Hundreds of thousands of fake goods worth more than Dh82.7 million have been seized in Ajman.
The emirate’s Department of Economic Development — which organised the raids — said those caught selling the counterfeit products will face legal action.
The 413,300 items seized during inspections replicated products from 40 international brands, the department said.
Majed Al Suwaidi, director of the customer relations department, said DED would continue carrying out inspection campaigns with police and trademark representatives to ensure counterfeit items do not enter the market and to help reduce illegal piracy trade in the emirate.
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Dh8m worth of fake goods seized in Ajman
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Dh30m worth of fake goods seized in Ajman
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He said people caught selling fake goods faced harsh penalties.
“We are committed to controlling and seizing fake goods in an effort to achieve balance between the rights of consumers, traders and trademarks as the first step towards creating a safe and competitive economic environment that supports the development of various vital economic sectors,” Mr Al Suwaidi said.
“Our priority is to protect consumers who are victims of legal violations by some sellers, such as promoting and trading illegal goods that fall under the category of commercial fraud, counterfeiting, forging and violation of intellectual property laws.”
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Correspondents
By Tim Murphy
(Grove Press)
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