Dubai to launch list of 'most customer friendly firms'

Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) is to launch an index rating the emirate’s best and worst firms when it comes to customer service.

DED’s Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Division (CCCP) said in a statement that the rankings, due to launch in the second half of 2012, aim to bolster customer service, increase business competitiveness and strengthen consumer rights.

The index will be compiled based on four criteria: the number of complaints received against a business, the time taken to resolve these complains, product pricing compared to competing businesses, and customer satisfaction levels.

“The business classification index will focus on a number of key sectors such as automotive and electronics along with major retailers in Dubai,” commented Omar Bushahab, CEO, CCCP.

“The index specifically targets to classify businesses that have a substantial stake in the local market so as to benefit the maximum number of consumers,” he added.

DED says it will hold introductory workshops with business owners on the matter later in the year.

Earlier this month, DED announced it had handed out fines of up to AED250,000 (US$68,000) on shops offering fake discounts.

It did not name and shame the retailers but said "various stores in Dubai" had been fined for manipulating sales and promotions licences granted to them.