The Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in Dubai Economyreceived 144 commercial complaints during the first three months of 2020,a 57% decrease compared to the same period in 2019. CCCP also received 159 enquiries, bringing the total transactions it handled to 303.

The smart channels of CCCP accounted for all the commercial complaints received – 7% came through the smart application and 93% were filed on the website. The smart app also accounted for all the enquiries received. Sector-wise, services led with 37% share of the complaints, followed by decoration (17%), buildingmaterials (13%), foods (9%), and electronics (6%). The remainder was distributed among varied sectors.

Failure to adhere to agreement terms and contractswerethe leading causes for complaints (73%), followed by commercial fraud and non-adherence to declared activity (8% each). The remainder was related to varied issues.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, CEO of CCCP, said: “The decrease in complaints reflects the improvement in the commercial transaction environment in the emirate and the commitment of merchants to applying sound standards in documentingagreement terms and details of products and services in contracts.”

Lootah added: “The commercial sector in Dubai is characterised by flexibility, which makes commercial complaints resolution a necessary service, enablingthe parties involved toreach an amicable settlement that preserves their respective rights and to continue their business without having to approachthe judiciary.”

The Business Awareness Department in Dubai Economyhas been meeting with business groups and tradershighlighting the most important points merchants should focus on to avoid mistakes and disputes that may hinder their business.

Merchants can file their complaints against any commercial establishment in Dubai to the Business Protection section in Dubai Economy, provided such complaints are supported by the necessary evidence and documents. If the complainant is from outside the UAE, the documents must be certified by the competent authorities in the respective country. Complaints can be submitted via the consumerrights.ae website or the Dubai Consumer appavailable on Apple, Google, and Huawei stores.