This initiative started on March 1 and will cease by the end of the month in retail outlets across the country. This year, Ramadan will be celebrated from April 23 to May 23.
It is part of the government’s broader objectives to promote consumer welfare and keep household expenditures under control.
The announcement was revealed during the recent 15th Gulf Consumer Protection Day conference held in Dubai.
Retailers discount campaigns
Dr. Hashim Al Nuaimi, director of the competitiveness and consumer protection department at the Ministry of Economy said in a formal statement that: “The 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.”
Al Nuaimi added that preparation for major discount campaigns would start before and during Ramadan, with discount rates exceeding the previous Ramadan season.
While the ministry did not specify which retailers were participating, one supermarket, Union Coop is slashing their price tags by up to 30% for the month of March.
Dr. Suhail Al Bastaki, director of happiness and marketing department, Union Coop, which operates hypermarkets, malls and grocery chains added: "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% in March," as reported by Khaleej Times.
Another supermarket, Lulu, is offering discounts between 30 to 70% for 10,000 of its products across its 80 stores in the country. Further discounts are also planned for Eid Al Fitr (May 23 to 24).
Al Nuaimi also said that the UAE market has not witnessed severe negative impacts due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, as it has continued to witness a great abundance of goods. This is in addition to continued price stability and discounts on several goods, as reported by UAE News 24/7.