Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, Chairman of the Higher Committee for Consumer Protection, confirmed that all retail outlets in the markets of the United Arab Emirates are witnessing an abundance of goods and products across various categories, in sufficient quantities to meet consumer needs. During a tour of a Carrefour distribution center, he explained that the country's markets are characterized by a variety of alternatives of goods and services, supported by stable supply chains, which contributes to the diversity of price options for consumers and enhances the levels of strategic stockpiles of various goods, especially food and pharmaceuticals. The tour aims to ensure the availability of food products to consumers in abundant quantities, in addition to strengthening market control and continuously monitoring the levels of strategic stockpiles in the country. During the tour, His Excellency met with Ahmad Jalal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, and a number of the company's leaders, where he inspected the supply and distribution operations for food products in the center, and reviewed a number of key sections, including receiving shipments, quality inspection, approved procedures to ensure food safety, mechanisms for dealing with fresh and essential goods, and inventory and storage management systems, ensuring the continuous availability of products with high efficiency. He held a meeting with the company's leadership, during which supply and distribution plans were reviewed, especially in light of the current crisis, in addition to the role of local partnerships in enhancing the efficiency of supply chains, and mechanisms for processing orders electronically and delivery services, ensuring that products reach consumers in a timely and efficient manner. Abdullah bin Touq stated that major distribution centers in the country play an important role in supporting the national food security system, ensuring the stability of goods and product prices, and the smooth flow of goods to markets, which enhances the position of the United Arab Emirates as a leading regional center for the food industry and advanced logistics services. He pointed out that the supply and operations in the center are proceeding normally according to strategic plans, which reflects the high readiness of the country's strategic stockpiles and ensures the continuous availability of essential goods in all sales outlets without any shortage or impact on prices. Abdullah bin Touq also noted that the ministry, in cooperation with the relevant authorities, monitors the stock levels among suppliers and distribution centers daily, and conducts detailed analysis to ensure the sufficiency of the supply of each essential good, which supports making proactive decisions to maintain market and price stability, and enhances the sustainability of the country's food security system. In his statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the tour, he said that field indicators reflect a high efficiency in the supply and distribution system within the country. He confirmed that the UAE possesses an integrated system supported by proactive plans, along with advanced infrastructure, which ensures the continuous and smooth availability of goods at appropriate prices, while calling for rational consumption, and emphasizing that all products are available and in sufficient quantities in the markets. In turn, Ahmad Jalal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, said: "Our teams continue to work around the clock to ensure the availability of essential products in sufficient quantities in all Carrefour stores across the country, meeting the needs of our customers with stable and affordable prices." He explained that this visit emphasizes the importance of the close partnership between the public and private sectors in supporting market stability and enhancing the national food security system, noting that this represents a commitment that they continue to strengthen by enhancing the efficiency of supply chains and developing their operational capabilities to serve the communities in which they operate. In his statements to WAM, Ismail confirmed that the stock is sufficient and that supply chains are functioning normally despite the current regional challenges. He explained that the company has succeeded over the past years in building strong capabilities to ensure the continuity of product supply, not only essential goods, but also various products that meet the needs of the large diversity of nationalities residing in the UAE. He pointed out that "Majid Al Futtaim" has worked intensively on localizing supply chains over the past years, both in the UAE and in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, noting that about 50% of fruits and vegetables are sourced from within the country or GCC countries, while 100% of live poultry products are secured from local or regional sources, which enhances the flexibility and sustainability of supplies. Regarding current challenges, he confirmed that the priority remains the safety of all, praising the measures the state provides to ensure security and stability, and stressing that there is no need for concern, given the stability of the situation and the availability of goods. He added that the company continues to work on diversifying import sources and enhancing cooperation with partners and government agencies at both federal and local levels, ensuring a quick response to any developments and maintaining the smooth flow of supplies. During the tour, Abdullah bin Touq met with the teams at the center, emphasizing the vital role these teams play in the smooth flow of supply operations and ensuring the availability of essential goods to customers across the UAE, noting that their continuous commitment and outstanding efforts are a central element in the stability of supplies and meeting consumer needs.
