Dubai to get new entity to protect consumer rights, ensure fair trade

A specialised entity focused on ensuring fair trade and consumer rights protection will be established in Dubai.

On Thursday, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, directed the establishment of the entity at a meeting of the Dubai Executive Council’s held at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The new entity aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global economic hub and a major centre for trade and commerce.

In 2021, Dubai’s Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection Sector in the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) received 414 commercial complaints in 2021, a 17 per cent decline over the previous year. The services sector accounted for a majority (31.6 per cent) of the commercial complaints received in 2021, followed by the building materials (18.8 per cent), foodstuffs (13.8 per cent), decoration & construction (12.6 per cent) accessories (5.8 per cent), electronics (5.8 per cent), shipping (5.6 per cent), furniture (1.5 per cent) and cars (1.5 per cent). The remaining came from sectors such as equipment rental, labour supply, car rental, document clearance and transportation.

Today, I chaired a @TECofDubai meeting at @expo2020dubai, during which I issued directives to set up a specialised body to ensure fair trade & consumer rights protection. The initiative will contribute to enhancing economic growth & raising Dubai’s status as a global business hub pic.twitter.com/PAOmZkpDct

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) March 24, 2022

“The trade sector is the backbone of our economy. Today, Dubai is a base for global, regional and local companies to tap opportunities in the world’s most attractive and fastest-growing markets, and we continue to strengthen our position as a global leader in supporting businesses to enhance their success and innovation,” said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, according to news agency WAM.

“We seek to build an integrated system that supports equal opportunities and ensures the protection of business and consumer rights. At the same time, we aim to create the optimal environment for fostering the development of human resources and logistical capabilities in an integrated manner,” added Sheikh Hamdan.

During the meeting, the Council also discussed a number of projects and policies on its agenda during the meeting. It also approved a policy aimed at addressing drug abuse and addiction, as well as rehabilitation. The policy will review the treatment and rehabilitation system for addiction, monitor recovery rates among individuals, and intensify preventive awareness programmes.