The UAE Federal Law No. (24) of 2006 created an important framework for the protection of consumer's rights in this country. This Consumer Protection Law, among other things, established the Consumer Protection Department (within the Ministry of Economy), specified the obligations of suppliers of goods and services and the rights of consumers, and fixed penalties for breach. The next Law Update will focus on the provisions of this law and its impact on consumers and suppliers alike.

Recently the Government of Dubai underscored its commitment to consumer protection within the framework of this Consumer Protection Law when its Department of Economic Development launched a new consumer rights Internet website under the slogan "Be Right, Know Your Consumer Rights": www.consumerrights.ae

The website is a user-friendly service for suppliers and consumers alike, providing information on rights and obligations, the Department's areas of responsibility, and how to make and handle complaints. The website does not provide a copy of the Consumer Protection Law, rather the section of the website which references the law highlights key consumer rights taken from article 8 of the Executive Regulation of 2007. The website also sets out a "Consumer Code of Rights" which summarises, in a concise and informative manner, those rights which emerge, in effect, from the Consumer Protection Law and its Executive Regulation. This is as follows:

  • Goods must meet a level of quality and performance that would be reasonable to expect, given their price and specifications.
  • Goods must be suitable for the purpose that the seller conveys to the consumer, and match the description given to the consumer
  • Services must be carried out with due care and skill
  • Materials used in connection with a service should meet customer requirements
  • Consumers have rights to remedies in the case that there are problems with goods or services provided:
    - Repairs, replacements and refunds depending on the nature of good
    - Having services supplied again

At times the website uses the term Consumer Code of Rights interchangeably with Consumer Protection Law, although as noted they are different things. If anything, the Consumer Code of Rights noted above demonstrates, (in particular to retailers) the priorities of the Department of Economic Development. The FAQ's note that while the Consumer Protection Law applies to the UAE as a whole, the Department of Economic Development will only deal with complaints about retailers in Dubai.

This website is an important tool for consumers, and emphasises the importance with which the Government of Dubai views effective implementation of the Consumer Protection Law within the emirate. The significance of an effective consumer protection regime cannot be understated for Dubai, which prides itself on the economic benefits of the world-famous Dubai Shopping Festival among other events.

However, this website does not provide legal advice to suppliers about compliance with the Consumer Protection Law, nor does it purport to do so. Retailers and manufacturers should take this website as yet another indicator that they must study and comply with the Consumer Protection Law at all times. That law and its Executive Regulation are detailed and comprehensive, and compliance is an essential part of any business in the UAE. At Al Tamimi & Company we continue to advise a range of clients on an ongoing basis on effective, continued and efficient compliance with this important law.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.