The Abu Dhabi Registration and Licensing Authority (ADRA) has reported growth in key indicators related to consumer and commercial protection during 2024.  

The rate of consumers complaints against economic establishments, which were resolved amicably, rose to 90 per cent of the total in 2024 compared to 83.4 per cent in 2023, reflecting the effectiveness of its efforts to enhance consumer rights and the business sector’s vitality. The estimated total value of goods and services of the reported complaints was AED26.3 million.

In addition to receiving and settling consumers’ complaints, ADRA conducted field visits to commercial establishments and sales outlets in various locations across Abu Dhabi to ensure compliance with laws and rules regulating the commercial activities.

Last year, 251,083 field visits were conducted, up 4.5 per cent compared to 240,229 visits in 2023. Awareness campaigns increased 45 per cent to 5,397 from 3,706 campaigns in 2023, reflecting ADRA’s increased efforts to raise business community’s awareness about rules and regulations. During these filed visits, 7,951 warnings and 3,081 violations were issued, and 53 closure cases were reported. The estimated value of goods and products not meeting the criteria stipulated by laws, rules, and regulations is AED40.8 million.

His Excellency Mohammed Munif Al Mansouri, Acting Director General of ADRA, said: “Consumer rights and intellectual property are at the top of our priorities. We remain committed to provide best possible mechanisms to ensure goods and services are delivered with the highest standards of safety, quality, and transparency. In this regard, we have launched a new edition of our Artificial Intelligence-powered consumer protection service on Abu Dhabi Government Services portal (TAMM) to further enhance consumers’ awareness about their rights and share their opinions.

“Consumers complaints and field visits represent vital tools to ensure compliance with laws and rules regulating the business sector, and continuous improvement of the investment ecosystem in the emirate. We also communicate with different stakeholders to know challenges facing them and find suitable solutions. I’m pleased to report that 96 per cent of participants in the annual survey we organised in 2024 have expressed their satisfaction about inspection and regulatory activities. We are forging ahead with efforts to enhance our services and further cement Abu Dhabi’s status as preferred destination for talent, businesses, and investments.”