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: Hi, I just wanted clarification on something. I recently wrote to a clinic where I had a bad experience - in a private email - to complain about the service. The clinic has now threatened me with breach of Federal Law. I haven't published anything on social media but did say in my email that I wouldn't recommend the clinic on platforms where families chat about which clinic they should choose for IVF. How much in trouble am I with the Clinic? What can they do? I was just expressing my personal experience! Thank you.

Q: I had signed up with an immigration consultant for immigration to Canada. According to the contract I would be refunded the full amount if my application did not get through in a year. I had asked for a refund and they have only approved 2560/- out of around Dhs 9500/-. I need help to resolve this issue. Thanks.

Q: I have entered into a written contract with a UAE based race team for the provision of technical and other services to support my 14-year-old son racing in a national karting championship. The championship is run over 6 rounds between September 2017 and March 2018. I was disappointed with the service delivery at the first round as the conditions of the contract were not met. I have decided to join a different team for the remainder of the championship and have advised in writing my decision to do so. In the meantime, the team that I was contracted to has refused to refund any of my money, citing the non-refundable clause in the contract. The contract value is AED27,000. What recourse do I have based on non-performance?

Q: Hi, I have a contract with a moving company to ship my possessions from Abu Dhabi to Melbourne. The moving service is paid in full. There are storage charges of approx AED1200 pending and this is no issue for me to pay. I raised a query about reassembly of furniture at the destination, the contract contradicted verbal advice so before signing the contract I crossed out the parts saying that I do not receive reassembly of my furniture at the destination and highlighted this to the moving company - they did not dispute this. The company have now refused reassembly service so I suggested we remediate the issue by reducing the amount owed for storage fees, as I will need to hire a contractor at the destination to assemble the furniture. Now the moving company is holding my shipment until I pay the storage fees, AND are refusing to approve reassembly service. What are my options? Thank you

Q: Hi, I have a dispute with one immigration consultancy firm in Dubai. I have signed an agreement with them for seeking their services two years ago. However, later I came to know that they have not provided complete information for qualification on the first instance due to which my case does not qualify at all for Canadian immigration. Now, I am asking for cancellation of the agreement, which they refuse claiming it was my mistake. Kindly advise regarding the right forum and the way to proceed legally with my case. Regards, Mudassar Farooq

Q: A holiday tour operator is not refunding me the amount paid because the tour got cancelled due to delayed visa receipt.

Q: Dear all, good day. I am based in the UAE and I am a Muslim. I recently bought packet noodles from a shop here. It says BEEF NOODLES in English but the ingredients are written in Chinese. While I took a few bites, my friend went through the ingredients (she can read Chinese) and said it says there is pork in it. Being a Muslim, this is against my religion and I would like to seek compensation. Is there a valid case? Thank you Imran

Q: Hi. Myself is S. I've paid AED 16,000.00 to a holiday company named "-----" in Dubai for a vacation package of 18 nights stay in 4-star hotels along with 2+1 Europe return tickets. I've applied for my vacation starting from 1 June to 12 June 2019, but they have offered me 2-star hotels and asked me to confirm the booking option. I refused to confirm it since the contract is to provide 4-star hotels along with flight tickets. They replied to me that we already provided the hotel option available with us and they will check with their supplier for other options and they will provide if available with them. I replied to them that they're obligated to provide me 4-star hotels so the statement is not acceptable. Unfortunately, as of now, they didn't give me any reply, bookings, flight tickets...etc. I felt that they are trying to delay the hotel options and tickets in order for me to accept their proposal or cancel my vacation. Please advise on this matter.

Q: Hello, I tried to open a company with an agency and they just called me saying that the business has been sold to a new person. The previous owner took my money and I have to repay if I want to open the company now. They took from me 5K USD. What do I have to do?

Q: I would like to seek advice. I bought a ticket from an agency but due to emergency surgery (bypass surgery) of my husband, I am unable to fly back home. Two days before the flight, I called the agent and advised her of my situation and was advised that the ticket can be rebooked. I promptly said to rebook the flight and a medical certificate has been provided. The flight was on 22 June 2023 and to this date, the issue has not been resolved between the agency and the airline. And now they are requesting a marriage contract copy which I provided. Appreciate it if you can please advise me on the best way forward.

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.