DED launches 'Hemaya' website to generate consumer and trader awareness

The website highlights a variety of branded consumer products which can be duplicated by unprincipled traders.

Consumers can access the new website through logging on www.himaya.ae/hemaya or www.dubaided.gov.ae.

The 'Hemaya' website includes the division's guidance and awareness messages to the public, rules and regulations that consumers and merchants should abide with in Dubai, in addition to several pictures and examples of original and counterfeit products. The initiative is expected to become an important mechanism to spread awareness on fraud, duplication, counterfeit products, trademark infringements and patent rights.

Mr. Mohammed Hilal Al Muroushedi, Director of Compliance Division at DED, said:

"Dubai has established itself as the shopping capital of the region and attracts shoppers from all over the GCC and the world due to the availability of international brands in shopping malls. The Compliance Division at DED strives to protect consumers and merchants from duplication and counterfeit products and ensures consumer satisfaction and legal rights for merchants."

Mr. Al Muroushedi added that the launch of the website comes as part of the DED's efforts to raise consumer awareness, "Consumers should be aware of the importance of reviewing invoices and warrantees, checking the refund and return policy, and keeping receipts. The department also makes every effort to protect consumers through inspection campaigns to randomly picked stores, and solving disagreements between shoppers and dealers."

Any complaints or inquiries related to consumer protection, complaints can be sent to the Consumer Protection section located in the second floor of the department offices in Deira.
The DED inspectors look into the filed complaint and follow it up to take the appropriate action.