Samsung begins Note 7 replacement in UAE

Samsung Gulf has announced the UAE exchange programme for its Note 7 smartphone will begin today.

The smartphone manufacturer has been forced into a global recall of the device after videos showed its lithium ion battery overheating and exploding.

UAE customers can take their Note 7 to selected shops until December 31 to make the exchange or visit a dedicated location at next month’s GITEX Shopper from October 1 to 8.

“The start of the Galaxy Note7 Exchange Programme follows Samsung’s decision on September 2 to immediately stop sales and shipments of the Galaxy Note7, after an investigation revealed an issue related to an isolated battery cell,” the company said.

“Since initiating the global replacement programme, around 60 per cent of customers in the US, Korea and Europe have participated in the Galaxy Note7 exchange programme.”

Exchange locations
Samsung Brand Shop in Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE
Samsung Brand Shop in Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, UAE
Samsung Brand Shop in City Centre Mirdif, Dubai, UAE
Samsung Brand Shop in Deira City Centre, Dubai, UAE
Samsung Brand Shop in BurJuman, Dubai, UAE
Samsung Brand Shop in Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai, UAE
Samsung Service Centre (Sharaf DG) in Times Square, Dubai, UAE
Samsung Brand Shop in Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Samsung Brand Shop in Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Samsung Brand Shop in Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Samsung Brand Shop in Dalma Mall, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Samsung Service Centre (Sharaf DG) in Abu Dhabi Mall, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Samsung Brand Shop in Sahara Centre, Sharjah, UAE
Samsung Brand Shop in City Centre, Sharjah, UAE
Samsung Brand Shop in City Centre Nasseriya, Sharjah, UAE

Samsung has also issued a new software update in the Gulf preventing devices that have not been replaced from charging above 60 per cent.

“By actively limiting the ability of the device to charge to full capacity, Samsung aims to reinforce the message to customers that they should immediately replace their existing device with a new Galaxy Note7.”

Users are advised that an update will make the battery icon on the display green if it is safe for charging.

The global recall has been embarrassing for Samsung, which even had the device banned from UAE airlines earlier this month.

Read: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 use banned on UAE airline

The recall is forecast to cost the company $1bn.