Ramadan 2020: Up to 60% discount on 5,000 food, consumer items in UAE

Prices of as many as 5,000 food and consumer goods across the country have been brought down by 25 to 60 per cent as part of a new initiative by the Ministry of Economy.

The reduction in prices will be in effect throughout the month of March 2020.

This was revealed by the ministry during the 15th Gulf Consumer Protection Day conference held in Dubai.

Dr. Hashim Al Nuaimi, Director of the Competitiveness and Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry of Economy, in a press statement, said, "Ministry coordinated with major retail outlets and cooperatives to implement the initiative, pointing out that the price cuts would include basic commodities, to support price stability, and provide many opportunities for consumers to obtain their necessities at lower prices."

On the sidelines of the conference, which was held under the slogan 'Towards a secure electronic shopping experience for the Consumer', Al Nuaimi added that following to the implementation of the initiative, preparation shall start for major discount campaigns before and during the holy month of Ramadan, at rates exceeding the previous Ramadan season.

Concerning the new law of consumer protection, Al Nuaimi indicated that it is currently going through the necessary legislative stages before its issuance to keep pace with various modern and future developments in the markets.

He said that the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection will hold a meeting in Dubai to discuss new business initiatives to enhance consumer rights in the e-commerce sector, in line with the demand witnessed by the sector.

Al Nuaimi explained that the initiatives that will be discussed would include the necessity of the availability of standards of clarity, ease of use in e-shopping applications on smart phones, in addition to committing companies to the standards of fast delivery and sound condition of goods on delivery.

For his part, Dr. Suhail Al Bastaki, Director of Happiness and Marketing Department, Union Coop, on behalf of Consumer Cooperative Union, said, "The Cooperative will launch in conjunction with the 15th Gulf Consumer Protection day and the Coop Shopping Festival, offers and discounts that include more than 300 items of the 'Coop' brand, with rates up to 30 per cent in March."

Ahmad Hassan Al Zaabi, Director - Consumer Protection Department at Department of Economic Development, said, "Dubai Economy worked to develop a smart and effective system to deal with consumer complaints, noting that the retail sector is an essential part of the economy of the Emirates of Dubai, accounting to about 26% of its GDP, so as effective system for dealing with consumer complaints and finding solutions to them in a smooth manner is considered a strategic potential for retail trade in Dubai."