DED to launch intensive Consumer Awareness Campaign from Feb. 21 covering malls and retail outlets

The Department of Economic Development (DED), in cooperation with Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE) and Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG) will launch an intensive consumer awareness campaign from February 21, 2010.

The campaign, covering retail outlets including shopping malls, aims at strengthening the awareness of consumers about their rights, and highlights the UAE’s directives on Consumer Law No. (24) 2006.

The campaign reflects DED’s continuous efforts to strengthen awareness among consumers, and follows the success of the retailers’ training programme conducted during the last two weeks.

To complement the campaign, the Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Division in DED will launch a special website, www.consumerrights.ae – that acts as a reference guide on consumer protection by March to coincide with the Gulf Consumer Protection Day.

The website will provide specific instructions for consumers, including general information specifying the areas whereby DED or any other concerned government departments can help consumers. It also presents extracts regarding the UAE’s directives on Consumer Law No. (24) 2006, the responsibilities of consumers, shopping advice, and pointers to consider before making complaints on purchases. The site will include steps to help resolve consumers’ problems with a retailer / seller.

“DED is committed to launching initiatives and services to keep pace with the commercial growth of the emirate. Through the consumer awareness campaign, we want to strengthen our communication with consumers and retailers regarding the framework of related laws and regulations. The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Division seeks to ensure high levels of consumer satisfaction by protecting them in every possible way,” said Omar Bushahab, CEO, Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Division, DED.

Laila Suhail, CEO, DEPE, said: “This initiative is undoubtedly one of the most important initiatives witnessed by Dubai’s Retail Sector in recent years. We are very confident that through the joint cooperation of the three entities involved we would be able to raise the services provided by the sector to consumers and traders equally to a higher level of excellence, thus strengthening consumer confidence locally and regionally to boost market competitiveness.”

“We are extremely pleased with the overwhelming response that the consumer rights awareness campaign for retailers has witnessed in the past few days, and we hope that the consumers would interact with the 21^st Feb campaign in the same way,” added Laila.

The Department of Economic Development adopted a new mechanism to connect with consumers and ensure their requirements and complaints are addressed adequately. Consumers can register a complaint at DED by sending an email to consumerrights@dubaided.gov.ae, or by calling Ahlan Dubai on +971 600 545555.

“DED has opened all channels of communication with consumers to obtain their feedback and guarantee to respond accordingly. DED adopts a transparency policy in dealing with consumers with regard to their observations and suggestions,” added Bushahab.

DED coordinates with other concerned government bodies to strengthen awareness regarding consumer rights, which is in line with continuing efforts to end disputes that might arise between consumers and traders.