The Department of Economic Development in Ras Al Khaimah has announced its annual initiative titled “Shop Smart,” coinciding with the start of the new school year. This initiative aims to raise consumer awareness among students and promote safe shopping behaviors, aligning with the demands of the digital age and enhancing consumer protection.
Saeed Al Suwaidi, Director of the Commercial Protection Department, stated that this year’s initiative targeted over 1,100 students from various educational levels. The Commercial Protection Team conducted field visits to schools, which included interactive lectures and direct discussions with students about proper shopping practices, both in traditional and online settings.
He noted that the team emphasized educating students about the functions of the department and consumer protection mechanisms. They provided practical tips, such as verifying warranties upon receiving products and outlining the steps to take when discovering defects in goods. Additionally, the team explained how to submit complaints through the department’s official channels. The initiative saw significant engagement from students, who shared their personal shopping experiences while the Commercial Protection Team guided them on combating commercial fraud. These strategies included retaining purchase receipts, checking expiration dates, and comparing prices.