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According to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, based on Euromonitor data, e-commerce retail sales in the UAE grew from $2.6 billion in 2019 to $4.8 billion in 2021 and are projected to reach $9.2 billion by 2026. AFP

UAE's 11 top e-commerce retailers and platforms have partnered with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology to improve the quality and safety of products sold online by signing the Compliance Pledge.

The agreement, signed between the leading e-commerce platforms and the government in Dubai on Monday, will set strict standards and regulations in the country. Under the Compliance Pledge, these platforms are committing to high levels of safety and security alongside building consumer trust and providing a safer shopping experience.

The agreement was signed in the presence of the representatives from the ministry and platforms like Amazon, Noon, Al-Futtaim Group (including IKEA, Ace Hardware, Watsons, Toys 'R' Us, Marks & Spencer), Nikai Group, Lulu International Group, Sharaf DG, Al Ghandi Electronics, Al Yousuf Electronics and Samsung were present.

Omar Al Suwaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, said the pledge "aims to strengthen the standard of quality and safety of products sold online" and "represents a significant step towards achieving the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology," WAM reported.

"We deeply appreciate the participation of these platforms in this pledge and call on all strategic partners to join our efforts in continually raising the quality and safety of products," he added.

Al Suwaidi emphasized that this initiative highlights the strong cooperation between the UAE government and the private sector to improve product quality and safety for consumers.

The ministry is dedicated to creating a regulatory environment that encourages international best practices in product marketing and invites all e-commerce platforms to join this voluntary effort. The Compliance Pledge is designed to support the growth of the UAE's e-commerce sector.

According to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, based on Euromonitor data, e-commerce retail sales in the UAE grew from $2.6 billion in 2019 to $4.8 billion in 2021 and are projected to reach $9.2 billion by 2026.

The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology urged traditional stores and e-commerce platforms to follow all laws, specifications, and technical regulations.

The ministry works with federal and local regulatory authorities to conduct monitoring and awareness campaigns. This includes helping with voluntary product recalls and informing consumers about these recalls through the Manaa System and the National Product Conformity Program.