The UAE ministry warns retailers about price hike

The UAE Ministry of Economy has warned retailers of tougher penalties against any price hikes for essentials following the salary increase for Emirati employees of the federal government. On the occasion of the 40th National Day celebrations, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a decree to increase salaries of all federal government employees with effect from January 2012. Mohammad Al Shehi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, said: "The UAE government will take tough action against retailers who misuse the new decision to increase the salaries of government employees or if found engaged in price manipulation." In case of any violation, penalties imposed on the traders in accordance with the consumer protection law will be doubled. Al Shehi said that the ministry has not received any complaints yet.