Mystery shoppers will soon check the level of customer services offered in Dubai's shopping malls, hypermarkets, fashion retailers and digital services under a new programme launched by Dubai Chambers.
Firms that come under the entertainment and hospitality, specialty retailers and health and wellbeing categories will also be monitored under the Service Excellence Programme (SEP) once they are registered.
They will be inspected every quarter, in-person and virtually, and the findings evaluated to pinpoint each company’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Everything from the appearance of the firm to its digital presence, to its health and safety policies, to the availability of types of payment transactions will be evaluated.
Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, highlighted that Dubai is "among the first entities to adopt this innovative approach", which will "further enhance the reputation of the city's dynamic business community".
"In today’s business landscape, world-class customer service is a key pillar of success and a prerequisite for companies looking to boost their competitiveness in the market."
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, and Executive Chairman of XRG, has received the 2026 Distinguished Global Leadership Award from the Washington D.C.-based Middle East Institute (MEI).
Dubai has achieved its highest ever ranking in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI), climbing to seventh place, underscoring the emirate’s rise as one of the world's most influential financial hubs and its importance in the global financial system.
Global equity markets, including from the U.S., Europe and Asia, rose while oil prices fell on Wednesday, as traders cheered news of ceasefire proposals to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Australia's centre-left government has introduced legislation in the parliament to double penalties for fuel price gouging on Wednesday as global supply disruptions due to the Iran war triggered fuel shortages in some rural regions.
Gulf markets ended mixed on Tuesday, with Qatar extending losses while other bourses steadied as investors parsed conflicting signals on potential US-Iran talks.