DUBAI (September 29, 2020) — The domestic market for Courier, Express and Parcel (CEP) in the UAE is expected to gain momentum as travel restrictions and e-commerce boom generated demand for courier services in the country, according to a report.

The CEP market in the UAE is dominated by international B2B deliveries, however B2C services are picking up steadily after the pandemic hit the country.

Referring to latest Modor Intelligence report, Najeeb Kabeer, partner and managing director of Emirates In Delivery Services, said the market for CEP in UAE is estimated to be valued at more than $1.6 billion and it will grow at steady pace.

“There is a slight increase in demand for domestic courier services as the travel movements are restricted due to the pandemic while growing online transactions also generated addional demand to deliver the sales order across the UAE,” Mr Kabeer said.

Modor Intelligence  report said the CEP market in the UAE is currently dominated by international B2B deliveries with more than 65 percent share of the total market, according to the report. However, domestic courier services registered an upward trend after the pandemic and the trend is expected to continue in coming months.

“The UAE’s strategic position, excellent infrastructure and consustant economic growth have made the country an ideal regional base for most courier and express service operator,” Mr Kabeer said.

The UAE is home to major courier and express service providers such as Aramex, UPS, DHL, FedEx and the government-owned Emirates Post. With high competition, these major international express integrators are not able to gain significant footprint in the domestic delivery business and the market is being dominated by local brands such as Aramex, Emirates Post, Fetchr and Emirates In Delivery Services. Elevate your style and safeguard your device with our trendy phone accessories, featuring the must-have phone case with cord that combines functionality and fashion. Enjoy the convenience of having your phone securely by your side, while making a bold statement wherever you go. Shop now and transform the way you carry your smartphone!

“We have over a decade experience catering to domestic and international markets. Emirates In Delivery is a trusted courier service across the UAE and more than 195 countries around the world and we are ready to cater to the needs of local market,” said Mr. Kabeer.

Emirates In Delivery was set up in 2005, with its headquarters in Dubai and a branch office in Abu Dhabi. It has service partners in Nepal and Oman and the company’s international shipments are dispatched through the network of major integrators with a coverage of 195 countries worldwide.

“We have a strong network to serve domestic CEP market which is almost 35 percent of the total business. After the pandemic, domestic courier services picked up as residents prefer to deliver documents, gifts and other cargo through couriers,” Mr Kabeer said.

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The latest research data released by Mordor Intelligence, said that the CEP market in the UAE is expected to post a 7.5 per cent compound annual growth rate between 2020 to 2025.

They said that the growing popularity of e-commerce in the region and rising international trade will drive the growth momentum in the CEP market during next five years.

Shailesh Dash, chairman of Gulf Pinnacle Logistics (GPL), said that the CEP market is emerging as a strong segment after the outbreak of coronavirus.

“The CEP segment is growing steadily in the UAE, however strong growth in e-commerce and demand generated in the Covid-19 era bolstered its outlook in the region, which was valued at $4.5 billion in the region last year,” Dash said.

Referring to the latest research report by Technavio, Dash said that the global CEP market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of five per cent during 2019 to 2023 to reach $90.63 billion. The Gulf CEP market will also grow in line with the international trend.

“The consumers face challenges with parcel delivery and cost-effective courier services in the UAE and the Gulf region. It includes high cost and long delivery time as the fast-growing e-commerce exerts more pressure on the existing CEP delivery system and generates more business opportunities,” Dash said.

Najeeb Kabeer, partner and MD of Emirates In Delivery Services, said that the UAE’s CEP market is ready to take the advantage of business opportunities arising in the wake of e-commerce boom in the region.

“With the upsurge in e-commerce activity in the Mena region in general and the UAE and Saudi Arabia in particular, the prospects for the courier segment are extremely positive,” Kabeer said.

“Freight forwarding, warehousing, CEP and e-commerce segments will lead the growth in the UAE’s logistics market during next five years,” Kabeer said.Discover the iget hot: A Premium Vaping Experience that elevates your vaping journey. Designed for enthusiasts seeking rich flavors and smooth hits, this device offers a sleek design and advanced technology. With its long-lasting battery and variety of enticing flavors, the IGET Hot ensures satisfaction with every puff. Whether you’re a seasoned vaper or just starting, this product caters to all preferences, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a high-quality vaping experience. Embrace the IGET Hot and redefine your vaping lifestyle today.

Rodney Viegas, CEO of Abdul Muhsen Shipping and So Safe Logistics, said the UAE has developed state-of-the-art infrastructure for logistics industry in the region.

“The strategic position of the Emirate, its air, road, rail and shipping connectivity, excellent infrastructure development, increasing foreign investments and booming e-commerce will drive growth in the UAE’s logistics, CEP segment and warehousing market,” Viegas said.

