The UAE’s e-commerce landscape is taking a significant leap towards enhanced product safety and quality.
In light of the above, eleven leading online retailers and platforms, including Amazon, Noon, and Al-Futtaim Group, have signed the Compliance Pledge with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. This commitment ensures that products sold on these platforms meet the UAE’s rigorous standards and technical regulations, fostering consumer confidence and a safer online shopping experience.
The signing ceremony took place in Dubai on Monday, with representatives from the ministry and participating platforms present. The event, attended by representatives from the Ministry of Economy and major e-commerce platforms, signified a commitment to upholding ethical business practices. Key players present included Amazon, Noon, Al-Futtaim Group (operators of IKEA, Ace Hardware, Watsons, Toys ‘R’ Us, and Marks & Spencer), Nikai Group, Electronics, Jacky’s Retail, Lulu International Group, Al Ghandi Electronics, Sharaf DG, Al Yousuf Electronics, and Samsung.
Boosting online product safety
Omar Al Suwaidi, undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, stated that the Compliance Pledge aimed to strengthen the standard of quality and safety of products sold online. He further emphasized that the pledge represented a significant step towards achieving the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology. Moreover, he expressed deep appreciation for the participation of the platforms in the pledge and called on all strategic partners to join their efforts in continually raising the quality and safety of products.
Al Suwaidi further added that this initiative demonstrated the close cooperation between the government and private sector in the UAE, aiming to enhance integration and provide consumers with even safer and better-quality products. He also reiterated the ministry’s commitment to fostering a regulatory environment that promotes international best practices in product marketing and invited all e-commerce platforms to join this voluntary initiative.
Read more: Global e-commerce sales to reach $7 trillion by 2026, boosted by MENA growth
E-commerce boom in the UAE
Additionally, the growth of e-commerce in the UAE is undeniable. Data from Euromonitor, analyzed by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, indicates a surge in online retail sales from $2.6 billion in 2019 to $4.8 billion in 2021, with projections reaching $9.2 billion by 2026. The Compliance Pledge further serves as a vital step in supporting this growth trajectory.
Consumer protection
Furthermore, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology actively promotes compliance through monitoring campaigns, awareness initiatives, and collaborations with federal and local regulatory authorities. This includes facilitating voluntary product recalls and informing consumers about recalled products through the Manaa System and the National Product Conformity Program.
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