Consumer Rights in Abu Dhabi
Complaints, protections & the ADDED process

By Noura Almaazmi — Founder & Managing Partner • Updated June 2026 • 8 min read

Consumers in Abu Dhabi are protected by Federal Decree-Law No. 5 of 2023 on Consumer Protection, enforced in the emirate by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). This guide explains your rights and how to complain through the TAMM platform.

Contents

  1. Who protects consumers in Abu Dhabi
  2. Your core rights as an Abu Dhabi consumer
  3. How to file a consumer complaint in Abu Dhabi
  4. Enforcement and penalties
  5. FAQs

Who protects consumers in Abu Dhabi

In Abu Dhabi, consumer protection is enforced by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). Complaints against traders licensed in the emirate are filed through the TAMM government services platform (tamm.abudhabi) or added.gov.ae, and the national portal consumerrights.ae also accepts Abu Dhabi complaints.

Your core rights as an Abu Dhabi consumer

  • Accurate pricing in AED, with no hidden fees or misleading discounts.
  • Quality, safety and conformity with UAE standards.
  • A minimum 2-year warranty on most manufactured goods.
  • Repair, replacement or refund for defective goods, and the right to complain to ADDED.

How to file a consumer complaint in Abu Dhabi

  • Step 1 — Contact the trader in writing and keep proof of purchase.
  • Step 2 — File with ADDED through TAMM (tamm.abudhabi), added.gov.ae, or consumerrights.ae.
  • Step 3 — Mediation by ADDED between you and the trader.
  • Step 4 — Abu Dhabi Courts if the complaint is not resolved.

Enforcement and penalties

ADDED can order refunds, replacements, and corrective action, inspect premises, and impose fines on traders that breach the Consumer Protection Law. Serious or repeated violations can lead to higher penalties and licence action. Keeping clear records strengthens your complaint.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a consumer complaint in Abu Dhabi?

File with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) through the TAMM platform (tamm.abudhabi) or added.gov.ae; the national portal consumerrights.ae also accepts Abu Dhabi complaints. Contact the trader first and keep proof of purchase, then ADDED will mediate.

Who handles consumer protection in Abu Dhabi?

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) enforces consumer protection in the emirate under Federal Decree-Law No. 5 of 2023, handling complaints, mediation, inspections, and penalties against non-compliant traders.

What are my warranty rights in Abu Dhabi?

The same federal rules apply: most manufactured goods carry a minimum 2-year warranty, and defects appearing in the first 6 months are presumed to have existed at sale. You are entitled to repair, replacement, or refund for defective goods.


Published 2026-06-28. General information only — not legal advice. Contact us for matter-specific advice.

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