Dubai intensifies retail monitoring to ensure DSF discounts are genuine

Authorities in Dubai have intensified their monitoring of retail outlets across the emirate to ensure that all promotions are genuine, it was announced on Monday.

The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector of Dubai Economy said it intensified monitoring of commercial outlets in the emirate, particularly those announcing promotional offers and discounts as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and New Year season.

The 25th edition of the DSF runs from December 26 until February 1, 2020, with close to 4,000 outlets taking part in offering promotions.

Teams from the CCCP are monitoring market activity and inspecting commercial establishments to ensure transparency and authenticity of the promotions, a statement said.

Mohammed Ali Rashed Lootah, CEO of CCCP, said: “With retailing being an integral economic activity in Dubai, we are keen to ensure the quality and authenticity of the promotions and discounts offered here by retailers and also see that consumers do not fall prey to unscrupulous practices.”

Lootah added that teams from the CCCP follow up on all retail-related promotions and activities announced in Dubai and verify their compliance with the regulations of Dubai Economy.

“We make use of all conventional and online communication channels to ensure that the promotions are genuine and retailers do not violate the UAE Consumer Protection law,” he said.

The CCCP official also emphasised that as Dubai is an open economy, retailers compete to attract consumers and hence consumers should be careful and “purchase wisely”.

In the event of a misleading promotion or fraudulent practice, consumers should report it to Dubai Economy, he added.