Dubai Consumer Protection issues school supply complaint rules amid 65,000 cases

Dubai Consumer Protection has instructed parents to attempt direct resolution with retailers before escalating complaints regarding faulty school supplies, following the receipt of 65,000 consumer grievances in the first half of 2026. The directive, issued on Thursday, 20 August, addresses potential disputes over defective bags, leaking water bottles, and malfunctioning electronic devices during the peak back-to-school shopping period. Mandatory steps for consumer redress Ahmad Ahli, Acting Director of the Consumer Protection Department at the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade, stated that shoppers must first approach store management or customer service teams. Formal intervention by the department is reserved for cases where consumer rights are breached or the retailer fails to resolve the issue. The department recorded nearly 800 retail inspections across the emirate to monitor compliance during the seasonal surge. Ahli emphasized the necessity of maintaining proof of purchase, recommending that shoppers photograph receipts immediately after a transaction. "We definitely need a receipt for a complaint," Ahli said, noting that while original paper receipts are preferred, other forms of transaction evidence may be accepted if the item is clearly linked to the retailer. For electronics like tablets and laptops, parents are urged to retain specific warranty documents and verify authorized service arrangements prior to purchase. Filing formal complaints…