Emirates Consumer Protection Association calls on outlets to provide school supplies at reasonable prices

The Emirates Consumer Protection Association called on commercial establishments, including private schools, to commit to providing accurate and transparent information about the products and services provided in relation to the back-to-school season, especially providing clear information about the prices of school uniforms, their sources, and avoiding imposing unfair prices or obligating parents to purchase the uniform from a specific supplier.

She stressed the importance of the role of these institutions and schools in providing multiple options at reasonable prices, advising families to avoid random shopping, compare prices, and set a budget in advance to avoid overspending.

Transparent information

In detail, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Consumer Protection Association, Mohammed Khalifa bin Ozair Al Muhairi, called on all commercial establishments, including private schools, to commit to providing accurate and transparent information about the products and services provided related to the back-to-school season, especially providing clear information about the prices of school uniforms, their sources, and avoiding imposing unfair prices, or obligating parents to purchase uniforms from a specific supplier, to ensure that consumers are not exploited.

Al Muhairi stressed in statements to “Emarat Al Youm” the importance of the role of commercial institutions and schools in providing the necessary support to families, by providing multiple options at reasonable prices, and ensuring that they are not exploited by setting exaggerated prices, or monopolizing some goods that are in high demand with the start of the school year, calling on families to participate effectively in spreading awareness, and contribute to protecting consumer rights, by exchanging experiences and information.

Consumer Tips

He advised consumers, as the return to school approaches and the start of purchasing school supplies, to make a detailed list of basic needs, to avoid random buying, and to allocate sufficient time to compare prices in sales outlets, whether traditional or e-commerce platforms, and to ensure the quality of products before purchasing, which contributes to reducing expenses in the long run.

He also advised consumers to set a budget in advance and stick to it to avoid overspending, to ensure a safe and fair shopping experience, noting that the process of purchasing school supplies requires consumer awareness that ensures obtaining the required products and services with appropriate quality and at a reasonable price. Al Muhairi stressed the need to plan in advance for the school shopping process and start shopping well before the return to school, which gives an opportunity to carefully consider real needs and reduces the risk of being exploited by “fake offers” or exaggerated prices, in accordance with Federal Law No. (15) of 2020, which confirms that consumers must make informed decisions based on accurate and transparent information.

Submitting complaints

Al Muhairi stressed the right of consumers to file complaints and obtain compensation in the event that they are subjected to any exploitation or commercial fraud in accordance with Article (24) of Federal Law No. (15) of 2020, calling on parents to report any violations they may encounter during the school shopping process, whether related to the quality of products or their prices, stressing that the Emirates Consumer Protection Authority is committed to following up on these complaints and ensuring that the competent authorities take the necessary measures to protect the rights of consumers.

He said that the effective implementation of these directives and laws contributes to achieving a safe and fair shopping experience for all members of society, stressing the importance of cooperation between all concerned parties with the “Association” in promoting a culture of consumer awareness among families.

He said, “The association is fully committed to raising awareness among individuals regarding consumer rights, and working with all parties for a better future for students, in light of a safe and happy return to schools.”