Latest news with #DCCPFT
Khaleej Times
26-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Soon, residents can file consumer complaints against retailers via WhatsApp
Consumers in Dubai will soon be able to file complaints against retailers directly through WhatsApp, with a quick resolution process in place. This initiative by the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), a part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), will be rolled out next month. Ahmad Ali Moosa, Director of the Consumer Protection Department at DCCPFT, explained that the platform will use artificial intelligence to simplify the complaint process. Consumers will simply need to upload relevant documents, answer a few questions about their purchases or disputes, and quickly receive a resolution letter bearing the DET letterhead. "Consumers can then present the resolution letter to the retailer, and based on that, the retailer will be required to take action. Since the letter carries the official letterhead, it serves as an official document from the Consumer Protection Department," Ahmad said. "If a retailer or establishment refuses to accept the resolution, they will face a penalty,' Ahmad warned. For the process to be valid, consumers must provide essential documents, including invoices, to support their claims. Ahmad stressed the importance of submitting correct documentation, such as invoices and contracts. Without these documents, complaints will not be processed. During an inspection tour at a mall in Al Barsha, Khaleej Times joined the DET team as they discussed the initiative. Dubai's consumer protection department's officials routinely issue advisories to create awareness among residents and businesses. While shoppers can currently submit complaints to the Consumer Protection Department through its website and call centre number 600545555, the WhatsApp service will offer a more accessible and convenient way to reach the Consumer Protection Department. 'We are in the testing phase now and will roll out in the early second quarter,' he said. 'We have chosen WhatsApp because it's handy, it's available on every single person's device. We are trying to make people's lives easier and bring happiness to them.' Ahmad revealed that the WhatsApp number will be the same as the call center number to submit complaints. Ahmad also recommended that people visit the DET's official website, for accurate information. 'I recommend that people always verify the URL to avoid falling into the trap of scammers,' Ahmad added.
Khaleej Times
25-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Eid Al Fitr shopping: How Dubai inspectors prevent price hikes, protect consumers
Over 95 per cent of businesses in Dubai adhered to rules and regulations around price mechanisms and consumer protection during the holy month of Ramadan. This resulted in a drop in consumer complaints, a senior official told Khaleej Times on Tuesday. 'We did not stop inspections during Ramadan as my team visited the market to monitor the prices of goods. Approximately 95 per cent of the market followed the rules. Therefore, we didn't have many complaints related to price hikes. There were minor cases, but they were mainly related to construction and maintenance sectors,' said Ahmad Ali Moosa, director of the Consumer Protection Department at the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), a part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). 'To be honest, we did not have many violations. We had just a few complaints against cold calling and car rental firms not returning deposits. This drop in complaints gives us confidence that businesses are obeying the rules and regulations of consumer protection,' Ahmad said in an interview. Khaleej Times joined a team from the DCCPFT for an inspection tour of a shopping mall led by Ahmad to ensure market readiness for Eid Al Fitr. The team visited a hypermarket and shops selling sweets, confectionary, shoes, kanduras and jewellery. Ahmad and his team personally checked the prices of frozen items, rice, drinks, and other basic consumer goods that Dubai residents use. Carrying their inspection devices to check prices, the inspectors checked the items' original and discounted prices under loyalty schemes that were put on display, to make sure that they were aligned and protect consumers' rights. When the team found that a couple of retailers had not put price tags, the inspectors asked them to. Ahmed told the team to visit the retailers again in a few days to ensure that the price tags were added. 'Today, we issued only a warning. If they fail to put a price tag during the next inspection, they will be fined.' The team also checked the licenses of the retailers and promotions. 'We don't inform the market that we are coming for inspections; they are random. However, we have an internal daily and monthly inspection schedule to visit several sites and inspectors immediately upload any feedback and evidence that they get from the market. In case of violations, they immediately take action. And we can also track and monitor where our inspectors are moving.' He stressed that the aim is to educate businesses and not to fine them. 'We are enabling and enhancing the experience of businesses in Dubai.' Ahmed noted that each inspection typically lasts between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the size of the outlets. The team monitors prices to ensure there are no hikes. He stressed that the DET wants to ensure that prices are transparent to the people, and that businesses are obeying the rules and regulations. 'Such practices bring confidence to the consumers. They realize the government is upholding rights, especially during the business shopping season such as Eid Al Fitr. We are looking at the fair trade aspect of it as well. 'We are making sure that there is no manipulation in the market, and that businesses are following all the rules.'
