The Department of Economic Development – Ajman (DED-Ajman) recently organised an awareness campaign for outlets in shopping malls which was aimed raising awareness of commercial enterprises about the application of value-added tax (VAT).

The campaign was headed by Ali Eissa Al Nuaimi, director general, DED-Ajman; Abdullah Bin Nasser Al Nuaimi, assistant director general for Economic Registration and Control; and several officials from DED-Ajman, said a statement.

The initiative aims to enhance the awareness of commercial enterprises about the application of value-added tax (VAT) in accordance with the law, and to prevent negative exploitation by raising prices without justification, it said.

DED-Ajman officials also met with a number of consumers to ensure their awareness of their rights and a number of investors to establish effective communication with the owners of commercial establishments and to explore their needs and facilitate their work by upgrading DED services provided for them, it added.

Al Nuaimi emphasised on DED’s keenness to carry out a series of awareness and inspection campaigns on value-added tax to protect consumers’ rights, as it is DED’s priority to create a fair consumption and investment environment that supports the stability of the national economy.

He added that the department is renewing its commitment by organising market inspection campaigns and retail outlets in various locations of the emirate by implementing federal and local laws and regulations and taking the necessary measures to combat commercial fraud in order to achieve the highest levels of competitiveness and leadership on the regional and global economic map.

Abdullah Bin Nasser Al Nuaimi said: “Regular field visits aim to educate consumers and ensure the commitment of the concerned parties to carry out economic activities in accordance with the laws in force by UAE.”

“We have a responsibility to control the markets and to ensure the prices and safety of products offered in the outlets and shopping centres, in order to enhance consumer safety and protect consumer rights as a strategic priority for us,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service