Abu Dhabi launches new consumer dispute resolution service

Abu Dhabi Business Centre (ADBC), part of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), and Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), have launched a consumer dispute resolution service to expedite the settlement of disputes between consumers and commercial establishments in Abu Dhabi, amicably and at the best possible cost for the concerned parties.

Launching the new service strengthens the consumer protection framework in Abu Dhabi, and is in line with the UAE laws, especially Federal Law No (15) of 2020 regarding consumer protection, which aims to protect all consumer rights, especially those pertaining to the quality of goods and services, and the privacy and security of data, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.

The service is set up to settle disputes between consumers and commercial establishments within 21 days from the date both parties appeared before the consumer dispute resolution service team. The conciliator could extend the period for another 21 days if deemed necessary.

The conciliators of the consumer dispute resolution service are tasked to meet with the dispute parties, bring their views closer, and settle the dispute amicably. They may seek the assistance of experts registered in ADJD or those agreed upon by the litigants to provide technical expertise. Settled disputes will be ratified by a judge to have the power of an executive bond and the authority of judicial decisions, while files of unsettled disputes will be referred to ADJD.

Following the completion of the training programme by ADJD, members of the consumer dispute resolution team were sworn in as conciliators.

Counsellor Yousef Saeed Al-Abri, Undersecretary of ADJD, said “The provision of consumer dispute settlement service by accredited conciliators comes to implement the decision of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, to support entrepreneurship and provide an attractive environment for investments in Abu Dhabi, while ensuring justice and the preservation of rights.”

Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of ADDED, said: “Over the past years, Abu Dhabi has nurtured a supportive business environment that presents investors and business owners with growth opportunities while preserving the rights of consumers in accordance with international best practices. Launching dispute settlement service reflects our ongoing efforts to keep pace with the latest developments as this solution ensures a faster, more flexible way to settle disputes at the best possible cost for consumers and commercial establishments.”