Major retail outlets and cooperatives in Dubai, including Union Coop, Emirates Co-op, Carrefour UAE and LuLu Hypermarket UAE, said they will provide suppliers with free spaces to promote the sale of basic commodities for a period of two months starting April 9.

The initiative is set to save suppliers approximately Dh47 million ($12.8 million) and maintain price stability, which in turn will benefit consumers.

The gesture is the latest in a series of initiatives from stakeholders to help the UAE community face the challenges caused by the coronavirus outbreak. In the last few weeks, the private sector and several businessmen have made donations and announced measures to ease financial pressures on customers. Both the public and private sector have joined hands to boost the national economy and ensure its stability.

The announcement helps ensure the community’s demand for food supplies can be met over the long term, a major focus of the government. Despite the increased demand caused by people stocking up on food items, all authorities have stressed that there will be no disruption in the availability of supplies in the market.

The step by major retail outlets and cooperatives reflects their key role in stabilising the market and ensuring the uninterrupted supply of food products to the community.

The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management has permitted essential services to continue operating normally throughout the day during the period of intensified restrictions on movement. Union cooperative outlets, supermarkets and pharmacies are allowed to remain open as usual.

However, the Committee stressed that members of the public should apply for movement permits through the website before making trips for essential purposes, such as buying food or medicine. – TradeArabia News Service