No additional fees for malls opening 24 hours during Eid: DED

The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai has announced it is fully prepared to implement the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to extend ‘Eid in Dubai’ festivities to two weeks starting October 18 and the operational hours of all participating malls to 24 hours. The directive aims to provide an enhanced experience to tourists and shoppers in Dubai during Eid.

Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of DED, said: “Stores in those participating malls remaining open round the clock during Eid will be exempted from paying any additional fee for the extended opening hours. The decision is aimed to enhance the trading and retail sectors as well as tourism, which will play an important role during the Eid holiday period.”

The Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) Sector in DED will deploy at least 50 inspectors across shopping malls in Dubai to make it convenient for visitors and resolve any dispute that may arise between traders and consumers, in addition to receiving consumer complaints round the clock.

Al Qamzi said: “The inspectors will monitor promotions to ensure their credibility, in coordination with the Business Registration & Licensing Sector, thus helping to maintain the highest standards of transparency in accordance with Dubai’s reputation as a business hub.”

The CCCP Sector has formed an administrative team comprising senior managers to supervise and regulate the work of the inspectors and to ensure smooth processes in receiving and resolving complaints. DED has coordinated with other economic departments in the UAE on resolving complaints that visitors from any neighbouring emirate is likely to have regarding buying or selling in Dubai during Eid celebrations.

The Business Registration & Licensing (BRL) Sector in DED has also formed a team of employees and volunteers to issue sales and promotions permits and ensure their delivery before the start of the initiative. “The BRL Sector will also allow other companies to run promotions without permits during that period, provided they submit applications to participate,” stated Al Qamzi.

The BRL Sector has received many inquiries on the new initiative, being the first experiment of its kind. Therefore, senior administrators will be present at the locations where permits are issued and will also be reachable on their mobile phones round the clock to solve issues.

“DED has received inquiries from shopping malls about how to make the best use of the initiative and DED has assisted them in meeting some of their requirements, such as temporary employment and other concerns,” said Al Qamzi.

The Department of Economic Development recently met with the Ministry of Labour and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai to develop a mechanism to accelerate the process of temporary employment. Both the Ministry and the Directorate are expected to announce the details of issuing the permits later. All the authorities concerned have given the necessary instructions on implementing the related decisions as agreed and in accordance with best practices.

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