Businesses in Dubai have been instructed to use Arabic as the main language for receipts, menus and invoices by 2017.
The Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) division at Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) said it had launched the new initiative to target the large number of consumers from the GCC and elsewhere in the Arab world.
The department is also seeking to preserve the Arabic language as Dubai becomes an increasingly multinational destination.
Under the initiative, all commercial establishments will have to use Arabic while issuing invoices and receipts, for example at hotel reception desks and in restaurants – in addition to any other language of the business owner’s choice, the DED said in a press statement.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, executive director of CCCP, said: “The Department of Economic Development is committed to preserving the Arabic language and its position in the society, as well as to protecting consumer rights and the integrity of purchases.
“Consumers who don’t know English also should be able to read and understand what is written on the invoices they receive.”
He added: “According to statistics available and studies we conducted, a large segment of consumers in Dubai belong to GCC and other Arab states.
“Hence, it’s important to provide information and services in Arabic language, particularly while receiving enquiries and complaints and in after-sales services provided through call centres.”
The CCCP is to start monitoring businesses from 2017 to ensure they are complying with the new rules.
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