Retail officials and specialists have confirmed that outlets are currently experiencing a significant abundance of goods and price stability, with sufficient strategic stockpiles and continuous supply chains for various outlets. They emphasized that all essential and consumer goods are available on shelves without any shortages. They also told «Emirates Today» that stocks of many goods were increased in large quantities before the month of Ramadan, and that the supply situation is completely reassuring, calling on consumers to practice smart shopping. In detail, the CEO of «Cooperative Union», Mohammed Al Hashemi, said: «The operational conditions in all Cooperative branches are stable and proceeding as usual, with an abundance of goods and the availability of strategic stockpiles in sufficient quantities to meet the community's needs». He explained that «all essential and consumer goods are available on the shelves without any shortage», noting that «supply chains are operating normally and regularly, and stockpiles are continuously enhanced according to studied plans that ensure supply stability under various conditions». Al Hashemi called on consumers to the necessity of shopping calmly and confidently, with the abundance of strategic stockpiles, confirming that «the Cooperative continues to meet the needs of Dubai's residents without interruption and maintain market stability». He stated that «(the Cooperative) is working in coordination with the relevant authorities to ensure the smooth flow of operations and their immunity to any new developments», pointing out that «there are no indicators to cause concern, and the supply situation is reassuring». On his part, the Director of Marketing and Public Relations at «Sharjah Cooperative», Faisal Khalid Al Naboodah, said that «the Cooperative has increased procurement operations and stockpiles before the month of Ramadan, to ensure the availability of sufficient strategic stockpiles for various consumption orders throughout the month, whether of food or basic consumer goods and other products, which allows for an abundance of goods and price stability in all Cooperative outlets». For his part, the Purchasing Manager of one of the retail chains, Dilip Vishal, said that «markets are witnessing a great abundance of various goods, with the availability of large stockpiles, whether in outlets or with supply companies, especially given that local markets are characterized by the diversity and increase of commercial brands and the diversity of supply sources, which supports price stability». He added: «It is important for families to practice smart shopping and not rush to hoard goods, especially given the availability of all goods and the sufficient stockpile of various goods that can last for long periods». In the same context, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Lulu Trading Group, Yusuf Ali Musallam, said that «the Group is committed to providing continuous food supplies and price stability in all its stores». He added: «All (Group) stores are operating at full capacity and stockpiles are sufficient, and we have strong levels of stockpiles in all our stores and distribution centers, and there is absolutely no interruption or shortage in supplies». He continued: «As a key player in the region's food security system, ensuring the constant availability of essential products is a top priority for us. And we work closely with the relevant authorities and supply partners to continuously monitor developments and proactively respond to them». He pointed out that «the strength and robustness of the Group's supply chain is supported by procurement offices spread across 26 countries around the world, which provides an ideal situation to ensure the continuous flow of products without interruption and manage purchasing operations efficiently, as this global network enables us to guarantee quality and price stability for consumers».
