Soon, new UAE law to protect consumers from unscrupulous traders Ismail Sebugwaawo /Abu Dhabi

A new law to protect consumers from being exploited by unscrupulous traders will be introduced in the UAE soon, according to members of the Federal National Council (FNC).

The FNC Financial, Economic and Industrial Affairs Committee said it was currently discussing a draft federal law on consumer protection that will be presented in the UAE Parliament for further brainstorming before being approved.

During its recent meeting held remotely, Saeed Rashid Al Abedi, chairman of the committee, said: "The committee was keen to add to the draft law, amendments that will benefit consumers and protect them from exploitation by suppliers."

"The committee has discussed the majority of the articles pertaining to the law with representatives of relevant departments," he said, adding that the law will enable consumers to contact authorities concerned at the Ministry of Economy to lodge complaints about fraud and exploitation.

"As part of the law, the relevant authorities will obtain the correct information on goods purchased by consumers, and raise the awareness of consumers about their rights and obligations," said Al Abedi.

The draft law comprises 36 articles divided into five chapters and defines some words and phrases, as well as its objectives and scope of work.

After being okayed by the FNC, the law will be taken to the UAE President for approval and then published in the Official Gazette before it comes into effect.

At a previous FNC meeting which was chaired by Saqr Ghobash, FNC Speaker, the members had approved the transfer of the draft law to the Financial, Economic and Industrial Affairs Committee for review before it is brought to the House.

The committee is in charge of reviewing draft laws, public topics, related international treaties and agreements, economic and commercial policies, plans and programmes, the country's public budget and closing accounts, industry and statistics affairs, and matters submitted to the panel by the FNC and its speaker for consultation. It also reviews issues related to relevant ministries.