Consumer complaints up 13%

The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection section at the Department of Economic Development in Dubai received 6,136 complaints from consumers through its call center in the first half of 2014, 13 per cent more than the same period last year, said a press statement on Wednesday.

The results show effective role played by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in protecting rights of consumers and promoting commercial status of the emirate as a safe destination for purchasing goods by residents and tourists.

Most of the complaints were lodged for services sector at 2,439, followed by electronics at 1,580, textile and suppliers, automotive sector and others.

According to the press statement, consumers lodged complaints for a range of issues. Most of the complaints were made by consumers for non-compliance with the terms of the agreement at 2,910, followed by defect in the product at 1,362 and non-compliance with the terms of warranty at 442.

Abdul Aziz bin Hathboor, Director at the Department of Consumer Protection in DED, said: "The department will promote culture of the consumerism and facilitate relationship between consumer and merchant and neutrality in the procedures of buying and selling in the retail sector; the department also follows the highest standards and practices adopted in the world."

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