Dubai pings 2 million air passengers

The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai has reached out to more than two million passengers travelling through the city’s airports to alert them on the consumer protection services available in Dubai.

Rolled out in partnership with Du and the UAE Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA), the programme involves sending text messages to passengers arriving in or transiting through airports in Dubai on the option to file consumer complaints by calling ‘Ahlan Dubai’ on 600 54 5555.

Passengers from over 175 countries received the text message and India, UK, Saudi Arabia, US, Austria, Italy, Australia, China, and Germany accounted for 20% - or 400,000 - of the receivers.

Ahmed Zaabi, Director of the Consumer Awareness section in DED, said, "Our aim is to promote awareness among visitors and residents in Dubai on the role of the Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in DED and inform them about their rights and responsibilities as a consumer.

“It ensures transparency and enhanced consumer confidence in the process of buying and selling in Dubai."

Zaabi said the initiative will also support retailers and improve service quality, eventually leading to a positive impact on overall economic activity in Dubai and the UAE in general.

"CCCP uses various channels to reach out to consumers and protect their rights.

“Consumers can contact us on the smart application Sallety or through social media channels like Twitter, Instagram, and Blackberry in addition to conventional means like text messages.

“Such diversity of channels ensure we are linked to as many consumers as possible, including visitors and residents, and that consumer rights are protected even when the consumer has moved out of the country."

The Telecom Regulatory Authority’s role in the initiative was also lauded by Zaabi and he added that TRA’s support is an example of the strategic partnership between various government entities in promoting the economy of Dubai and the UAE.

Ahmed Bu Rahima, Vice-President for Government Relations at Du, said it is important for economic activity and consumer confidence in Dubai that passengers arriving or transiting through the airports in the city as well as residents are aware of their rights and responsibilities as consumers and also about the importance the emirate attaches to trade and consumer protection.

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