DED to launch Dubai World Conference on Consumer Rights and Power Brands Exhibition

The Department of Economic Development, DED, in Dubai has announced the launch of the first of its kind ‘Dubai World Conference on Consumer Rights’ and ‘Power Brands’ exhibition, which will be held from 1-3 April, 2013 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with the support of Dubai Refreshment company (DRC) and Al Fajer Information & Services. 

The initiative is part of DED's efforts towards creating a sustainable economic environment that adopts best standards and policies in protecting consumers and brands, thereby enhancing transparency and impartiality in the retail sector in the Emirate of Dubai. 

The Dubai World Conference on Consumer Rights will focus on strengthening consumer protection; creating awareness on consumer rights and related mechanisms and laws in place; the role of the Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection Division (CCCP) in DED, and the economic returns and consumer confidence gained from safeguarding consumer rights. 

The conference will host a number of international and local opinion leaders and decision-makers, including executives, government officials, economists and researchers from different industry sectors, and other professionals dealing with consumer protection and brands globally. 

The Power Brands exhibition will attract major trademarks worldwide to exchange views and discuss the most prominent concepts related to brands and their promotion. Standing at the forefront of consumer forums worldwide, the participating companies will seize the opportunity to demonstrate progressive policies and interact with traders and investors, while also enhancing their brand visibility and credibility. 

“The conference and exhibition reflect DED’s efforts to develop the economic sector through adopting appropriate policies and regulations, and identify those sectors witnessing strategic growth. DED is working to provide the best solutions and services to traders and investors locally and globally, thus enhancing trade flows and the ease of doing business in the emirate,” said His Excellency Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of DED. 

Al Qamzi added: “The retail trade sector has played an important role in Dubai’s economic development, nearly as important in terms of its direct contribution to GDP and growth. Its value-add grew in real terms at more than 12 per cent on average per year in the last decade and accounted for over AED 15 billion in 2011. The future prospects are quite promising, with growth of the retail value-add forecast to exceed 5.5 per cent annually over 2012-2015.” 

Al Qamzi noted that the Dubai Government has intensified its efforts to enhance competitiveness across all business sectors in the emirate. Part of such efforts, the Dubai World Conference on Consumer Rights will enhance Dubai’s reputation as an attractive environment for business growth and maintaining dynamism and prosperity across diverse economic sectors.                                                                                                        

“CCCP reaffirms its commitment to streamline and strengthen relations between merchants and consumers to attain the highest levels of customer satisfaction, and also strengthen our partnership with the business community in developing Dubai's economy. DED seeks to roll out the best initiatives on a regular basis to achieve its goals in promoting and facilitating entrepreneurship in the Emirate of Dubai”, said Omar Bushahab, CEO, CCCP, DED. 

Bushahab explained that the consumer rights conference and brands exhibition will bring together views from various sectors and encourage best practices in commercial activities, especially transparency in the buying and selling processes, thus safeguarding the rights of all consumers, traders and trademark owners. “CCCP will continue to launch such initiatives of the highest international standards, and provide specialised services to support the business community and the retail sector, which is a cornerstone of the emirate's economy.” 

Satish Khanna, General Manager, Al Fajer Information & Services, said:“We are delighted to partner with DED to launch these two major events. We have designed the conference and exhibition as a tribute to the intelligence of consumers in the MENA region and to help them make informed decisions by bringing them face to face with leading brands, as well as throw light on key consumer issues. It is a matter of great pride for Al Fajer to add these two events to our portfolio. For the past three decades, we have been involved in creating brands in the exhibitions and conferences industry, which are now worth tens of millions of dollars. 

Mahmoud El Meligy, Assistant General Manager, DRC, said: “Dubai Refreshment is delighted to be the Principal Sponsor of ‘Dubai World Conference on Consumer Rights’ and ‘Power Brands’ exhibition. The event’s theme matches with DRC long-held belief that consumer rights comes as a priority. It is this philosophy that has enabled DRC to enjoy leadership and loyalty in the UAE.”