UAE Ministry Refers Suspected Poultry Price-Fixing Ring to Federal Public Prosecution
UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism refers suspects in poultry price-fixing to the Federal Public Prosecution after inspections found unjustified price hikes and market manipulation.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has referred a group accused of poultry price-fixing to the Federal Public Prosecution after its market inspections uncovered coordinated price manipulation. The action follows intensified oversight that identified agreements to fix and raise poultry prices without justification, a move the ministry says threatens consumer rights and market stability.
Referral and criminal investigation
The referral to the Federal Public Prosecution opens a formal criminal inquiry into the alleged cartel operating in the poultry market. The ministry said the suspects are accused of exploiting exceptional circumstances to agree on prices and artificially inflate them, conduct that violates competition and consumer protection laws.
Prosecutors will determine whether to press charges and pursue legal penalties, which may include fines and further administrative measures. The ministry emphasized cooperation with relevant authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and to hold accountable any parties found responsible.
Legal framework cited in enforcement
The ministry invoked the UAE Competition Law and Consumer Protection Law in explaining its actions, noting that Article 5 of the Competition Law expressly bans agreements that limit or restrict competition. That provision covers direct or indirect price-fixing, collusion on supply or distribution, and other coordinated behaviors that harm market mechanisms.
Officials highlighted that the law grants the ministry powers to collect information, investigate suspected anti-competitive conduct, and act either on complaints or on its own initiative. The ministry said these powers were exercised following evidence of collusive behavior in poultry pricing.
Essential goods list and pricing controls
Poultry was identified by the ministry as part of a list of nine essential consumer goods subject to special pricing rules, alongside cooking oil, eggs, dairy, rice, sugar, legumes, bread, and wheat. Under Cabinet Decision No. (120) of 2022 on pricing controls, increases in the prices of these items require prior approval from the ministry.
The ministry pointed out that unauthorized increases in the cost of essential goods undermine food security and can disproportionately impact low-income households. It reiterated that any supplier or retailer must obtain ministry clearance before raising prices on the designated list.
Inspection campaign and findings
Between February 28 and April 19, 2026, the ministry, in coordination with local economic departments, carried out approximately 15,480 inspection tours across the country’s markets. Inspectors documented 312 violations, the majority related to unjustified price increases, and issued 1,005 warnings to businesses found in breach of regulations.
The campaign targeted retail outlets, wholesalers, and supply chain nodes to detect practices such as price collusion, unjustified hoarding, and artificial scarcity. The ministry said the inspections were part of sustained efforts to monitor market conduct under prevailing regional conditions.
Sanctions, consumer protection and reporting channels
The ministry reiterated that administrative sanctions, including warnings and monetary fines, are imposed on violators and that cases may be escalated to the public prosecution when warranted. Authorities stressed that legal outcomes will follow due process and be applied in accordance with existing statutes and regulations.
Consumers who observe suspected violations, shortages, or fraudulent commercial practices are urged to report them via the ministry’s hotline at 8001222 or through local consumer protection channels. The ministry described public reporting as critical to rapid enforcement and to deterring future anti-competitive conduct.
Economic and food security implications
Officials warned that price-fixing and other anti-competitive practices pose risks beyond short-term price surges, potentially destabilizing the broader economic and food security environment. They noted that exploiting exceptional regional circumstances to manipulate supply or prices undermines national efforts to ensure stable and fair access to essential goods.
The ministry framed its actions as part of a broader strategy to preserve market integrity, protect consumers, and support resilient supply chains. It said that enforcing competition rules is essential to sustaining productivity and investment in the food sector.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism affirmed that protecting consumers and maintaining market stability are top priorities, and it pledged to continue rigorous surveillance, enforcement, and coordination with judicial authorities to address any attempts to manipulate prices or restrict supply.
