UAE, 12 March 2018 – A joint committee comprising representatives from the Department of Economic Development in Ajman (DED-Ajman) and the Ministry of Economy recently made an inspection of major outlets in the emirate to check the prices of their goods. The campaign is part of DED-Ajman’s continuous efforts to monitor the application of the value added tax and ensure that all establishments will not abuse the law by unjustly raising the prices of their products. Part of the joint committee’s mandate is to investigate consumer complaints on high prices in shopping centers. The committee recently met with traders and business owners of commercial centers to ensure their VAT compliance and avoid indiscriminate price increases.  

H.E. Abdullah Bin Naser Al Nuaimi, Assistant Director General for Economic Registration and Control, emphasized the importance of an enhanced cooperation among all entities and organizations in the UAE to secure consumer markets; achieve a balance between the rights of consumers, investors, and owners of commercial establishments; and reach maximum consumer and investment security levels in the emirate. The Department seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of business and investment environments to help develop the vital economic sectors in line with the government’s vision of creating a prosperous economic environment for the welfare of the population.   

Majed Nasser Al Suwaidi, Director of the Customer Relations Department, DED Ajman, said: “The Department will continuously strengthen its campaigns to control prices and protect consumers from dishonest establishments as part of our strategy to create an equal and a transparent investment environment in support of a stable national economy. We are committed to monitoring the markets regularly, continuously ensure correct prices and safety of the products in all outlets and malls, and guarantee that all economic activities are in accordance with the federal and local laws and regulations. These inspections form part of continuous annual management plan.” 

Consumers can report commercial frauds and negative practices to DED-Ajman via toll free number (80070) or by e-mail at info@ajmanded.ae.