DET Officials Meet Traders Ahead of Ramadan To Ensure Market Readiness and Consumer Protection

The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection (CCCP) Sector in the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in Dubai has held a series of meetings with traders in prominent consumer goods sectors as part of evaluating market readiness ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

The meetings, which covered main sales outlets, beauty salons, e-Commerce websites/applications, and tailoring centres, among others, were meant to make sure that the expected increase in consumer demand during the holy month is duly addressed and that consumer complaints are dealt with professionally.

Ahmed Al Zaabi, Director of the Consumer Protection Department in the Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Sector, said: “We meet with traders ahead of Ramadan to make sure that the market retains transparency in buying and selling, and do not increase prices or exploit consumers in any way during the holy month. These meetings help ensure a happy shopping experience for consumers, protect their rights, and strengthen their relations with merchants. It also contributes to the ease of doing business and overall commercial competitiveness in Dubai, and the UAE.”

During the meetings, CCCP reminded traders about the importance of adhering to the general requirements of doing business, especially those relating to displaying product prices. Merchants are required to make sure that the price paid by a customer is the same as the price approved and displayed in the store. Information on the channels available for customers to communicate with the Consumer Protection Department in DET in the event of any complaints, observations or enquiries should also be displayed prominently in the outlet.

Merchants were also instructed to abide by the  relevant terms and conditions in the event of promotional offers. The details of the promotional offer and prices should be displayed prominently for the information of consumers.

Al Zaabi said the Consumer Protection Department will continue to conduct intensive campaigns targeting markets and outlets to monitor the market as well as the availability and prices of consumer goods during Ramadan, in addition to promptly responding to complaints and feedback from merchants and consumers.

Consumers can submit complaints and raise their concerns through the Dubai Consumer App available on Apple, Google and Huawei stores, by calling 600545555 or on the Consumerrights.ae website.