The UAE has introduced a new digital platform designed to help residents compare the prices of everyday essentials across major retailers nationwide. The initiative aims to improve price transparency, support informed purchasing decisions, and encourage more efficient spending habits among consumers.

The platform covers a broad range of commonly used household items, including staples such as cooking oil, rice, sugar, dairy products, bread, poultry, meat, fish, and bottled water. Fresh produce is also included, with fruits like bananas, apples, and oranges, as well as vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, garlic, and onions available for comparison.

https://www.moet.gov.ae/en/essential-goods-prices-platform

In its initial rollout, the system tracks over 30 key items, divided between core essentials and other widely used products. Prices are monitored across multiple large retail outlets, with both minimum and maximum price ranges displayed for each location. This allows users to quickly compare costs between different stores and choose the most economical option.

One of the platform’s key features is the ability to create a personalised shopping basket. Based on selected items, the system automatically identifies the most cost-effective combination of retailers, helping households optimise their grocery spending without the need for manual comparison.

The introduction of this tool reflects a broader effort to enhance consumer awareness and promote smarter shopping practices. By making pricing data more accessible, the platform is expected to strengthen competition among retailers while supporting a more transparent marketplace.

Authorities note that the system is supported by a robust digital infrastructure, with price data updated daily through direct electronic integration with participating retailers. This ensures that the information remains current and reflects real-time market conditions.

Consumers are also encouraged to play an active role by reporting any differences between listed prices and in-store rates through official support channels. This feedback mechanism helps maintain accuracy and reinforces trust in the system.

Overall, the platform represents a step forward in digital consumer services within the UAE, offering residents a practical tool to manage daily expenses more effectively while contributing to a balanced and transparent retail environment.