UAE Consumer Protection Law — Rights and Obligations for Businesses 2026
UAE Consumer Protection Law imposes obligations on all UAE businesses selling goods or services to consumers. Understanding these obligations prevents regulatory fines and brand damage. This guide covers UAE consumer protection law for businesses in 2026.
In this guide:
UAE Consumer Protection Legal Framework
- Federal Law No. 15 of 2020: the UAE Consumer Protection Law; applies nationwide to all businesses selling goods or services to UAE consumers (including free zone companies selling to UAE consumers)
- Cabinet Decision No. 66 of 2023: implementing regulations for the 2020 law; detailed obligations for suppliers and service providers
- Ministry of Economy (MoE): primary federal enforcer; Consumer Protection Department; can inspect businesses, issue fines, and order product recalls
- Dubai DED: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism enforces consumer protection in Dubai; separate consumer protection department; handles consumer complaints and inspections
Key UAE Consumer Protection Obligations
- Price display: all prices must be displayed in AED (and another currency if sold internationally); price inclusive of VAT; hidden fees are prohibited
- Accurate product description: goods must match their description and advertising; misleading descriptions constitute an offence
- Mandatory warranty: all goods sold in UAE must carry at least a 1-year warranty (some product categories require longer); warranty must be honoured by the UAE seller even if the manufacturer is abroad
- Return and refund policy: UAE consumers have a right to return goods for exchange or refund within 14 days of purchase if goods are defective; non-defective goods return policy must be clearly disclosed at point of sale
- Arabic on packaging: all consumer goods sold in UAE must have product information in Arabic; imported goods must have Arabic sticker or label; DM (Dubai Municipality) or relevant authority may inspect
UAE Consumer Complaint Mechanism
- Reporting portal: consumers can file complaints at consumerrights.ae or through Dubai DED app; Ministry of Economy complaint portal; complaints are forwarded to the relevant authority
- Business response requirement: once a complaint is filed, businesses must respond to the consumer complaint within the authority’s specified timeframe (typically 7-14 days); failure to respond is a separate offence
- Fine range: consumer protection violations can attract fines of AED 1,000 to AED 5,000,000 depending on severity; product recall orders; business licence suspension for repeat violations
E-Commerce and UAE Consumer Protection
- Online sales included: the Consumer Protection Law explicitly covers online sales; e-commerce businesses selling to UAE consumers must comply regardless of where the business is incorporated
- Right to cancel online orders: consumers in UAE have a right to cancel an online order before shipping and receive a full refund; once shipped, the standard return policy applies
- Subscription services: businesses offering UAE subscription services must disclose the full cost, auto-renewal terms, and cancellation procedure clearly before subscription signup