The UAE Ministry of Economy is scaling up its "Essential Goods Prices Platform" by adding more retailers and products to the system. Launched earlier this year, the digital tool has already seen over 143,000 visitors, serving as a vital resource for shoppers to compare the costs of staples like rice, cooking oil, and dairy across major outlets. By providing transparent data on price ranges—such as the variation in rice costs between budget and premium retailers—the platform empowers residents to make more informed purchasing decisions while allowing the government to keep a closer eye on market trends.

Beyond helping the average shopper, the initiative is a cornerstone of the Ministry’s efforts to stabilize the market and protect consumer rights. By integrating real-time data from 13 major retailers across 525 outlets, authorities can now conduct more targeted inspections and respond quickly to price fluctuations. Safeya Al Safi, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry, emphasized that maintaining food security and supply chain resilience remains a top priority, ensuring that shelves stay stocked and that the local market remains both competitive and reliable for all residents.