Rigga street in Dubai. EXPAT MEDIA

Dubai sweeps illegal street vendors in Al Rigga

Authorities in Dubai have renewed a crackdown on illegal street vendors in the emirate’s busy areas of Al Rigga and Al Muraqqabat. The areas have seen tighter police patrols in recent weeks, after residents reported the proliferation of illegal street vendors there. Witnesses in Al Rigga told Expatmedia.net that one Filipino vendor selling packed food that he carried around in a grocery cart was recently arrested by police in coordination with Dubai Municipality. “He has been regularly selling in this area without a permit, and finally he was caught by inspectors,” a salon worker told Expatmedia.net. In Al Muraqqabat and Al Rigga, illegal street vendors have been reported selling various items, including homemade food, fake designer bags and clothing. It is illegal to sell food or other items without a license in Dubai and authorities have regularly conducted inspections to crack down on violators. The practice is also illegal in other emirates, with Sharjah, Ajman and Fujairah strengthening their campaign on illegal vendors. Violators risk a fine of up to Dh500,000. According to Sharjah Municipality, illegal food vendors prepare food without regard of health and safety standards and use ingredients that “may lead to food poisoning”. On selling counterfeit items, the UAE has a strict consumer protection law and anyone caught selling fakes can be sentenced to a maximum of two years in jail and fined up to Dh250,000. ICA/Expat Media
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