The UAE Ministry of Economy’s consumer protection department has fined more than 18 outlets in Ras Al Khaimah’s (RAK) fruits, meat and vegetables market for pricing and sales violations.

Outlets were fined a minimum of Dh1,000 ($272) as part of Ministry’s consumer protection efforts, during a field visit to verify compliance with preset prices and sales terms.

The fines were imposed after initial warnings to traders, and will be followed by shop closures if violations continue, said a statement.

The inspection team found prices of most commodities remain stable and detected no attempts to manipulate the market, Dr Hashim Al Nuaimi, director of the consumer protection department, said.

The team took the disciplinary action against outlets that did not display price tags on their products, or violated other Ministry agreements.

“The UAE Ministry of Economy is committed to supervising UAE consumer markets during Ramadan and will act quickly and decisively to ensure all outlets adhere to the federal consumer protection law,” Dr. Al Nuaimi said. “We will not show any leniency to price manipulators or monopoly traders.”

"Our specialist teams will intensify their visits to monitor sales outlets across RAK and markets across the emirates in keeping with the Ministry’s priority to ensure consumer protection during the holy month of Ramadan,” he added.

The Ministry, he noted, welcomes feedback and suggestions from the public and business community to sustain optimal conditions. – TradeArabia News Service