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Dubai: The Higher Committee of Consumer Protection at the Ministry of Economy has given a grace period of two years to adhere to the application of Arabic language in all purchase bills, customer reception counters, and call centres across the country.

The committee which met with Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, in the chair, also discussed liberalisation of basic commodities from agents in an effort to strengthen competitiveness and protect consumers.

The committee decided that all cars must be serviced at every 10,000 km instead of 5,000 km and the grace period will end at the end of this year.

The Ministry of Economy has announced new measures at the third meeting of the Higher Committee for Consumer Protection in Dubai to ensure maximum consumer protection and market stability.

Al Mansouri also instructed the consumer protection department at the Ministry to ensure that prices of commodities at the petrol stations outlets be at part with the market. The instructions were given after complaints that commodities are being sold at much higher prices at the petrol stations outlet as compared to the other shops.

“We closely follow up on the market condition and are keen to enhance consumers’ consciousness and awareness about their rights as well as to promote the proper and rational consumer behaviour,” said Al Mansouri.

The committee also instructed all outlets across the country not to increase prices or modifying commodities specifications and standards.

MOE instructed the consumer protection department to coordinate all control bodies to intensify their efforts to control market to ensure that prices are not increased.

“Consumer protection tops the list of the ministry’s priorities as a main pillar that contributes to enhancing the social security system in the country,” said Al Mansouri.

“The committee plays a very vital role in ensuring market stability, curb inflation rates and combating commercial fraud and any kinds of practices that may harm the trade and negatively affect consumers,” Al Mansouri said.

He said that many initiatives are being launched by the ministry and the committee, coupled with their efforts, to ensure efficient control over markets and monitor commodities and products in the local market. All these measures have succeeded in maintaining market stability and curbing attempts of manipulation and commerce fraud.

Regarding the pricing policy, Al Mansouri said that commodity prices are controlled because they are monitored by the Consumer Protection Department at the ministry as stipulated in Federal Law.

Al Mansouri underlined the need for continuous cooperation and collaborative efforts between the ministry and federal and local bodies concerned to educate and raise people’s awareness about their consumer rights.