Ramadan shoppers urged to keep receipts - here's why
The Ministry of Economy in the UAE is emphasizing the importance of retaining receipts for shoppers during Ramadan to safeguard consumer rights. The initiative urges consumers to keep proof of purchases, facilitating the resolution of disputes and ensuring that promotions are applied accurately. Additionally, the Ministry has introduced measures to regulate pricing, particularly for nine essential goods, and encourages consumer engagement to report any violations. Inspections conducted in 2023 aimed to address infringements related to pricing, product quality, and commercial fraud, underscoring the commitment to consumer protection and market integrity.
The Ministry of Economy (MoE) in the UAE has rolled out several initiatives to protect consumer rights during the Ramadan shopping season. During a press conference in Dubai, officials urged all shoppers to retain their receipts to ensure their rights are safeguarded. The retention of invoices serves as crucial evidence in case of disputes and allows consumers to verify their purchases accurately. Abdullah Sultan Al Fan Al Shamsi, the assistant undersecretary for the monitoring and follow-up sector at the MoE, emphasized the significance of conscious purchasing practices and encouraged consumers to report any grievances to the relevant competent authority.
The reminder comes as part of the Ministry's efforts to ensure that discounts and promotions are applied correctly throughout the holy month of Ramadan. Pricing policies for consumer goods are a key focus area, particularly concerning nine essential items: cooking oil, eggs, dairy products, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat. Any price increases for these essential goods must be approved by the MoE and other relevant authorities. This measure aims to prevent unjustified price hikes and protect consumers from exploitation.
In addition to retaining receipts, the Ministry encourages consumers to engage with regulatory authorities and provide feedback on their experiences. This communication enables consumers to report detrimental commercial practices and share suggestions for enhancing consumer protection measures in the country. Consumers can reach out to the Ministry through various channels, including a toll-free number, to lodge complaints or seek assistance regarding consumer rights issues.
The Ministry's mission is to educate consumers about their rights and prevent practices that may harm their interests. Al Shamsi highlighted the importance of consumer awareness and emphasized the role of regulatory authorities in maintaining market integrity. In 2023, the Ministry and other regulatory bodies conducted a total of 96,200 inspections to address violations related to pricing, product quality, and commercial fraud. These inspections resulted in the detection of 6,545 violations, indicating the ongoing efforts to uphold consumer protection standards and ensure fair practices in the market.
By: Sahiba Suri
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