03 August 2015
• 1,800 businesses in the emirate to be honoured for completing 25 years without any fine or violation

• 'Compliance Day' will be dedicated to educating institutions and businesses, without penalties

Dubai - The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai today announced the launch of 'Silver Jubilee of Commercial Commitment,' a first-of-its-kind initiative in the region aimed to honour businesses that have completed 25 years without any fines or violations and in full compliance with DED regulations.

The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in DED will also observe the September 3rd of every year as 'Compliance Day' to raise awareness among businesses on commercial regulations, without issuing any penalties for violations spotted on that day.

Through honouring commercial establishments that have demonstrated continued commitment to commercial and consumer laws DED expects to introduce them as role models and encourage other businesses in the emirate to emulate them, thereby enhancing the business and consumer protection environment in Dubai.

Inspectors in CCCP will use the 'Compliance Day' to interact with businesses in Dubai and create awareness as well as provide helpful advice on commercial laws and guidelines. The objective is to strengthen complementary relations in the local market and enhance business competitiveness in the emirate.

Mohammed Ali Rashed Lootah, Executive Director of CCCP, said: "We are launching 'Silver Jubilee of Commercial Commitment' to recognise and honour companies for their steady and unwavering commitment over the last 25 years to upholding the law and strengthening the local market. These companies have continued a tradition of excellence in delivering products and services and treated consumers as their top priority."

Lootah added that more than 1,800 have become eligible for the 'Silver Jubilee of Commercial Commitment' from a total of over 200,000 registered businesses in Dubai, which indeed is a very good ratio.

"The fact that such a large number of companies completed 25 years without a violation or penalty shows a high level of transparency in dealing with consumers and commitment to quality and best practices. It's one of the strategic goals DED seeks to achieve as part of its leading role in the development of the economy of Dubai, and the UAE in general."

Ibrahim Behzad, Director of Intellectual Property Protection in the Department of Economic Development said DED through its sustained campaigns has been able to continuously improve the intellectual property rights environment in Dubai.

"Our campaigns target all stakeholders, including importers, distributors, retailers and consumers, and we see the response from these groups encouraging, especially when they understand the negative impact of trademark infringements on each of them as well as on the overall economy," Behzad added.

The two new initiatives are an integral part of the programmes and targets set by DED to improving Dubai's commercial standing and ease of doing business. CCCP regularly rolls out programmes and campaigns to improve activity across various business sectors, bridge the awareness gap, and remove obstacles facing consumers and traders.

"Compliance makes better business sense. Businesses in Dubai draw strength from the enabling environment in Dubai and adhering to the business-friendly guidelines and regulations in the city guarantees them further advantages - such as uninterrupted operations, improved customer outcomes and lesser cost of doing business," said Abdul Aziz Al Tannak, Director of Commercial Control in DED.

The list of honorees under the 'Silver Jubilee of Commercial Commitment' each year will be announced on September 3, which would also be observed as the 'Compliance Day,' emphasising on awareness on laws and the importance of maintaining an ideal business environment in Dubai. The importance of transparency in sales and purchase procedures in the retail sector will also be highlighted in the awareness programmes.

Ahmad Al Zaabi, Senior Manager - Consumer Awareness at DED said the emphasis on consumer protection has gone a long way in enhancing Dubai's attractiveness as a shopping destination. "The latest initiatives we have launched demonstrate DED's focus on collaborative efforts towards establishing a harmonious and rewarding business environment for the benefit of consumers as well as traders and the local economy."

The 'Silver Jubilee of Commercial Commitment' and 'Compliance Day' follows a series of programmes CCCP launched recently, including the Consumer Friendliness Index and Self Inspector initiatives, to strengthen the competitive advantages of the local business sector and support overall activity and sustainability across trade in Dubai.

-Ends-

About Department of Economic Development (DED)
The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the government body entrusted to set and drive the economic agenda of the emirate of Dubai, UAE. DED supports the structural transformation of Dubai into a diversified, innovative service-based economy that aims to improve the business environment and accelerate productivity growth.

DED and its agencies develop economic plans and policies, identify and support the growth of strategic sectors, and provide services to domestic and international investors and businesses.

For further information, please contact:
Faisal Shamsudheen       
Government Communication Division, Department of Economic Development         
Tel: (971 4) 445 5927 - Email: faisal.pathiasseri@dubaided.gov.ae

© Press Release 2015