UAE steps up price protection for consumers after recording 3,561 violations

Ministry processed nearly 2,000 consumer complaints, handled 115 product recall requests

Last updated:
Huda Ata, Special to Gulf News
2 MIN READ
A proactive approach  was adopted in developing national plans and initiatives to keep legislation aligned with ongoing market shifts while ensuring the highest standards of consumer protection in the purchase of goods, products and services.
A proactive approach was adopted in developing national plans and initiatives to keep legislation aligned with ongoing market shifts while ensuring the highest standards of consumer protection in the purchase of goods, products and services.
Gulf News Archive

Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism uncovered 3,561 violations after carrying out 34,499 market inspections in 2024, as part of a nationwide effort to strengthen consumer protection and market oversight.

The Ministry also processed nearly 2,000 consumer complaints and handled 115 product recall requests through its electronic platforms, according to data shared by the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection during its latest meeting.

Chaired by Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the committee reviewed the government’s ongoing efforts to regulate goods and services across the country and ensure fair practices in all seven emirates. The meeting highlighted recent progress in enforcing consumer rights, stabilizing markets, and responding quickly to safety and quality issues.

“Our country has made significant progress in building an integrated and future-ready consumer protection system thanks to the directives of our wise leadership,” Al Marri said. He emphasised that the committee play a significant role in enforcing legislation, tightening market control, and coordinating with federal and local authorities to implement national initiatives.

Al Marri added that the committee has adopted a proactive approach in developing national plans and initiatives to keep legislation aligned with ongoing market shifts while ensuring the highest standards of consumer protection in the purchase of goods, products and services.

Effective mechanisms

The committee, the minister said, has also established effective mechanisms and policies to regulate the flow of goods and ensure adequate supply to meet consumer demand, particularly amid ongoing global economic and geopolitical challenges.

During the meeting, the committee reviewed its ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight of the e-commerce sector, including digital trading platforms, by supporting the development and updating of key legislation and economic policies governing this vital domain.

The meeting also touched on Federal Decree-Law No. 14/2023 on Trading by Modern Technological Means, which aims to regulate and advance e-commerce in the UAE. The law addresses all facets of tech-driven commerce, from defining its scope, objectives, and the roles of relevant authorities to outlining technical standards and requirements.

It also sets out frameworks for consumer protection, dispute resolution, data governance, insurance coverage, legal liabilities, and enforcement mechanisms, further solidifying the UAE’s status as a secure and reliable hub for digital commerce.

Additionally, the committee reported that the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in coordination with its partners, carried out 34,499 inspection campaigns across UAE markets in 2024, leading to 3,561 violations. Nearly 2,000 consumer complaints were filed through the Ministry’s electronic services, while 115 recall requests were submitted for products that failed to meet safety or quality standards.

New recall platform

The recall platform allows suppliers and authorities to track and remove defective items from the market, whether locally produced or imported—helping ensure consumer safety, protect rights, support retailers and manufacturers, and maintain market stability across the country.

The committee also reviewed the implementation of pricing policies for essential consumer goods in the UAE, including three ministerial decisions: monitoring prices, displaying unit prices for selected items, and applying a sector code of conduct.

Additionally, the committee discussed progress on a new digital system designed to remotely monitor market prices, detect violations, streamline complaint submission, and enhance overall market oversight using advanced technology.

Finally, the committee explored ways to raise public awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities, including access to accurate product information and the right to fair compensation when harmed by a faulty good or service.

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