The UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism has uncovered 3,561 violations in nationwide markets following more than 34,000 inspections conducted throughout 2024, underscoring a vigorous push to protect consumers and enforce fair trading practices.
The figures were presented during the latest meeting of the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection, chaired by Minister Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, where officials highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure transparency, product safety, and price stability across the country’s markets.
“Our country has made significant progress in building an integrated and future-ready consumer protection system thanks to the directives of our wise leadership,” Al Marri stated during the meeting. He stressed the committee’s critical role in coordinating national initiatives, enforcing legislation, and reinforcing market control mechanisms.
In addition to inspections, nearly 2,000 consumer complaints were addressed and 115 product recalls were initiated through the ministry’s electronic platforms—part of the government’s strategy to rapidly remove defective goods from circulation.
The committee also reviewed key legislative efforts, including the enforcement of Federal Decree-Law No. 14/2023 on Trading by Modern Technological Means, which outlines a comprehensive framework for regulating e-commerce. The law sets clear guidelines for digital trade, consumer protection, data governance, and dispute resolution.
Among other topics, members discussed pricing regulations for essential goods, the rollout of a digital system for monitoring market prices and violations in real time, and initiatives aimed at empowering consumers with information about their rights.