The Union Cooperative has confirmed that supply chains for imported goods are continuous, and that strategic stockpiles are available in sufficient quantities to meet market needs. The cooperative also confirmed the continuation of Ramadan discounts, along with launching new discounts on a wide range of products. 'Al Ittihad' reported that the cooperative has introduced additional imported products, especially in the meat and cheese categories, which have been supplied by air to meet the increasing demand. At the same time, it emphasized that various supply chains, whether by land, air, or sea, are operating regularly and continuously. According to the statement, prices for 160 essential goods have been fixed until the end of the current year, with 90% of them being basic foodstuffs, including a variety of materials, such as specialized baby food and many other food products that meet the needs of consuming families. In more detail, the CEO of Union Cooperative, Mohammed Al Hashemi, confirmed that the cooperative has a large strategic stock of basic food and consumer goods that is sufficient for a period of up to four months. He pointed out that this stock reflects a high level of readiness and preparedness to meet consumer needs. Al Hashemi told 'Al Ittihad' that the cooperative continues to sign long-term contracts with suppliers to ensure the continuity of product availability in the markets and their resilience to any fluctuations. He added that the cooperative's outlets in Dubai are continuing to offer Ramadan discounts, as well as launching new discounts on a wide range of products, confirming that these offers continue without any significant impact, thanks to the abundance of food and consumer goods and the stability of supply, both from within the country and abroad. Al Hashemi added that the cooperative has recently introduced new additional products to the list of imported goods, especially in the meat and cheese categories, which are supplied by air to meet the growing demand, stressing that the various supply chains, whether by land, air, or sea, are operating regularly and continuously. He explained that in light of some global changes, sourcing locations or import origins may sometimes be adjusted, but this does not affect the availability of goods or the stability of supply operations. Al Hashemi confirmed that the supply chains for imported goods are uninterrupted, and that strategic stockpiles are available in sufficient quantities to meet market needs. He also noted that supply chains are operating normally thanks to the continuous coordination between the cooperative, federal and local authorities, as well as close cooperation with supply chain partners and suppliers, which contributes to maintaining the smooth flow of goods to markets without any obstacles and the stable availability of products in all of the cooperative's branches and digital platforms. In line with the cooperative's commitment to support consumers, Al Hashemi stated that prices for 160 essential goods have been fixed until the end of the current year, with food items constituting about 90% of these products. They include a variety of essential foodstuffs, including specialized baby food, as well as many other food products that meet the needs of families. He pointed out that the inventory management and supply chain system at 'Union Cooperative' relies on proactive planning, in addition to continuous coordination with suppliers and supply partners. The cooperative also relies on close monitoring of market indicators and analysis of consumer demand patterns, which enhances its ability to deal with various changes and ensure the stable availability of goods at all times. Al Hashemi confirmed that the cooperative's outlets across various areas of Dubai are witnessing stability and a clear abundance of goods. He explained that the increase in consumer turnout during weekends, especially those coinciding with salary disbursement periods, is a normal and recurring phenomenon. This is evidenced by the return of demand to its normal levels and the calmness in purchasing activity during the current period. To enhance the quality of services provided to customers, Al Hashemi reported that the cooperative is utilizing about 200 members of the national service cadre to support customers inside the branches, especially during peak hours when there is a high number of shoppers. In another context, Al Hashemi confirmed that 'Union Cooperative' pays great attention to enhancing cooperation with local farmers, working on increasing contracts with them and expanding the scope of benefiting from locally manufactured food products. He noted that these products are distinguished by high quality and suitable prices, and are also offered as part of various offers and discounts on a large number of them, which enhances their presence in the markets. He stated that supporting local production is one of the pillars of food security in the UAE, as the local product represents an important safety valve in ensuring market stability, and enhancing the presence of national products in sales outlets contributes to the stability of supply chains and the sustainable availability of goods for consumers.