Gulf Insider
26-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Fines 159 Companies $13,600 Over Telemarketing Rule Violations
Dubai authorities are clamping down on unwanted business phone calls with fines and warnings for rulebreakers. Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has taken decisive steps to regulate telemarketing practices with the aim of protecting consumer rights and promoting positive business standards. These efforts have been implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Economy (MoEc) and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), in accordance with Cabinet Decision No. 56 of 2024 concerning the regulation of telemarketing practices, and Cabinet Decision No. 57 of 2024 regarding violations and administrative penalties for actions contravening the provisions of Decision No. 56. These regulations aim to reduce unwanted telemarketing calls, ensuring consumer comfort and protecting their privacy. They also work to enhance consumer trust in businesses by ensuring that companies adhere to appropriate channels and timings for marketing their products, thereby building a positive business climate. Since the resolutions came into effect in August 2024, DCCPFT issued initial warnings to 174 companies in Dubai to ensure compliance. Subsequently, fines of AED50,000 ($13,600) were imposed on 159 companies that failed to adhere to the regulations. DCCPFT's robust approach aligns with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to double the size of Dubai's economy by 2033 and to further enhance Dubai's position as a leading global destination for business and leisure. By curbing market-disruptive practices, DCCPFT is committed to creating a fair, competitive landscape that enhances economic stability and consumer protection. The regulatory legislation applies to all licensed companies in the UAE, including those in free zones, whose products and services are marketed through telephone calls. In accordance with the resolutions, key guiding principles for telemarketing activities include: Not contacting consumers whose numbers are registered in the 'Do Not Call Registry' (DNCR), which is managed by TDRA Only making calls from 9am to 6pm Notifying the consumer at the start of the call if it's being recorded
ARN News Center
26-02-2025
- Business
- ARN News Center
Dubai fines 159 firms for violating telemarketing rules
As many as 159 companies in Dubai have been fined AED 50,000 each for violating telemarketing regulations. These rules, part of Cabinet Decisions No. 56 and 57 of 2024, aim to protect consumer privacy, reduce cold calls and ensure marketing is done only during acceptable hours through appropriate channels. Since the resolutions came into effect in August 2024, the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT) issued warnings to 174 companies, and later imposed fines on 159 firms that failed to comply. The DCCPFT, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has been enforcing the rules in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and the Telecommunications & Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). The legislation applies to all licensed businesses in the UAE, including free zones, whose products and services are marketed through telephone calls. It outlines key rules such as not contacting consumers whose numbers are registered in the 'Do Not Call Registry' managed by the TDRA, only making calls from 09:00 am to 06:00 pm, and notifying customers if a call is being recorded.
Gulf Today
25-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
159 companies fined for unwanted telemarketing calls in Dubai
Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has taken decisive steps to regulate telemarketing practices with the aim of protecting consumer rights and promoting positive business standards. These efforts have been implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Economy (MoEc) and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), in accordance with Cabinet Decision No. 56 of 2024 concerning the regulation of telemarketing practices, and Cabinet Decision No. 57 of 2024 regarding violations and administrative penalties for actions contravening the provisions of Decision No. 56. These regulations aim to reduce unwanted telemarketing calls, ensuring consumer comfort and protecting their privacy. They also work to enhance consumer trust in businesses by ensuring that companies adhere to appropriate channels and timings for marketing their products, thereby building a positive business climate. Since the resolutions came into effect in August 2024, DCCPFT issued initial warnings to 174 companies in Dubai to ensure compliance. Subsequently, fines of Dhs50,000 were imposed on 159 companies that failed to adhere to the regulations. DCCPFT's robust approach aligns with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to double the size of Dubai's economy by 2033 and to further enhance Dubai's position as a leading global destination for business and leisure. By curbing market-disruptive practices, DCCPFT is committed to creating a fair, competitive landscape that enhances economic stability and consumer protection. The regulatory legislation applies to all licensed companies in the UAE, including those in free zones, whose products and services are marketed through telephone calls. In accordance with the resolutions, key guiding principles for telemarketing activities include not contacting consumers whose numbers are registered in the 'Do Not Call Registry' (DNCR), which is managed by TDRA, only making calls from 09:00 to 18:00, and notifying the consumer at the start of the call if it's being recorded.
