Q: Is there a law regarding a "cooling period" on an item purchased? We had a problem with a company distributing vacuum cleaners in Sharjah, we have returned the item to them as we felt like being pressured to buy without giving us time to think before buying, and their contract states that I have to pay 4,000 Dirhams as a cancellation if I return the item within 3 days. Is it legal? Where is the 3 day cooling period?

Q: As a restaurant, we have the same price for our food items on dine-in, delivery menu, our website, and all other social media platforms like Google, FB...etc., wherever we are selling directly. But when we are selling through a 3rd party platform, they charge a minimum 25% to 30% commission, and that is incurring losses. We want to keep our prices 20% higher on 3rd party platforms to pay for the margin. Salespeople from these 3rd party platforms claim that it is not allowed by the UAE government under consumer protection law; Federal Law No. (24) of 2006 On Consumer Protection. However, I read the law myself and it doesn't mention anywhere that a restaurant can't have a different price on their own website /dine-in menu via 3rd party platform. A lot of other restaurants have different prices on their own website and a higher price on a 3rd party platform. Can you please give us legal advice if we can have a 20% higher price on 3rd party online platforms? Thanks!

Q: Hello madam, A sales agent recently came into our house (around 8 pm) to do a demonstration of an expensive vacuum cleaner. After the demo, my wife and I decided to take 1 unit because they have offered an installment payment scheme for 12 months. The following day, we talked to the agent that we will not proceed with the purchase and he just said that we will go to jail because of the law and there is no way to return the item because the sales contract includes that a customer will not be able to return the item once it is received. As of now, we haven't paid anything to them as they first require us to pay by cheque. but then he requires us to pay cash in the first month.

Q: Hi! How can we sue an e-commerce company for providing nonworking items that were supposed to be installed, but didn't? They keep telling about hours, but nothing is done. The item is dangerous and can lead to lethal consequences as technicians say. I filed a case in Dubai consumer rights, but I guess nothing will be done. Maybe the court is the only solution?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, In December, I purchased an item from a website based in Dubai that claimed to sell authentic products. However, upon receiving the item, I noticed that the packaging was strange and the material felt stiff. Upon investigation, I discovered that the item was actually fake. I contacted the website, but they refused to provide a refund and that I can report them to the authorities if I wished to do so. Later on, I decided to purchase two more items from the same brand, but this time through the official website. I sent them pictures and additional comparisons to the first website, seeking clarification and a refund. However, they ignored my queries and insisted that their products were authentic. They even warned me against reporting them to the consumer department, claiming that I could potentially lose a lot of money due to damaging their e-commerce website's reputation. I am wondering if I could face legal action or intimidation if I report that the item is fraudulent. It's worth noting that I possess an email from the official brand confirming that the item in question is not authentic.

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, Is the GSO Standardization mandatory in UAE/Dubai?

Q: Dear Lawyers, I purchased an item online, the money was taken, and I was then informed they did not have the product. I requested a refund, but it has been 2 months now, and I have called them every day. They have not returned the money and are ignoring my calls. The amount was 2,500 AED. What should my next step be?

Q: My labor implementation case is currently in progress. Despite taking several steps, such as inquiring about the bank account and blocking the traffic file, my employer has not responded and disregarded the court's decision. As a result, I requested a travel ban, and the court accepted my request. Now, the employer is actively working to lift the travel ban. He has submitted six requests to the court for its cancellation, arguing that he is a local, the company is an LLC, and he comes from a reputed family. He also stated that the highest court had declared the travel ban to be a violation of human rights and that the non-payment was due to the company’s financial losses, not the manager’s fault. However, the court rejected his request. The employer has now filed a grievance with the Execution Circuit for the Court Head. Could you advise me if there is anything I need to do? Should I just patiently wait to see how the court proceeds with the case against the company manager?

Before shipping their online purchases, UAE Tourists can now apply easily for VAT refunds through e-commerce platforms that are registered with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). To confirm their eligibility at the time of purchase, they can simply provide the specifics of their travel documents and pertinent personal information.

The Law sets up the legal framework for the protection of consumer rights in the UAE. The Law establishes the Higher Committee for Consumer Protection and the Consumer Protection Department, and sets up the fines for breach of its provisions.

The provisions of this Federal Law, known as the "New Consumer Protection Law", govern Consumer Protection regulations in the United Arab Emirates. The New Consumer Protection Law repeals the previous UAE Consumer Protection Law (Federal Law No. (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection).

The provisions of this Cabinet Resolution No (12) of 2007 Concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection.