No shortages or disruptions in supply of foods in UAE: Minister

Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection, emphasised that securing food supply and protecting consumer rights in the UAE are national priorities in line with the directives of the wise leadership.

He noted that the daily import flow of food commodities is proceeding normally, with sufficient quantities available in warehouses and on shelves, and that there are no indications of shortages or disruptions in supply—reflecting the high readiness of supply chains and the efficiency of strategic reserves across the country’s markets.

He made his statements following a field visit to the fruit and vegetable market in Al Ain to assess the availability of food commodities at fair prices, monitor compliance with sound commercial practices, and review the efficiency of food supply chains, in a way that enhances market stability and ensures meeting consumers’ needs under various circumstances.

This visit came as part of a series of field tours undertaken by the Minister of Economy and Tourism during the current period to monitor market conditions across the UAE. It falls as part of national efforts to strengthen strategic reserves and ensure the availability of essential goods—particularly food—alongside maintaining supply chain continuity, ensuring retail outlets’ compliance with consumer protection policies and regulations, and confirming price transparency and market stability.

He also called on consumers to purchase according to their needs and avoid excessive buying that leads to waste, which helps maintain price stability and ensures the availability of goods for all.

He added: “The UAE possesses advanced infrastructure and a sophisticated logistics network that have strengthened the protection of essential supply chains since the beginning of the current circumstances, particularly for food, medical, and industrial goods.

This has been achieved through activating alternative routes and developing the strategic stock system, which has become an integrated and flexible network capable of efficiently redirecting supplies within record timeframes.”

Since the beginning of the crisis until now, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in cooperation with local economic departments, has conducted approximately 12,284 inspection campaigns across markets in the UAE. These resulted in identifying 249 violations—most notably unjustified price increases—and consequently issuing 905 warnings to traders, suppliers, and retail outlets.

A few days earlier, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri visited Grand Mills, a prominent UAE company in the food industries sector, to review local flour production and distribution operations, monitor the strategic stock levels, and enhance the partnership between the government and private sectors.

Bin Touq affirmed that the UAE, under the directives of its wise leadership, has been keen to build an advanced food security infrastructure based on global best practices. This has contributed to the development and growth of food industries and enhanced the production efficiencies of food companies, in line with the country’s vision to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness.

He said, “The flour industry in the UAE is witnessing remarkable development, as local mills, such as Grand Mills, contribute to efficiently meeting local market needs, alongside enhancing the presence of Emirati food products in foreign markets. This reflects the competitiveness of this vital sector and its ability to support the country’s food security system and enhance the sustainability of food supply chains.”

“The UAE has adopted a proactive approach in managing strategic stock and supply chains to ensure the continued, efficient, and abundant flow of goods and food products in the markets. We, at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in collaboration with local economic departments and relevant authorities, continue to monitor stock levels at suppliers and retail outlets on a daily basis, and conduct precise analyses of the adequacy levels for each commodity. There are also periodic assessments of the strategic stock levels of basic commodities and supply and demand processes,” he added.

Salmeen Al Ameri, Managing Director and CEO of Agthia Group, said, “The visit of Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri to the Grand Mills factory reflects the vital role the company plays in supporting the UAE’s food security system. As an integral part of Agthia Group, Grand Mills continues its operations in line with the Group’s strategic directions, enhancing its position as a strategic partner in supporting the country’s food supplies.

Through operational efficiency and flexible, reliable supply chains, Grand Mills ensures the continuous availability of flour and feed, maintaining the stability of essential commodity supplies, thereby contributing to enhancing the sustainability of food security and consolidating the UAE’s long-term resilience.”

WAM