Receiving breakfast orders according to the specified specifications and time is a fixed right

The Dubai Foundation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade said that it receives repeated complaints regarding breakfast orders being late or not meeting specifications, advising consumers to order meals in advance and early, especially long enough before breakfast time. The organization explained that consumer rights are fixed, whether in the month of Ramadan or elsewhere, as he must receive the order according to the agreed upon specifications, and within the specified time, unless he is warned in advance of a possible delay during peak periods.

The corporation warned consumers, through Emirates Today, against dealing with unknown parties or transferring amounts through unreliable payment links, with increasing reliance on digital platforms, especially for ordering food supplies or home support services.

Breakfast orders

In detail, Ahmed Ahli, Acting Director of the Consumer Protection Department at the Dubai Consumer Protection and Fair Trade Corporation, one of the institutions of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, said, “The Consumer Protection Department receives repeated complaints regarding delays in breakfast orders or non-compliance with specifications.”

Ahly advised consumers to order meals in advance, especially well before breakfast time, given the crowding that restaurants face, as well as traffic and delivery drivers.

He explained to “Emirates Today”: “The consumer’s rights are fixed, whether in Ramadan or elsewhere, and he must receive the order according to the agreed upon specifications, and within the specified time, unless he is warned in advance of a possible delay during peak periods.”

He continued: “Usually, with the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, consumption patterns change in the markets, and the frequency of promotions on food commodities and products specific to the holy month increases. Storefronts are turning into advertising arenas filled with discounts and special offers, while orders for breakfast and suhoor are increasing through applications and digital platforms.

Ahly said: “The month of Ramadan is witnessing special preparations to ensure the stability of the markets and meet the needs of consumers without exploitation or abuses,” noting that “the Foundation begins its Ramadan campaigns three to four weeks before the month, where field visits to stores are intensified, and prices are monitored periodically, with a focus on the availability of basic commodities, and preventing any unjustified increase in prices.”

Payment links

Ahli called on consumers to verify any payment links before using them to send money, saying: “With the increasing reliance on digital platforms, especially for ordering food or home support services, we warn against dealing with unknown parties, or transferring amounts via unreliable payment links. Therefore, we advise the consumer not to send an (advance payment) to an entity he does not know well, and not to rely on (an advertisement) on a social platform without verifying the license and credibility.” He added: “If you buy a product online, and the stock runs out after completing the payment process, the consumer has the right to get the full amount back, especially if the order is for immediate delivery.”

Conscious shopping

He called on families to plan their requests in advance, especially when organizing large tables, or seeking the help of hospitality companies, and to confirm the numbers and quantities before confirming the reservation, given that the conditions for modification may be more stringent during the holy month.

He said: “Conscious shopping begins with reading the details, understanding the conditions, and purchasing according to the actual need. When the consumer is informed, he becomes protected,” stressing that “Ramadan is a season of goodness and giving, but consumer awareness remains the first line of defense to ensure a safe and reassuring experience for everyone.”

He stressed that consumers can submit their complaints through the official “Consumer Rights” portal, affiliated with the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, where reports are dealt with and followed up according to approved procedures, calling on consumers to use official reporting channels to submit any complaint regarding violations related to this issue.

He said: “One of the recurring phenomena during the month of Ramadan is the desire of some consumers to buy quantities that exceed their actual needs,” stressing that the organization works to ensure the availability of products throughout the month, calling for purchasing actual needs only, to avoid waste and ensure fair distribution.

My family emphasized that setting the purchase ceiling for some products aims to protect everyone and prevent monopoly or resale at higher prices, not to restrict consumer freedom.

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9 basic commodities

Acting Director of the Consumer Protection Department at the Dubai Foundation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade, Ahmed Ahli, said: “There are nine basic commodities that are subject to special legal protection, and their prices may not be raised except after obtaining official approval from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. They include: rice, dairy products, legumes, sugar, flour, wheat products, poultry, eggs, and cooking oils.”

Ahly stressed that “any merchant who wishes to modify the price of these products is obligated to submit a justified official request that is subject to review and approval, which ensures that prices remain within a specific range that protects consumers.”