Number of consumer complaints in UAE rises

The number of consumer complaints hit 2,300 in the first quarter of 2011, a spike from the 2900 complaints received in 2010, the Department of Economic Development (DED) said. About 60 per cent of the complaints were about the electronics and automotive sectors. For most retailers surveyed in a recent DED study, the biggest disputes with customers are on refunds and exchanges. DED officials claim that 99 per cent of the complaints get resolved. About 3-5 percent of the complaints are referred to courts when they cannot be resolved at the consumer division of DED.