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Dubai Mounted Police officers line-up for a briefing before saddling up the horses. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Dubai Mounted Police officers, in Al Aweer. Reem Mohammed / The National -
A delivery van crosses back to downtown Abu Dhabi from Al Maryah Island on a hazy day. Victor Besa / The National -
Police efforts at labour camps to combat the spread of Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National -
The Carpet Souk at the Zayed Port area. Carpet salesmen waiting for customers. Victor Besa / The National -
The Carpet Souk at the Zayed Port area. Victor Besa / The National -
Ramadan date sales at the Abu Dhabi Dates market at Mina Zayed. Victor Besa / The National -
Commuters wait for their bus along Airport Road. Victor Besa / The National -
View of the quiet street in International City in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
View of the empty road going towards Atlantis hotel on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
View of the tunnel near the Atlantis hotel on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
In Dubai, drivers and passengers should also wear masks even when they are inside their cars.
Consumers can report any negative practices, especially those relating to prices of basic needs, on the Dubai Economy price-checker website, by calling 600 54 55 55 or via the Dubai Consumer app.
