Abu Dhabi, September 25: The Ministry of Economy (MoE) will set up three consumer courts by the year-end in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. Dr Hashim Al Nuaimi, director of Consumer Protection in the ministry, said they will be the first of their kind in the UAE.
The courts will specifically deal with consumer complaints, fraudulent activities of traders and other malpractices in the markets, Al Nuaimi said. These courts will conduct speedy procedures and protect the consumer’s rights more efficiently
The ministry recently wrote to courts in the three emirates and urged them to facilitate setting up of these facilities.
These courts will look into cases brought directly by consumers and ascertain action against exploitation or fraud by any dealer or institution in the country.
Consumers would lodge complaints in their emirates, Al Nuaimi said. Complaints lodged through the MoE’s website or its 20 hotline numbers in the country will be studied and referred to the relevant court, Al Nuaimi said.
In taking this measure, the ministry seeks to strike a balance between the privileges of consumers and traders and ensure equal rights. This will promote investment in the country.
The Ministry of Justice had issued a decree in April this year for the establishment of specialised departments in the Federal Courts of First Instance in different emirates of the country to deal with the consumer rights issues.
The 10 courts include the Federal Courts of First Instance in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, and Kalba, and the District Courts of Dibba Al Husn, Dibba Fujairah, Al Dhaid and Al Madam.
–Agencies