Coronavirus: Almost 800 complaints lodged against profiteering Dubai traders

Dubai's economic portal receives avalanche of complaints as retailers exploit coronavirus pandemic

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Hundreds of complaints have been lodged against rogue traders in Dubai after a crackdown was launched on businesses seeking to cash in on the coronavirus pandemic.

The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector received 784 reports relating to profiteering after encouraging consumers to register breaches of price caps on essential hygiene products and staple foods online.

Since the Dubai economic department launched its price-checker website just over a fortnight ago, scores of complaints have been investigated by officers.

It sets a minimum and maximum price for products such as face masks and hand sanitisers, with businesses caught flouting the rules facing hefty fines or even closure.

“The CCCP team verifies the accuracy of complaints by looking at all available evidence and comparing existing bills with previous ones,” said Ahmed Al Zaabi, director of consumer protection in the Dubai Economy sector.

“The team may also resort to field and electronic inspection of the merchant's price list and other methods.

“If the complaint is found to be valid, the merchant is asked to go back to the original price or risk a penalty for not co-operating.”

Earlier this month, a total of 14 Dubai businesses were penalised for overpricing face masks.

Those included nine pharmacies in Nad Al Hamar, Al Mizhar, Nad Hessa, Sheikh Zayed Road, Hor Al Anz, A Twar, Al Qusais, Umm Suqaim and Al Warqa.

Vendors were caught exploiting the high demand for protection against Covid-19, as the government advised people in Dubai to wear masks at all times outside.

Offending retailers can be fined Dh5,000 but repeat offenders risk being shut-down altogether.

"We commend consumers for alerting us on malpractices, thereby helping us to protect them in these exceptional circumstances,” said Mr Al Zaabi.

“This requires concerted efforts to ensure stability in the market.”

Consumers can submit complaints relating to price increases online at Price.ded.ae.