Dubai inspectors are monitoring prices, promotions and consumer rights in stores and online.
Dubai: Dubai is stepping up its back-to-school retail monitoring, with nearly 800 inspection visits planned across physical stores and online retailers selling school-related products across the Emirate.
The month-long campaign comes during one of the busiest shopping periods for families, as parents stock up on school bags, uniforms, stationery, electronics and other essentials ahead of the new academic year.
Ahmad Ahli, Acting Director of the Consumer Protection Department at the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade, told during a back-to-school inspection at Dubai Hills Mall on Wednesday that teams were continuing their checks as part of the campaign.
“During the back-to-school campaign, we’re planning almost 800 visits across different outlets. So that’s where we’re expecting to head,” Ahli said.
The inspections cover different branches of retailers selling back-to-school products, meaning businesses with stores in multiple malls may be inspected at several locations across Dubai.
Checks cover stores and online shopping
The back-to-school inspections are part of Dubai Consumer Protection’s seasonal monitoring programme, with teams carrying out checks at retailers across the Emirate over roughly a month.
“Back to school is always one of our key seasons. It’s almost a month-long season, and it goes across the Emirate, all outlets, online and physical stores,” Ahli said.
Inspectors are checking whether advertised discounts are genuine, prices are clearly displayed and promotional terms are properly communicated to consumers.
Inspectors are also monitoring exchange and refund policies, as well as practices that could potentially mislead consumers during promotional campaigns.
Ahli said the inspections are primarily focused on ensuring compliance, with retailers expected to address and rectify any issues identified during visits.
Ahli said the inspections are aimed at improving compliance and ensuring consumers can shop with confidence when dealing with retailers in Dubai.
“The purpose is the compliance. The purpose of these missions are to make sure things are clear, and the consumer is confident when he transacts with the retailers in Dubai,” he said.
He added that the focus was on working with retailers rather than simply identifying violations, with even minor observations raised immediately so businesses can take corrective action.
Parents urged to check before buying
Families shopping during back-to-school promotions are being encouraged to compare prices and look beyond headline discounts, taking into account the final price and quality of products before deciding whether an offer provides genuine value.
Parents are also advised to check exchange and return policies before paying, and to keep receipts and warranty documents after making a purchase.
Electronic items such as laptops and tablets require extra attention, particularly when it comes to warranty terms and authorised service centres. Online shoppers should stick to trusted retailers and review product descriptions, return policies and payment security measures before placing an order.
Consumers should also check the terms attached to multi-buy offers, vouchers and reward points before making a purchase.
Ahli urged shoppers to understand their rights and the policies that apply to a purchase before completing any transaction.
Ahli urged consumers to understand their rights and check key purchase terms before completing a transaction, including return and exchange policies and any applicable warranties.
“Make sure you’re aware of your rights before you make the transaction. Make sure you’re aware of return policy, the exchange policy, the warranty, if any,” he said.
Dubai Consumer Protection received nearly 65,000 consumer complaints across all categories during the first half of 2026, according to Ahli.
“Overall, in the first half of the year, we’ve received almost 65,000 consumer complaints,” he said.
No separate figure was available for complaints linked specifically to the current back-to-school campaign.
