Dubai Police crack down on illegal vendors

Dubai: Dubai Police arrested 375 street vendors during the first half of Ramadan for illegally selling food items and counterfeit goods in public areas. These actions violate public safety regulations and health requirements set by relevant authorities. Several vehicles used for transporting and selling non-compliant products were also seized.

The arrests are part of Dubai Police’s “Combat Begging” campaign, launched during Ramadan under the slogan “An Aware Society, Free of Begging. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of begging, safeguard public safety, and crack down on illegal activities in public spaces.

Public safety
Lieutenant Colonel Talib Al Amiri, Head of the Anti-Street Vending Section at the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena, explained that these efforts reflect Dubai Police’s ongoing commitment, in cooperation with strategic partners, to maintain public order and safety and eliminate negative practices that harm the city’s image.

He noted that these vendors often operate in labour accommodation areas, selling unregulated goods in streets and alleys, often in unsanitary and unsafe conditions.

Health hazards
Lt. Col. Al Amiri warned the public against purchasing goods—especially food products—from unlicensed vendors or vehicles stationed along roadsides. These items often fail to meet health and safety standards due to improper handling and storage, potentially exposing consumers to serious health risks.

He urged the public to rely solely on licensed establishments for food purchases to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

Continuous monitoring
Dubai Police continues to monitor and apprehend illegal vendors around the clock during Ramadan, cooperating with relevant authorities. Lt. Col. Al Amiri encouraged the public to avoid interacting with street vendors and to report violations by calling 901 or using the “Police Eye” service on the Dubai Police smart app.