Emarat Al Youm, ministry in consumer rights pact

Consumers seeking help can now dial a direct hot line at Emirat Alyoum Arabic language newspaper which will divert the request directly to the Ministry of Economy (MoE) under an agreement signed by the two parties on Wednesday.

The “Consumer Hotline” has already been created by the newspaper in line with the landmark deal, the first of its kind between a daily and a government department in the UAE and most parts of the region.

The three-year accord, which is renewable, is designed to defend consumer rights, promote consumer awareness and encourage spending rationalization.

Under the deal, the two parties will exchange information on consumer activity in the UAE, the second largest Arab economy, conduct surveys and set up a permanent contact channel to serve the public.

“The agreement also stipulates the establishment of projects and organization of activities in the future, including an annual even with the aim of increasing public awareness about the local market and economic developments in the UAE,” MoE’s undersecretary Mohammed Abdul Aziz al Shehi said after signing the agreement in Dubai with Emirat Alyoum’s editor in chief Sami Al Riami.

“It will also unify efforts between the Ministry and Emirat Alyoum to find the best solution in this respect, benefit from common experiences and work to develop the economy media by helpi9ng it to face challenges…a joint team will be established to receive complaints and deal with them.”

He said the deal would contribute to increasing public consumption awareness, rationalize individual spending and respect market laws. He noted that the accord coincided with intensified efforts by the Ministry to prepare for the holy fasting month of Ramadan to ease the burdens on consumers.

Riyami said the deal created what he described as a partnership between Emirat Alyoum and the Ministry in their efforts to support the rights of consumers, study their problems and expand their awareness.

“It will also contribute to supporting the role of the media in combating negative economic practices in the UAE, mainly those relating to consumers,” he said.

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