The UAE's Supreme Committee for Combating Commercial Fraud held its first meeting, focusing on enhancing regulatory measures and coordination to fight fraud. The committee aims to propose policies, improve collaboration with entities, and raise awareness among consumers. It is tasked with ensuring compliance, fostering regional and international cooperation, and is backed by key industry representatives.

The Supreme Committee for Combating Commercial Fraud held its inaugural meeting under the chairmanship of Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy. The session focused on enhancing legislative and regulatory frameworks to combat commercial fraud across the seven Emirates. It also aimed to bolster coordination with federal and local entities to facilitate the exchange of information and data regarding fraud cases, thus boosting response capacities and enforcing deterrent measures. This initiative is designed to foster sound commercial practices and strengthen consumer rights protection in the nation.

Addressing Unfair Trade Practices

Abdullah Al Saleh stated, “Under the guidance of its wise leadership, the UAE has prioritized establishing a thriving and competitive business environment for companies and brands, elevating domestic trade and enabling sound commercial practices. This focus comes at a time when the nation offers more than 2,000 economic activities and is home to over 1.1 million companies and economic institutions.”

Al Saleh continued, “The Cabinet's decision to establish the Supreme Committee for Combating Commercial Fraud supplements the country’s efforts in this area. It supports the development of an economic legislative system to address all forms of commercial fraud, protecting consumer rights and ensuring high levels of compliance with relevant legislative and economic policies. These efforts align with the UAE's aspirations to enhance the business and investment environment, in pursuit of the goals outlined in the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.”

Committee's Responsibilities

The Supreme Committee is tasked with several key responsibilities, including proposing policies and legislation to combat commercial fraud. It will also enhance cooperation between relevant entities and authorities to support electronic data exchange, and optimize the use of information related to fraud cases. The Committee is entrusted with developing and executing awareness programs for consumers and businesses on the harms of fraud. Periodic inspection campaigns of shops and companies will be organized to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, it will foster regional and international cooperation by sharing data, building partnerships, and implementing joint programs to address commercial fraud, thereby bolstering the UAE’s rankings in international counterfeit goods indices and providing suitable recommendations.

Raising Awareness about Commercial Fraud

The Committee explored the possibility of crafting a comprehensive national plan, in collaboration with related entities and institutions, aimed at combating commercial fraud. This plan targets consumers and businesses to raise awareness about the risks of fraud, emphasizing how to detect it and use modern technologies for its identification. The initiative encourages consumers to report any fraudulent practices, underscoring the detrimental impacts of commercial fraud on market trust, consumer confidence, and trademark rights.

The Committee also reviewed a proposal from the Emirates Intellectual Property Association, advocating for workshops, specialized programs, and dialogue sessions targeting public and private sector employees. These initiatives aim to train inspectors to identify counterfeit products, strengthen their ability to protect trademarks from fraud and counterfeit, and distinguish between genuine and fake goods. Furthermore, they offer skills and strategies to tackle e-commerce fraud and emphasize the crucial role of the private sector as a proactive partner in combating commercial fraud in the UAE.

Committee Membership

Established by Cabinet Resolution No. (47/5w) of 2024, the Committee is overseen by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism. Its members include Safiya Al Safi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Commercial Control and Governance Sector at the Ministry of Economy and Vice Chairman of the Committee; Brigadier General Dr. Hamad Rashid Al Zaabi, representing the Ministry of Interior; Ali Rashid Al Dhahani from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security; Mohammed Rashid Al Rumaithi from the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi; Ahmed Al Awadhi from the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai; Salem Ahmed Al Suwaidi from the Department of Economic Development in Sharjah; Hassan Ali Al Shehhi from the Department of Economic Development in Ajman; Saif Salem Al Saeedi from the Department of Economic Development in Umm Al-Quwain; Faisal Abdullah Al Youn from the Department of Economic Development in Ras Al Khaimah; Fatima Hassan Al Sharari from Fujairah Municipality; and Major General Dr. Abdul Qudous Abdul Razzaq Al Obaidly from the Emirates Intellectual Property Association.