UAE consumer complaints reach 1,800 in Jan–May 2026, building materials lead concerns
Emirates Consumer Protection Association logged 1,800 consumer complaints Jan–May 2026; building materials made up 30% as prices and supplies shifted.
The Emirates Consumer Protection Association reported a rise in consumer complaints during the first five months of 2026, registering about 1,800 cases across multiple sectors. The surge included a concentrated wave of grievances in the building materials sector, which accounted for roughly 30 percent of all complaints. Association officials attributed the pattern to shifting global supply prices and regional disruptions that affected procurement and retail costs.
Association records 1,800 complaints in January–May 2026
Walid Al Naqbi, a board member of the Emirates Consumer Protection Association, confirmed the tally of complaints received between January and May 2026. He said the volume reflects increased public trust in formal complaint channels and a higher level of consumer awareness across the UAE.
Al Naqbi noted the association continues to receive reports from consumers in all seven emirates, covering both traditional retail and digital marketplaces. The figures were presented as part of the body’s regular monitoring of market conduct and consumer protection activity.
Building materials account for nearly one‑third of cases
Complaints related to building materials represented the largest single category, comprising about 30 percent of the association’s caseload in the period. Officials pointed to recent volatility in global sourcing and logistics as key drivers behind price changes and supply delays that prompted many disputes.
The association said the UAE market proved comparatively resilient because suppliers sourced materials from a range of countries, helping to moderate the impact on local consumers. Nevertheless, contractors, retailers and end buyers reported delays and unexplained price hikes that fueled a high number of formal complaints.
Year‑on‑year increase exceeds 30 percent, reflecting greater awareness
The association reported consumer complaints in the first five months of 2026 rose by more than 30 percent compared with the same period in 2025. Al Naqbi described the rise as a positive indicator of heightened consumer awareness and growing confidence in the association’s role in resolving market issues.
By way of context, the Emirates Consumer Protection Association logged roughly 3,500 complaints for the full year of 2025. The board member said the year‑on‑year rise during the early months of 2026 demonstrates both improved reporting and the persistence of market frictions in several sectors.
Price-related grievances eased after concentrated Ramadan inspections
Association monitoring identified a spike in price complaints during the first half of Ramadan, followed by a notable decline in the later days of the holy month. Officials attributed the reduction to rapid responses from regulatory authorities, increased inspection activity and coordinated market checks.
The association said joint enforcement and merchant outreach helped stabilise prices in key retail corridors and fresh produce markets. Those measures, it added, also reassured consumers that breaches would be addressed swiftly when reported.
Auto repairs, spare parts and e‑commerce remain top trouble spots
Beyond building materials and general pricing issues, the association continues to receive frequent complaints about motor vehicle repair workshops and spare‑part sourcing. Consumers cited inconsistent repair estimates, difficulties securing promised parts and disputes over service quality and warranties.
Online commerce platforms also registered a steady stream of grievances, ranging from misleading listings to delays in delivery and difficulties with returns. The association urged consumers to document transactions and to use official complaint channels when disputes arise with digital sellers or marketplaces.
Association expands market tours and consumer education initiatives
Since the start of 2026 the Emirates Consumer Protection Association carried out multiple field visits across major retail zones, including produce markets in Dubai and Sharjah. Al Naqbi said these tours aim to detect irregularities, educate sellers on compliance and strengthen ties with enforcement bodies.
The association also emphasised public outreach as a priority, encouraging consumers to report violations immediately to either the relevant regulator or directly to the association. Officials stressed that timely reporting enables faster intervention and reduces the likelihood that unfair practices will spread.
The trend in consumer complaints during January–May 2026 highlights both pressures on specific supply chains and an increasingly vigilant public prepared to use formal mechanisms. Authorities and market operators say they will maintain inspections and awareness campaigns to protect buyers while working with suppliers to stabilise prices and delivery commitments.