a wide range of unique products on display at the Global Village, the shopping paradise for tourists as well as residents.
Task force inspects products at the popular tourist and shopping venue.
Published: Tue 22 Dec 2015, 11:00 PM
Last updated: Wed 23 Dec 2015, 3:43 PM
Traders at the Global Village were urged to remove objectionable labels, which are not complying with local traditions and customs, from the products put on display there.
The Field Surveillance Section of the Department of Economic Development-Dubai (DED) recently conducted an inspection at the Global Village to ensure whether the traders are abiding by the rules and complying with the local traditions and Islamic teachings.
The DED conducted the inspection in collaboration with the bodies concerned, as most of the goods are imported and originated in different cultures, which needs a thorough checking to ensure quality.
Complaints & ResponsesCars replaced for recurring errors: A consumer bought a luxury car, but it developed a technical glitch - a defect in the power locking system of its doors. He went to the auto dealer many times to get the problem fixed, but to no avail.
He then lodged a complaint with the Consumer Complaints Section of the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED).
Ayman Al Falasi, senior director of the section, said the section reviewed the documents submitted by the consumer and the technical reports of the vehicle. "It became clear that the consumer had visited the dealer frequently for the problem his car had."
Subsequently, the Consumer Complaints Section directed the agency's manager to replace the faulty car with a new one since the problem was a manufacturing defect.
The section also reviewed another complaint in which a consumer reported an electric failure in his car. He said he got his car repaired many times, but the problem persisted.
An inspector from the section visited the workshop and reviewed the vehicle's technical reports. The inspector was present when a technical test was being carried on the car.
The section then directed the dealer to replace the car.
salah@khaleejtimes.com
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Senior Director of the Field Surveillance Section said many merchants were alerted and told to remove the goods, which contained paintings and objectionable phrases, which are inconsistent with the local customs and traditions.
The warning was made after some stuff was found containing such drawings and images.
"Traders were urged to strictly follow the instructions and conditions set by the DED, and ensure their products are in compliance with the laws before being showcased or sold to avoid being booked or be liable to legal actions and questioning," he said.
Inspections during such events are aimed at raising awareness to curb such practices from the traders, which will give an adverse effect on the consumers and the society.
Consumer has rights and duties, which the department cannot turn a blind eye to, as the objective is to create a plausible environment for investment and consumption, he said.
Therefore, he said: "I urge all the traders in the Global Village to abide by the laws and also advise the consumers to keep in touch with us in case of wanting to complain againt stalls or shops for violating the rules, so that we can take the necessary measures."
Mind your language: 196 shops booked for signage issues
As many as 196 trade establishments in Dubai have been booked for violating rules governing shop signages. The violations recorded included linguistic mistakes and lighting defects.
A shop signage is a board installed outside a shop to let passersby know what commercial activity the shop is offering - on which the shop's name is given.
Abdul Aziz Al Tanak, Director of the Commercial Control Department, said a surprise night inspection campaign launched by inspectors of the department resulted in booking 196 shops.
Inspectors checked the shops for signage problems. They compared the name given in the trade licence with that mentioned on the signage to see if they matched.
"The objective of the inspection drive was to raise traders' awareness about the necessity of paying heed to the general appearance of their shops," said Al Tanak. The Department of Economic Development (DED) has urged traders to "be keen to maintain your shop signage and signage lights, and make sure they are devoid of any defects".
"Also, be informed that the general appearance of a shop is an indicator that the merchant looks after his shop, and leaves a good impression on customers, assuring them that the products and services rendered are of good quality.
"We would also like to thank all law-abiding merchants and those who cooperated with us; those who are endeavouring to present the best services they have to the public, which would help develop and boost the investment climate in the emirate," he added.
Getting trade licence not enough, know your rights as well
To set up business in any country, the first and foremost rule is to have a complete know-how for establishing a business in the city. Since Dubai is ranked 33rd in terms of places for setting up business, more and more traders are setting up businesses in this city of skyscrapers and seeking trade licences for the same.
However, at times they forget that not only does obtaining a trade licence involves a lot of understanding of legal procedures but also one needs to go through all the clauses and rules pertaining to the licence. According to the Department of Economic Development, Dubai (DED) awareness about rules can help businessmen, consumers and the society as ignorance on such matters often result in the loss of your rights and those of others too.
The aim of DED is to not only drive the economic agenda of the emirate, but also to support the structural transformation of Dubai into a diversified, innovative service-based economy that aims to improve the business environment and accelerate growth. And this goal can be achieved by creating awareness among traders about knowing and protecting their rights.
The department recently received several complaints from traders that they were fined for violations (regarding terms and conditions of trade licences) they were not aware they committed. On investigating the matter, the DED officers found out that many traders knew nothing about their trade licences as they entrusted others to follow up on government matters regarding their trade licences. They signed up trade licence papers without reading about the rules and clauses which resulted in violations.
The DED advised traders not to completely delegate others but that they should personally follow up and supervise their own businesses in order to avoid violations and loss of their rights.
There are many facilities which can be used to follow up the transactions or inquire about them, for example, visit the branches or the DED's website or even through smart apps. The main objective is to safeguard rights of traders and all members of the society, and find solutions to their problems. -salah@khaleejtimes.com
(As told by Nasser Al Zahid, Senior director of Follow Up section)
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