Dubai Economywill extend its consumer protection services to free zones in Dubai under an agreement with the Dubai Free Zones Council. The agreement, which is part of enhancing co-ordination between government, government-related and private entities to improve the overall customer experience in Dubai, will allow consumers of free zone businesses to raise their complaints to Dubai Economy and have them resolved amicably.

Mohammed Ali Rashed Lootah, CEO of Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) Sector in Dubai Economy, said the agreement is a significant step towards improving customer happiness and strengthening transparency and competitiveness across business in Dubai.

“Dubai Economy counts its efficient and responsive consumer protection service as a significant asset that continues to increase consumer confidence and support sustainable business growth in the emirate. We use varied channels, including smart platforms, to improve consumer awareness and make it easier for consumers to raise their complaints and have them resolved efficiently. Free zones in Dubai influence customer perceptions on Dubai significantly as they represent a diversity of business activities and consumers. We are delighted to receive consumer complaints related to free zone business and help resolve them as it supports our efforts to make shopping anywhere in Dubai a pleasant experience,” Lootah said.

Dr Juma Al Matrooshi, Deputy to the Secretary General of Dubai Free Zone Council, also expressed his happiness at the agreement and said it would complement efforts to strengthen and streamline free zone business activity.

“Free zones in Dubai represent an integrated and expanding ecosystem for diverse business activities, including in new and emerging sectors. Many of these free zones have also grown into self-contained locations where a global community enjoy exceptional ease of business, quality living and convenient access to varied amenities. Extending the consumer protection services of Dubai Economy to the free zones will support our efforts to continuously update our services in line with global best practices. It’s also a major step in line with the directives of the leadership on the importance of all sectors working together to make Dubai the happiest city in the world.”

Persistent efforts by CCCP to spread consumer awareness and introduce innovative consumer complaints resolution channels have seen an increase in customer engagement with Dubai Economy. Last year Dubai Economy received 39,113 complaints, which was 20% higher than the previous year, and almost 63,356 enquiries and suggestions from consumers. The smart channels of Dubai Economy accounted for 43% of the complaints received.

On receiving consumer complaints Dubai Economy communicates with the parties involved, examines the documents submitted and works towards the appropriate solution. Consumers can submit complaints through the Dubai Consumer app available on the Apple, Google, and Huawei stores,on the Consumererrights.ae website, or by calling 600545555. Complaints about price increases should be submitted on the Price.ded.ae portal.