Dubai arrests 10 street vendors for failing to follow approved regulations

Gulf Today

11-03-2025

In a move that underscores the commitment of the Dubai Police to uphold public order and ensure adherence to legal frameworks, a total of ten street vendors were arrested for selling food products in public thoroughfares.
This action was deemed a contravention of established laws and ordinances, in addition to safety and sanitation protocols. The arrests were necessitated by the vendors' failure to adhere to health requirements and regulations, which had been sanctioned and approved by the pertinent authorities.
This initiative was undertaken as part of the Dubai Police "Fight Begging" campaign, which was initiated during the holy month of Ramadan and operated under the slogan
This initiative was undertaken as part of the Dubai Police "Fight Begging" campaign, which was initiated during the holy month of Ramadan and operated under the slogan "Aware Society, No Begging."
The primary objectives of this campaign included the promotion of awareness regarding the dangers associated with begging and the maintenance of social stability and security.
Additionally, the campaign sought to address the issue of individuals engaging in begging in public areas through arrests.
Colonel Ahmed Al Adidi, Deputy Director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department at the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations, stated that the apprehension of individuals engaged in street vending is a consequence of the collaborative endeavours of Dubai Police, in conjunction with their partners, to ensure the optimum levels of security and safety within the community, and to eradicate deleterious phenomena within the emirate.
This assertion is made with particular reference to the contravention by these vendors of public safety regulations, and the degradation of the urban landscape by the proliferation of merchandise on the streets and thoroughfares.
Al Adidi pointed out that such unacceptable practices are prevalent in the environs of workplaces and residential dwellings, underscoring the necessity of the public to refrain from patronising unlicensed vendors or unlicensed vehicles parked on public thoroughfares and to exclusively procure comestibles from licensed establishments in order to safeguard their well-being, along with the integrity of their sustenance.
Lieutenant Colonel Talib Al Amiri, Head of the Street Vendors Control Section, stated that there are significant risks associated with the purchase of food products from street vendors or through unlicensed vehicles parked on public roads.
These risks include the potential for violations of health requirements and food safety and health standards, as well as inadequate display and storage conditions.
Such conditions can lead to the spoilage of food items and pose a serious health hazard to consumers.
As part of the ongoing Ramadan campaign, the Dubai Police have been working in cooperation with various partners to enforce the law.
The campaign involves the arrest of lawbreakers at all times of day. In addition, emphasis has been put on the fact that members of the public should not engage with street vendors. The Dubai Police have provided a number of channels through which people can report these violations via 901 or the "Police Eye" service on the Dubai Police app.