Abu Dhabi launches service to speed up resolution of consumer disputes

A consumer dispute resolution service has been rolled out in Abu Dhabi to expedite settlement of disputes between consumers and commercial establishments in the Emirate, amicably and at the best possible cost for the concerned parties.

Abu Dhabi Business Centre (ADBC), part of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) launched the initiative as part of Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to protect consumers rights and promote a supportive and transparent business ecosystem.

Launching the new service strengthens consumer protection framework in Abu Dhabi, and is in line with the UAE laws, especially Federal Law No. (15) of 2020 regarding consumer protection, which aims to protect all consumer rights, especially those pertaining to the quality of goods and services, and the privacy and security of data.

The service is set up to settle disputes between consumers and commercial establishment within 21 days from the date both parties appeared before consumer dispute resolution service’s team. The conciliator could extend the period for extra 21 days, if deemed necessary.

The conciliators of consumer dispute resolution service are tasked to meet with the concerned parties, bring their views closer, and settle the dispute amicably. They may seek assistance of experts registered in ADJD or those agreed upon by the litigants to provide technical expertise.

Settled disputes will be ratified by a judge to have the power of an executive bond and the authority of judicial decisions, while files of unsettled disputes will be referred to ADJD.