The initiative launched by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai to enable businesses avoid violations or penalties through improved compliance with commercial regulations has been praised by the economic departments in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah. Representatives of the four economic departments from the sister emirates also welcomed DED's proposal to observe a penalty-free ‘Compliance Day' to raise awareness on commercial regulations and honor businesses for their continued commitment to complying with laws. DED presented the proposal to its counterparts in other emirates as part of an effort to create nationwide awareness on the benefits of its initiative and help disseminate a culture of awareness and compliance among businesses across all the emirates. Directors in charge of commercial control in the respective economic departments attended the presentation, which was held at the DED offices in the Business Village. Last year, DED announced that the 3rd of September every year will be observed as ‘Compliance Day' to raise awareness among businesses on commercial regulations without issuing any penalties for violations spotted on that day. Officials from DED will visit business establishments and educate business owners on fully complying with commercial regulations, avoiding repeat offenses and pursuing excellence in service delivery. Expressing his gratitude to the other economic departments for their keenness on joint initiatives, Mohammed Ali Rashed Lootah, CEO of the Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in DED, said such initiatives leave a positive imprint on the business community and governments as well as enhance UAE's economic growth and competitiveness. He added that consumers also stand to benefit by way of better quality goods and services as well as a stronger rights protection environment. "The focus of our inspectors on the ‘Compliance Day' is on building adequate awareness among business owners on the right way to do business and the best practices in ensuring quality, as it is a pre-requisite to building complementary and sustainable relationships in the local market. It's part of our strategic objective to enhance happiness among traders and consumers as well as confidence on Dubai and the UAE in general among businessmen and investors," Lootah said. Confirming his department's participation in the ‘Compliance Day' program, Abu Dhabi DED representative said it will help spread a culture of awareness and transparency in retailing. Sharjah DED representative also confirmed participation in the program, adding that it will support ongoing efforts to improve retail sector performance and ease of doing business in Sharjah and the UAE in general. Ajman DED official explained about the emirate's continuing efforts towards eliminating barriers for businesses and added that initiatives like ‘Compliance Day' will support such efforts. RAK DED also emphasized its co-operation with economic departments in the other emirates and eagerness on reciprocal visits to share knowledge and develop mutually beneficial solutions. — SG
