Can I return goods bought online in the UAE?

Yes. Under the UAE Consumer Protection Law, goods bought via distance contracts (online, phone, mail order) can be returned within 14 days for a full refund, provided the goods are unused and in original condition ^[1].

Key points:

• The 14-day return window starts from delivery, not order date.
• The seller must clearly disclose the return policy at the point of purchase. If not, the consumer's position is stronger.
• The seller may require the goods to be returned in original packaging.
• Some categories are excluded — typically perishable goods, intimate items for hygiene reasons, custom-made or personalised items, digital downloads after the download begins, opened software with a licence key disclosed, sealed audio/video media after unsealing, and newspapers.
• The consumer pays return shipping unless the goods were defective or wrongly described — in which case the seller pays.

Defective goods are separately covered by the legal warranty against defects ^[2]. Defective goods can be returned for repair, replacement, or refund depending on the case.

For disputes, the Ministry of Economy's consumer-protection helpline (8001222) accepts complaints. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism handles Dubai-based merchants.