The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection, CCCP, sector in Dubai Economy has urged shoppers in Dubai to choose websites registered in the Digital Protection programme for buying online in order to ensure that their rights as consumers are protected.

At least 44 websites have already been enrolled in the programme, launched recently by Dubai Economy. The websites adopting the programme display the Consumer Protection logo of Dubai Economy and they will be bound by the consumer protection laws and regulations in the UAE.

"The Digital Protection programme aims to introduce all categories of shoppers to consumer protection mechanisms and educate them on their rights and their duty to report issues faced during or after a purchase," said Ahmad Al Muhairi, Senior Manager for Business Awareness in CCCP, adding that consumer confidence in conventional as well as online retail is critical to protecting Dubai’s reputation as a destination for shopping.

Digital Protection extends the facility to raise a complaint regarding online purchases on the 'Ahlan Dubai' number, and protects the rights of consumers as well as merchants, Al Muhairi added.