Most consumer complaints in the UAE about automobile sector
The largest number of complaints (40.5 per cent) were registered in Abu Dhabi, including Al Ain, followed by Dubai (29.9 per cent) and Sharjah (12 per cent).
Dubai — As much as 20.8 per cent (or 768) of the 3,692 complaints received by the Ministry of Economy from consumers in the first quarter of this year is about the automobile sector.
The next big concern for consumers is about problems with electronics with 10.9 per cent or 406 complaints registered in the same period, followed by 9.9 per cent or 369 complaints about increase in prices of products and 8.7 per cent or 324 about the telecommunication sector. The rest were about spare parts, credit cards, real estate, furniture and other miscellaneous issues.
The largest number of complaints (40.5 per cent) were registered in Abu Dhabi emirate, including the city of Al Ain, followed by Dubai (29.9 per cent) and Sharjah (12 per cent).
According to the report, the monthly average of complaints stood at 1,230 as compared to 1,219 in the same period last year, while the daily average of complaints stood at 46 as compared to 40 last year.
As many as 1,498 complaints were registered in Abu Dhabi emirate, including 412 in Al Ain, followed by Dubai (1,107), Sharjah (450) while Umm Al Quwain was at the bottom of the list with only 46 complaints registered, the report said.
Dr Hashim Al Nuaimi, Director of the Consumer Protection Department, said the increasing number complaints about the automobile sector in the last two years was a result of the improved awareness among consumers and their persistence in getting their rights.
He said most of the complaints about this sector are regarding maintenance, breakdown in main parts of the vehicles such as brakes, engines and gear.
The ministry had launched many initiatives regarding the automobile sector as part of its endeavour to confront these complaints, and meet the needs of the consumers. The results of these initiatives will emerge in the coming period.
Dr Al Nuaimi called on consumers to continue keeping in touch with the ministry through the call centre or report personally to the ministry’s offices, or communicate via fax or email about issues they face to protect their rights.
