No need for Ramadan shopping rush, official says - UAE supermarkets are sufficiently stocked and prices stable

  DUBAI - The Ministry of Economy is advising residents not to rush to shop excessively for groceries during Ramadan. Dr. Hashim Al Nuaimi, director, Consumer Protection Department, Ministry of Economy, has made the assurance over the past weeks that UAE supermarkets are adequately stocked and prices will remain stable. "Many consumers purchase too many items during Ramadan, over and beyond what they need. My advice to consumers is to make a shopping list of items they really need and intend to use at home. They should then commit themselves to this list," Dr. Al Nuaimi said. He added that there is no shortage of products on the shelves and there is no need for consumers to stock up. Emirates Cooperative Society (ECS), a chain of six hypermarkets and supermarkets in Dubai, is among other major retailers offering Ramadan discounts. It is offering a discount of 15 to 65 percent on 1,500 items under two campaigns. The first campaign includes 470 discounted items listed in a flyer. It started on May 26 and will last until June 11. The second campaign will cover the last half of Ramadan.