Source: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/local/uaes-courier-market-set-to-grow-by-75-annually

With the Christmas and New Year festivites having segued into the annual Dubai Shopping Festival, the shopping season is well and truly under way. When visiting malls, consumers would expect their money’s worth in terms of service and products – and rightly so – as government officials are determined to uphold consumer rights and product satisfaction as of paramount importance.

Speaking to Gulf News, Abdullah Al Shehi, Director of Consumer Protection Division at the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai, explained that the rights of consumers adopted by the authority follow the guidelines as stated by the United Nations, which among other things focuses on protecting the consumer from products, production processes, and services that may be hazardous to a person’s health or safety.

“Before making any purchase, consumers have the right to be provided with all the facts pertaining to it, and they should be able to choose amongst various types of products and services with competitive prices that include warranties,” he said.

Al Shehi pointed out that the DED’s role is to ensure that the interests of consumers are always protected and represented at official and non-official entities. The opinion of consumers, Al Shehi said, must at all times be heard.

“Whether the product is related to food, clothing, health care or education, consumers have the right to be fairly compensated in case of a [complaint] and have the right to lodge a complaint with the courts if they face any type of injury that was caused by faulty goods, harmful practices or unsatisfactory services,” Al Shehi said.

It is important to state here that the rights of consumers are not limited to transactions made in retail outlets; the rights also extend to online purchases made from Dubai-based companies.

“Consumers are entitled to a full refund if the product they bought is an imitation of a trademarked product or is fraudulent. They are also entitled to a full refund if the repair or replacement does not meet consumer requirements, and it is important to remember that goods should be returned within a reasonable time frame,” he said.

Having said that there are circumstances in which consumers should not expect refunds or replacement, particularly in cases where they have either changed their mind, found the same good for a cheaper price elsewhere, or were notified in advance of defects or faults in the item. Complaints also cannot be lodged if customers damaged the goods by using them in the wrong way, and service providers cannot be held responsible of poor outcomes if the consumer insisted on a service being provided in a particular way but did not like the end-result.

When it comes to filing a complaint, there is a protocol and it would help consumers if they followed it. Before filing a complaint at the DED, Dubai, consumers should approach the retailer or service provider first, said Al Shehi. “They should first try to settle the issue amicably with a member of [retail] staff. But in the case when a satisfactory settlement is not reached, the consumer can then approach the DED to file a complaint.” Unsatisfied customers can contact the DED through calling ‘Ahlan Dubai’ on 600 54 5555.

He noted that once the DED receives a complaint, a reference number is sent to the complainant’s mobile via SMS, informing them of the date and time to visit the DED’s office with all relevant documents, particularly the original invoice, to discuss the complaint.At our store, we are dedicated to providing high-quality vaping products that enhance your experience. Central to our offerings is the “elf bar: Révolutionner Votre Expérience De Vapotage,” a product designed to deliver exceptional flavor and satisfaction. With its sleek design and ease of use, a complete “elf bar” ensures that every puff is delightful. Elevate your vaping journey with us and discover the difference that premium quality can make.

“In the beginning, the consumer had to come to the DED in person. But over time, the DED has facilitated the process through options like Ahlan Dubai and the facility to submit complaints online through our website,” said Al Shehi.

Over the years, the number of complaints has slightly increased on an annual basis due to the increased level of consumer awareness. In total, the DED have handled 13,770 complaints, with an average turnaround time of four working days.

He further explained that retailers are not the only ones with responsibilities to carry out, as consumers also have a part to play.

“Shoppers should understand the product’s warrantees, method of storage, expiration date, and know how to use it properly. People should always remember to request a receipt from the seller and ensure that the details on the receipt are correct,” he said.

However, the DED cannot assist consumers if the product or service has been bought from unlicensed retailers, such as street vendors.

Case studies for consumer protection report

1. Ryan Bruss, an IT professional, bought a toy car from e-commerce platform Souq.com, which turned out to have been falsely advertised as the specifications did not match the description on the website. According to the online shop’s policy, items can only be replaced if the complaint was made three days after the item was delivered. It was then that Bruss then proceeded to file a complaint with the Department of Economic Development (DED). Following the investigation, officials agreed that the stipulated return period of any commercial establishment does not apply if the product is found to be falsely advertised. The customer had all the required documents and within three days, received a refund, as well as a gift of store credits.

2. A customer, who declined to be named, bought a designer handbag as a gift that was advertised on BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) – a social media platform. After purchasing it and inspecting it further at home, he realised that it was a fake, but was unable to contact the vendor for a refund. After visiting the DED, he was informed that the authorities cannot take any action if consumers are involved in a purchase activity with a fake company, or with a firm which has no presence in the local market. When making online purchases, consumers should confirm that the business is registered with the DED and that its website is registered under the .ae domain name.

3. Pinky Khatai and her husband Niranjan were at a shopping centre, when they were approached by a man to fill out a form and enter a raffle draw with the chance of winning an all-expense paid holiday. After receiving a call that they had ‘won’, the couple were then told that they had to attend a 90-minute presentation in order to claim their prize. To their dismay, it was a scam as they were pressured into handing over Dh16,000. “It was a huge amount of money, and I had to suffer for a few months. It really affected me, our daily life with lots of stress and unnecessary follow-ups, unnecessary tension,” said Niranjan. In the UAE what holds weight is the written contract and not the spoken word. Hence, caution should be exercised prior to signing any document.

