Abu Dhabi Registration and Licensing Authority (ADRA) has reported growth in key indicators related to consumer and commercial protection during 2024. The percentage of consumer complaints against economic establishments that were resolved amicably rose to 90 percent of the total in 2024, up from 83.4 percent in 2023. This increase, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported, reflects the effectiveness of ADRA‘s efforts to enhance consumer rights and support the vitality of the business sector. The estimated total value of goods and services related to these complaints was AED26.3 million.
In addition to addressing and resolving consumer complaints, ADRA conducted field visits to commercial establishments and sales outlets throughout various locations in Abu Dhabi to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations governing commercial activities.
Last year, 251,083 field visits were conducted, representing a 4.5 percent increase compared to 240,229 visits in 2023. Awareness campaigns rose by 45 percent, increasing to 5,397 from 3,706 campaigns in 2023, highlighting Abu Dhabi Registration Authority’s enhanced efforts to raise awareness within the business community about rules and regulations. During these field visits, 7,951 warnings and 3,081 violations were issued, along with 53 closure cases. The estimated value of goods and products failing to meet the criteria set by laws, rules, and regulations is AED40.8 million.
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Enhancing transparency and safety
His Excellency Mohammed Munif Al Mansouri, acting director general of Abu Dhabi Registration Authority, said: “Consumer rights and intellectual property are at the top of our priorities. We remain committed to provide best possible mechanisms to ensure goods and services are delivered with the highest standards of safety, quality, and transparency. In this regard, we have launched a new edition of our Artificial Intelligence-powered consumer protection service on Abu Dhabi Government Services portal (TAMM) to further enhance consumers’ awareness about their rights and share their opinions.
“Consumers complaints and field visits represent vital tools to ensure compliance with laws and rules regulating the business sector, and continuous improvement of the investment ecosystem in the emirate. We also communicate with different stakeholders to know challenges facing them and find suitable solutions. I’m pleased to report that 96 per cent of participants in the annual survey we organised in 2024 have expressed their satisfaction about inspection and regulatory activities. We are forging ahead with efforts to enhance our services and further cement Abu Dhabi’s status as preferred destination for talent, businesses, and investments.”
