In a significant move to enhance market transparency and protect consumer purchasing power, the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism officially launched the Essential Goods Prices Platform today, April 20, 2026. This digital initiative serves as a real-time bridge between major retailers and residents, aiming to stabilize the retail sector while promoting a culture of informed, “smart” shopping.

Real-Time Data Across 12 Major Retailers

The platform creates a unified database by electronically integrating with 12 of the country’s leading retail chains and cooperatives. This integration ensures that the data isn’t just a static list, but a live reflection of market activity.+1

• Daily Updates: Prices are refreshed every 24 hours to reflect current promotions, supply changes, and seasonal fluctuations.
• Price Range Transparency: For every listed item, users can view both the minimum and maximum pricesavailable nationwide, making it easy to identify which outlets offer the most competitive rates.

The “33 Essentials” Catalog

In its initial phase, the platform tracks 33 high-demand items, categorized into 17 core essentials and 16 additional major products. The list is designed to cover the vast majority of a typical household’s weekly grocery run:

• Staples: Rice, sugar, wheat, flour, and legumes.
• Proteins & Dairy: Poultry, meat, fresh fish, eggs, and various dairy products.
• Fresh Produce: A focus on daily necessities like tomatoes, potatoes, onions, cucumbers, garlic, apples, bananas, and oranges.
• Pantry Basics: Cooking oils (sunflower, corn, and canola) and bottled water.

Empowering Features: The Custom Food Basket

One of the platform’s standout features is the Customized Food Basket tool. This allows users to build their own shopping list within the app or website. Once the list is complete, the system automatically:+1

1. Analyzes the total cost across all 12 participating retailers.
2. Guides the user to the specific branch or chain where that entire “basket” is the most affordable.
3. Provides the exact address of the store to remove any confusion for the shopper.

Strengthening the Legislative Framework

This digital tool is the technological arm of Cabinet Decision No. 120 of 2022, which regulates the pricing of essential goods. By making these prices public and easily comparable, the Ministry aims to:

• Combat Monopoly: Prevent unjustified price hikes and monopolistic practices.
• Drive Competition: Encourage retailers to keep prices fair to attract budget-conscious shoppers.
• Monitor Quality: Beyond price, the platform helps authorities track the availability and health standards of essential go