DED cracks down on website offering unauthorised services

The Department of Economic Development, DED, in Dubai ordered closure of a website that offered to issue medical licences without appropriate permission to carry out such an activity.

Acting on a complaint, the Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection (CCCP) division under the DED found out that the company was licenced to design computer networks and information systems, but had nothing to do with the medical sector.

Following the findings, the Electronic Compliance section under CCCP fined the website owner for non-compliance and engaging in unauthorised activity. The website was also given a deadline to straighten its record and had the choice of amending its activities permitted under its licence.

Commenting on the incident, Mahir Al Marzouki, Head of Electronic Compliance in the CCCP, said that the DED is committed to protecting the rights of businesses as well as consumers, and upholding transparency and competitiveness in the e-commerce sector.

"Dubai and the UAE in general are witnessing a fast and steady growth in e-commerce across various sectors. The Department of Economic Development is accordingly maintaining a close watch on online service providers and transactions to protect consumers and safeguard the reputation enjoyed by Dubai as a safe retail and services destination," Al Marzouki said.

"There are different guidelines and requirements that govern business activities in Dubai. For example, approval from different government agencies has been made mandatory for some activities in order to ensure standards and efficiency. Likewise, some professional activities require certain level of experience for employers and employees. We monitor compliance with these standards and requirements," he added.

The CCCP receives complaints related to e-commerce transactions and websites offering such services are required to display information on the channels available to consumers for raising a complaint in Dubai, including the Ahlan Dubai number 600 54 5555.

"The Department of Economic Development has expanded our consumer awareness campaigns to include consumer groups and businesses engaging in online transactions," Al Marzouki said.

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