13 Apr 2022
The United Arab Emirates is one of the leading shopping centers for many around the world. Dubai’s vibrant malls are just as famous as the Burj Khalifa itself. Endless shopping opportunities are enjoyed by locals as well as visitors in the UAE, from exclusive sales to shopping festivals and holidays. As part of the UAE’s attempts to strengthen its position in the retail sector and as a shopping destination, several consumer protection laws have been issued by the officials. The UAE has taken serious steps to ensure consumer confidence in the market and to establish equal relations between consumers and businesses. In this article, we will discuss the UAE consumer complaint process and more details.
The Department of Economic Development (DED) in every emirate, tackles issues relating to consumer rights and implements consumer protection plans and procedures. The contact details of the DED in each emirate has been provided below:
Dubai
Name: Dubai Economy
Contact: +971 55 524 3666
Website: eservices.dubaided.gov.ae
Sharjah
Name: Sharjah Economic Development Department
Contact: +971 6 512 2222
Website: www.sedd.ae/ar/web/sedd/home/
Abu Dhabi
Name: Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
Contact: +971 2 815 8888
Website: added.gov.ae/
Ajman
Name: Ajman Department of Economic Development
Contact: +971 800 70
Website: www.ajmanded.ae/en/
Ras Al Khaimah
Name: The Department of Economic Development Ras Al Khaimah.
Contact: 072271222
Website: www.ded.rak.ae/en/
Umm Al Quwain
Name: The Department of Economic Development Umm Al Quwain.
Contact: +971 2 8158888
Website: http://ded.uaq.ae/ar/home.html
There are other government regulated departments as well in addition to DED that oversee and manage consumer rights in the UAE:
Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology
The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology is a federal agency that provides protection and qualitative measures for goods manufactured in or transported from the United Arab Emirates. Special items related to chemical, gas, or electrical devices are subject to the requirements of the Authority. Compliance with common international standards on the consumer market and environmental safety
Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council
The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is responsible for educating the public about quality standards and establishing a quality infrastructure. The council has implemented a framework known as “Manna” for consumer protection services that provide accurate information on any product that complies with safety laws. The Board introduced the “Quality Partners Initiative” to enable companies to comply with established quality, safety, technical standards, and regulations through self-evaluation and voluntary contribution plans.
Abu Dhabi Agriculture & Food Safety Authority
In the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Protection Authority is responsible for food security and agriculture, as well as livestock. Promotes and facilitates research in all areas of food safety and agriculture that contributes to setting standards and regulations in its areas of responsibility that are consistent with the latest scientific knowledge. As mentioned earlier, consumer complaints are registered and managed by the Department of Economic Development in each emirate. Details were provided along with the complaint’s pages link in the previous section. In this section, we will discuss the customer complaint process at the Dubai Department of Economic Development. It is pertinent to mention that a complaint must be filed with the Department of Economic Development in the emirate where you made the purchase. Also, be sure to check whether the defendant’s trade license was issued in the emirate in which you are filing a complaint. Now, let’s have a look at the consumer complaint process in the UAE:
Step 1: Visit the correct consumer website of the Ministry of Economy.
Step 2: Go to the Submit Complaint tab. Then click on Consumer Complaints (C2B).
Step 3: You will receive a prompt. Go through the instructions and click the “Confirm” button.
Step 4: Enter your details such as name, phone number, email and nationality.
Step 5: Enter the respondent’s details such as name, sector, type of complaint, subject and details.
Step 6: Attach relevant documents such as a receipt or contract.
Step 7: Agree to the terms and conditions by checking the box. Then click the Submit button.
You can also file a complaint through the Dubai Consumer mobile application which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Submitting a complaint at the rest of the Departments of Economic Development across the UAE is similar to the above process. The following details, regardless of the emirate, must be provided in order to file a consumer complaint: Name, Mobile Number, Email, Complaint type, and Complaint details.
Complaint against the employer
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), formerly known as the Ministry of Labor, is committed to regulating labor provision and conflict resolution in the workplace in the UAE. The Ministry has established specific regulations in effect to protect workers’ rights. In the event that you have been unfairly treated at work, you can report this to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Process to file a complaint
To register a complaint via the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation website, follow the steps listed below:
First Step: Visit the official website mohre.gov.ae.
Second Step: In the “Services” section, select the “Registration of labor complaints” option.
Third Step: Click on the Start Service tab.
Fourth Step: Choose the type of complaint.
Fifth Step: Enter the details such as your name, work permit number, and the standard number.
Sixth Step: Enter the details of the complaint request.
Seventh Step: Click the Submit button.
You can also register your complaint by contacting the call center of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation through the specified number +971 4607 3555. Another way to file a complaint against the employer is to contact the Tas’heel service centers. Tasheel is an initiative of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to enhance the management of work operations. To register a complaint through Tas’heel, you must visit the nearest Tas’heel service center. Submit the required documents (such as the offer letter) to the concerned officer at the center with your contact details. Your complaint will be registered after checking the details and documents.
Check complaint status
In order to check your complaint status, the following steps must be followed:
Step 1: Go to the official e-service portal of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Step 2: Enter your complaint reference number.
Step 3: Click the Submit button.
You can check out our blog section for similar articles on patent filing, defamation laws, marriage laws, and more. Please visit our website for information on the legal services offered by our firm. You can also call our helpline number (600 544 009).