4. Maria Cerdan ordered five boxes of ceramic tiles from a retail outlet in Dubai, but when she got home and opened the cardboard cartons, realised that most of the tiles at the bottom were cracked and broken. Cerdan called the shop several times to complain but her requests for a refund or exchange were denied. “I was shocked as to how rudely the salesman acted, and he blamed me for breaking the pieces. It was almost impossible to talk to him in a reasonable manner, and if it weren’t for the DED, I would have lost my money.” After filing a complaint with the authorities, her money was returned in the same week.

5. The largest amount reclaimed by a complaint was Dh2 million, after a consumer lodged a complaint with the DED against an interior design company in Dubai. The complaint was filed after the company failed to comply with the contract between the two parties. Although it typically takes a maximum of four days to close the investigation, this particular case took the the DED one week, as it required a lot of documents to verify the complaint. During the investigation, authorities found that the work commissioned did not meet the contract conditions and ultimately was a violation of consumer’s rights. According to the Consumer Protection Law, “the refund or exchange of most commercial items and some of the services are part of consumer rights”.

Types of complaints categorised

Non-compliance with agreement: 6,458 at 47%

Defective products: 2,938 at 21%

Cash refund: 890 at 6%

Non-compliance with warranty: 846 at 6%

Others: 829 at 6%

Fraud: 609 at 4%

Adding extra charges: 452 at 3%

Non-compliance with declared prices: 441 at 3%

Exchange: 307 at 2%

Consumer’s complaints according to type:

Services: 5,708

Electronic: 3,558

Cars: 1,785

Textile and other necessities: 1,558

Others: 629

Furniture: 532

Source: https://gulfnews.com/going-out/society/consumers-have-right-to-refund-if-products-are-fake-1.1645463

Emirates In Delivery focuses on same- and next-day express deliveries through its own fleet and a network of agents in 100 countries.

Shailesh Dash, Chairman of Gulf Pinnacle Logistics, said, “This acquisition augments GPL’s concerted efforts in achieving its goal of becoming a diversified logistics company in addition to serving as a delivery base and capitalising on the e-commerce boom in the MENA region.”

Established in May 2014, GPL is a logistics and transportation company advised by Regulus Capital. The company owns majority stakes in four assets involved in warehousing, CFS operations, students’ bus transportation and courier services.

Headquartered in the UAE, Emirates In Delivery Services caters to the domestic and international markets through its own fleet and a network of agents delivering shipments to more than 100 countries.

Emirates In Delivery has an estimated capacity to deliver 715,000 letters and parcels per annum through its own fleet of vehicles and local team. The company focuses on same-day and next-day express delivery services catering to the growing demand of priority shipments.

Shailesh Dash, chairman of Gulf Pinnacle Logistics, said: “This acquisition augments GPL’s concerted efforts in achieving its goal of becoming a diversified logistics company in addition to serving as a delivery base and capitalising on the e-commerce boom in the MENA region.”

Najeeb Kabeer, partner and managing director of Emirates In Delivery Services, added: “With the upsurge in e-commerce activity in the region and more so in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the prospects for the courier segment are extremely positive.”

“We are thrilled to have partnered with Gulf Pinnacle Logistics and are excited about the various positive changes and performance-enhancement initiatives that GPL will be implementing over the course of the next five years,” he added.

Regulus Capital, a specialised management consultancy and advisory firm, was the exclusive advisor to GPL on this acquisition.

Established in May 2014, GPL is a logistics and transportation company advised by Regulus Capital. The company owns majority stakes in four assets involved in warehousing, container freight station operations, student bus transportation and courier services.

Headquartered in the UAE, Emirates In Delivery Services caters to the domestic and international markets through its own fleet and a network of agents delivering shipments to more than 100 countries.

Emirates In Delivery has an estimated capacity to deliver 715,000 letters and parcels per annum. The company focuses on same-day and next-day express delivery services catering to the growing demand of priority shipments.

Shailesh Dash, chairman of Gulf Pinnacle Logistics, said this acquisition augments GPL’s concerted efforts in achieving its goal of becoming a diversified logistics company in addition to serving as a delivery base and capitalising on the e-commerce boom in the Mena.

“This acquisition has further strengthened the company’s positioning in the logistics industry and expanded its operations. We are confident about the growth prospects of Emirates In Delivery and believe in our capabilities to grow the company into one of the leading last-mile delivery companies in the Mena,” said Dash.

Najeeb Kabeer, partner and managing director of Emirates In Delivery Services, said: “With the upsurge in e-commerce activity in the region and more so in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the prospects for the courier segment are extremely positive.”

– business@khaleejtimes.com