Sharjah Economic Development Department “SEDD” handled 2,934 complaints received during the third quarter of this year 2021, with a growth rate of 4%. Also, the number of inspection tours and visits in the emirate reached 51,324 visits during the same period.

In details, consumer protection complaints accounted for the largest share of the number of complaints received by SEDD, reaching 2,616 complaints out of the total number of complaints handled. On the other hand, the number of commercial fraud complaints reached 195, while complaints of service agent hit 123 complaints.

In addition, the consumer protection complaints were distributed among several sectors. Therefore, the complaints from the auto and spare parts sector recorded 25% of the total consumer protection complaints received by the Department, while complaints from mobile phones and electronics reached 15%. Then, complaints for furniture and curtains hit 8%, whereas complaints related to electrical appliances and building materials reached 7%. Likely, complaints for tourism, travel and shipping sector reached 7%. It should be noted that other complaints were distributed unevenly on the various other economic sectors.

Commenting on that, HE Sultan Abdullah bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, SEDD Chairman, stated that the Department is working on providing a safe consumer environment for the people, by receiving complaints from the consumer public, and following up on their resolution in record time. This reflects its concerns to create a fair consumer and investment environment that supports economic growth and limits erroneous practices related to commercial fraud. Such thing is done to achieve a balance between the rights of consumers, merchants and brands, aiming for creating a safe, competitive and economic environment that supports the development path of vital economic sectors by adopting global standards. These results confirm the effective role that SEDD plays in preserving consumers' rights, and the extent to which it is able to educate consumers and enhance the economic and commercial position in the emirate.

From his side, Salim Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Deputy Director of Commercial Control and Protection Department at SEDD, stressed that the Department is committed to work with merchants and consumers to create a fair relationship between the two parties. HE pointed out that the department communicated with consumers through all possible means during the last three months to educate and inform them about their rights. Thus, SEDD provided different platforms and websites as well as it carried out continuous tours for this purpose. Likewise, it has contacted the merchants to raise their awareness of their rights and duties.

He also indicated that the teams of Commercial Officers at the Commercial Control and Protection Department are working continuously to observe the markets to protect them from all manifestations of commercial fraud and legal violations. He stressed that the campaigns implemented by SEDD on the existing markets and facilities in the emirate are continuing to ensure that everyone adheres to the applicable controls and provisions and to provide the best services to the consumer.

Additionally, Al Suwaidi added that the Department's role is not limited to protecting consumers and investors only, but also goes beyond that to familiarize traders with the procedures adopted to avoid disputes or complaints against them. Also, it pays great attention to implement inspection campaigns to ensure the safety of all economic practices in Sharjah’s markets. He pointed out that the complaints index during the third quarter of this year reflects the extent to which consumers responded to the awareness campaigns and initiatives that are organized on a continuous and varied basis. In addition, he stated that SEDD aims to educate consumers and inform them about their rights and duties during the purchase process. Also, it seeks to inform them of the available means for submitting complaints, as the Department has recently sought to target the largest possible segment of consumers and merchants to instruct them.

Furthermore, he stressed that SEDD does not compromise to place the necessary efforts to protect consumers, markets and trademarks. Also, it will not tolerate violating any facility that does not abide by the procedures and controls issued by the concerned authorities. In addition, he illustrated that it is important to achieve the desired goals that were set to protect society in the current circumstances.

Moreover, the Department calls on the public to communicate with it in the event of any violation through the call center number 80080000 or by visiting its website www.sedd.ae.