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Are all Dubai discounts genuine? DED clarifies

Dubai - Consumers urged to be careful and purchase wisely.

Dubai's Department of Economic Development on Monday said it has intensified monitoring of sales and promotions at outlets across the emirate and it ensures that all promotions are genuine.
The Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in Dubai Economy said it intensified monitoring of commercial outlets in the emirate, particularly those announcing promotional offers and discounts as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and New Year season.
As the DSF begins, most of the retailers announce promotions and heavy discounts during this mega sale event that attracts shoppers from abroad as well. As part of DSF campaign, the Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG), in collaboration with Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), has announced Dh1 million giveaway in cash prizes.
Earlier, Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group (DGJG) had launched Dh4 million worth of prizes to be given away on purchase of gold jewellery and diamonds by the residents and visitors during the DSF. In addition to these bodies, individual retailers also introduce promotions and discounts to cash in on buying spree from residents and visitors.
Dubai Economy said the instensified campaign is part of protecting the interests of all consumers, including residents and tourists, by ensuring transparency and authenticity of the promotions and reinforcing Dubai as a preferred shopping destination locally and internationally.
Teams from consumer protection department monitors market activity and inspects commercial establishments throughout the year and particularly during promotional sales and festivals that witness a high volume of visitors to Dubai.
"Retailing being an integral economic activity in Dubai we are keen to ensure the quality and authenticity of the promotions and discounts offered here by retailers and also see that consumers do not fall prey to unscrupulous practices," said Mohammed Ali Rashed Lootah, CEO of CCCP.
Lootah added that teams follow up on all retail-related promotions and activities announced in Dubai and verify their compliance with the regulations of Dubai Economy.
"We make use of all conventional and online communication channels to ensure that the promotions are genuine and retailers do not violate the UAE Consumer Protection Law."
Lootah emphasised that Dubai being an open economy, retailers compete to attract consumers and hence consumers should be careful and purchase wisely. In the event of a misleading promotion or fraudulent practice consumers should report it to Dubai Economy on 600 54 5555, he urged.
-waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com