Dubai Police crackdown on street vendors, 88 arrests in Ramadan

Dubai Police are clamping down on illegal street vendors during Ramadan 2023

Dubai Police have arrested 88 street vendors since start of Ramadan.

The Infiltrators Control Department, in collaboration with police stations and strategic partners, are clamping down on street vendors and have seized several vehicles used to illegally sell fruits and vegetables in violation of public health and safety regulations.

Colonel Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Infiltrators Control Department in the General Department of Criminal Investigations, said that the arrests of the vendors and the seizure of these non-compliant vegetable-selling vehicles is part of the efforts of the Dubai Police to eliminate negative behaviours and ensure the highest levels of security and safety in the city.

Dubai cracks down on street vendors

Colonel Ali Salem said that illegal street vendors will continue if the public showed interest and engagement, especially in labour-gathering areas and near their residences.

He warned the public against purchasing vegetables, fruits, and other food products from street vendors or unlicensed vehicles parked on public roads.

He advised dealing only with licensed establishments to secure food needs while preserving their health and food safety.

Colonel Ali Salem added that the risks of purchasing food products from street vendors or unlicensed vehicles parked on public roads are significant, as these products may be of unknown origin, expired, and may not have undergone proper quality control checks to ensure their safety and compliance with standards.

In addition, they may violate health regulations and food safety standards, with poor display and storage potentially leading to product damage and serious health risks for consumers.

Major Jassem Muhammad Al Duhail, Head of the Violators Control Department, said the Dubai Police, in cooperation with partners, continuously monitors violators through planned campaigns and surprise inspections.

He urged the public to communicate with the competent authorities to report any violations.

As part of its anti-begging campaign, the General Department of Criminal Investigations, in collaboration with the Dubai Police stations, has arrested 31 males and 36 females since Ramadan began on March 23.

Colonel Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Infiltration Control Department in the General Department of Criminal Investigations, said the “Begging is a Wrong Concept of Compassion” anti-begging campaign aims to reduce the number of beggars and street peddlers who exploit others’ feelings and sympathy and ensure the highest levels of safety and security.