How UAE retailers plan to keep Ramadan food prices low
Dubai: As Ramadan nears, retailers in the UAE said they are focusing on more stable prices, aggressive discounts and smarter sourcing to protect shoppers from global cost pressures and to help keep everyday food essentials affordable throughout Ramadan.
From price freezes on staples to widescale Ramadan promotions and quicker delivery, the biggest supermarket chains and e-commerce platforms are rooting value, convenience and choice at the heart of their Ramadan strategies — even as inflationary pressures and supply chain risks continue to hang over worldwide food markets.
Retailers say early planning, diversifying where they source their goods and building strong relationships with suppliers have allowed them to absorb cost pressures rather than pass them along to consumers. Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) announced that Ramadan is likely to begin on February 19.
Price stability first
Throughout the industry, retailers say that they are holding off on price increases during a time when household spending traditionally is higher.
Grandiose CEO Mussaab Aboud said the retailer refuses to mark up prices during Ramadan, even as demand rises.
“We know that people buy more during Ramadan, but we don’t take advantage of this period to raise prices. We’re using it to offer discounts so people feel comfortable coming and buying what they need,” he said.
Likewise, LuLu Group mentioned booking prices early and has been actively engaging the global suppliers to make sure fair price for other essentials throughout October.
“By placing value first in our approach, and with planning starting early and further supported by the strong partnerships with suppliers, we aim to provide customers an attractive shopping experience,” explained Salim M.A, Director of LuLu Global Operations.
Inflation stays low
The UAE is one of the most stable global retail markets, despite the fluctuations on global food prices, retailers have said.
Inflation in the UAE, as reported in Central Bank of the UAE’s Quarterly Economic Review, is subdued with consumer price inflation averaging about 2.17 per cent at the end of 2025 and projected to be around 1.8 per cent for 2026. Efficient price controls, varied imports and stable energy and housing costs have kept a lid on steep food price jumps.
There is not anything in the way of a major supply shortage or price shock on the way during Ramadan, industry executives say.
“Although global trade tensions have some additional logistics cost, still UAE as a hub and its infrastructure with proactive strategies, don’t allow that to be so disruptive,” Kamal Vachani, Deputy CEO, Group Director and Partner - Al Maya Group. “We’re seeing strong performance, and not any wide shortages or big spikes in consumer prices,” Vachani said.
Global food trends
Food prices have been rally around the world in the last year as climate disruptions, geopolitical tensions and increased logistics costs pushed up on global food prices. Though some commodity prices are still high, Middle East retailers have been partly insulated by diverse sourcing across Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.
Investments by retailers to improve forecasting, inventory planning and private-label products have enabled them to smooth over global disruptions and keep shelves stocked, they say.
Ramadan mega deals
But when Ramadan comes around, retailers’ march some of their biggest sales of the year onto the floor.
There will be discounts of up to 65 per cent on more than 5,500 products in LuLu and its price freeze promotion for 300 items, some of which are essential. So-called Healthy Ramadan promotions are typical, as well a Dates Festival, Sweet Treats offers and discounts on Iftar and Suhoor needs – the meal before fasting begins for the day.
LuLu is also scaling up its central production kitchen business of ready-to-cook meals, where Ramadan combo boxes, Arabic grills and ready-to-eat healthy meal options are available in the stores.
Online value push
The e-commerce platform noon is all about speed and savings this month of Ramadan, rolling out up to 70% off on thousands of products.
On noon Minutes, there are pantry-essentials for as low as Dh1, up to 50 per cent off on dates, best-price Ramadan drinks and frozen-food deals – with delivery in 15 minutes.
At Grandiose, Ramadan is about marrying value to experience.
With 47 stores in the UAE and aspirations to reach over 50 outlets by the end of 2026, the retailer is trying to position itself as a destination for “quality without premium pricing”. Customers can taste Ramadan products in advance, select from ready-to-eat offerings or order online through aggregators or Grandiose’s own fleet of delivery vehicles.
“Quality does not have to be costly,” Aboud said. “We want to take cost out so customers can eat well without worrying about what it will cost.”
Making it easier to shop
Retailers are also easing the way customers shop during Ramadan — bundling essentials, offering ready-to-cook kits, expanding private labels and using digital platforms to customize offers.
From frozen samosas and date bundles to bespoke Iftar boxes and bank-backed discounts, retailers say the aim of such promotions is to reduce stress, save time and make food spending more predictable during the holy month.
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