As the joyous season of Ramadan approaches, the UAE gears up for bustling markets and enthusiastic shoppers ready to snag the best deals. However, amidst the excitement, authorities are emphasizing a crucial aspect for consumers: the importance of retaining receipts to safeguard their rights.
The Ministry of Economy (MoE) recently held a Press conference in Dubai, shedding light on various initiatives aimed at ensuring fair practices during the holy month. Abdullah Sultan Al Fan Al Shamsi, assistant undersecretary for the monitoring and follow-up sector at the MoE, stressed the significance of conscious purchasing practices, urging consumers to hold onto their invoices as a means of verifying purchases and protecting their rights.
Highlighting key measures, Al Shamsi outlined the strict pricing policy governing essential goods such as cooking oil, eggs, dairy, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat. Any price adjustments for these items must receive prior approval from the MoE and other relevant authorities.
Moreover, the MoE encourages active engagement from consumers, inviting them to voice grievances, report commercial malpractices, and offer suggestions for enhancing consumer protection. Al Shamsi emphasized the ministry’s commitment to educating consumers and preventing activities detrimental to their interests.
In a demonstration of their dedication, regulatory authorities conducted a staggering 96,200 inspections in 2023, targeting violations related to price labelling, product quality, and commercial fraud. This rigorous effort resulted in the detection of 6,545 violations, underscoring the resolve to uphold consumer rights in the UAE.
As the nation prepares for Ramadan festivities, the message is clear: by retaining receipts and remaining vigilant, consumers play an active role in shaping a fair and transparent marketplace, ensuring a fulfilling shopping experience for all.
