The Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in the Department of Economic Development (DED) has started awareness visits to the traditional markets and major sales outlets in Dubai ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan. The visits, which are part of the DED strategy to strengthen business competitiveness and promote cordial relations in the local market, are meant to verify that merchants deal with consumers transparently and with due respect to their rights, particularly during the Holy Month.

The visits will cover major locations and outlets, including the Central Fruit and Vegetable Market, Fish Market and the Livestock Market. During the visits the CCCP team urge traders to comply with the laws and regulations of doing business, offer stable prices and mention sources of the livestock, vegetables and fruits they sell.

“The Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection sector seeks to strengthen the relationship between the trader and the consumer, thus enabling business competitiveness and growth,” said Ahmed Al Zaabi, Director of Consumer Protection in DED. “We make sure that the high demand and sales during the Holy Month do not become an excuse for traders to increase prices or exploit consumers. In addition to strengthening our market supervision the visits also aim to reinforce the reputation Dubai enjoys regionally and internationally as a shopping destination.”

The initial visits targeted popular markets and outlets that attract a large number of customers ahead of Ramadan, said Al Zaabi. “The next phase will also see a series of random visits to these outlets to ensure that the best practices are followed. We will also visit outlets such as women’s saloons and tailoring shops that normally witness increased demand during Ramadan “.

CCCP seeks to build stronger relations with the private sector and enhance customer confidence in businesses by familiarizing itself with the practices adopted by traders and ensuring their compliance with rules and regulations, Al Zaabi said, adding that inspections have a significant role in ensuring better compliance and reducing violations. He also called on consumers to report any negative practices that come to their notice on the toll free number 600 54 5555, or register their complaints on “Dubai Consumer” App on Apple store and Google play Store.