DUBAI// A smartphone application is helping consumer-protection authorities to respond to complaints from shoppers and provide details about prices and discounts.
Users can compare the prices of more than 270 food items sold by major supermarkets and the Aswaq chain of shops.
The feature will be expanded to include electronic goods by the end of the year.
The Sallety app and its website were developed for the consumer protection section of the Dubai Department of Economic Development.
It was launched on Android smartphones in July and iPhone last month, and has been downloaded more than 1,000 times.
“The number of people downloading the app has crossed 1,000 and it is set to increase,” said Omar Bushahab, chief executive of Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection (CCCP) at the department.
Users are given details of special offers and advice on where to direct complaints.
Dubai shoppers have responded positively to the app. Imran Khalid, from Pakistan, downloaded it on his iPhone last month.
"It's good they have done this app but I would like to see more prices for other products like computers or clothing," he said.
"Hopefully, one day the app will also allow you to buy stuff online."
The CCCP also uses its Twitter account to communicate with the public and resolve any issues.
Officials recently met representatives of Reel Cinemas, Vox Cinemas and Cinemacity after filmgoers complained on Twitter that they were being charged a Dh2 to Dh3 fee for online reservations.
The cinema chains agreed to remove the charges.
“CCCP has an ongoing and efficient system of addressing consumer complaints through the Ahlan Dubai helpline [600 54 5555] and www.consumerrights.ae website,” Mr Bushahab said.
“Sallety.com thus provides an additional window to enhance consumer awareness on their rights and means available to safeguard those rights.”
nhanif@thenational.ae
