UAE, 21 March 2018 - The Department of Economic Development in Ajman (DED-Ajman) recently carried out inspection campaigns targeting street vendors in the emirate in cooperation with the Department of Health and Environment of the Municipality of Planning Department in Ajman. The campaigns were in line with the DED-Ajman’s efforts to crack down on illegal street vendors and protect consumer rights.

Through the campaigns, the Department is fulfilling its mandate to execute local and federal laws prohibiting the selling of goods without obtaining an official license from concerned authorities. Illegal vendors are not only violating these laws but are also considered a threat to the security of the community.

Commenting on the initiatives, Majid Nasser Al Suwaidi, Director of the Department of Control and Inspection, emphasized that DED-Ajman is fully committed to combating the prevalence of street vendors in the emirate as discovered during its inspections.

“The department is also educating the public about the dangers of dealing with street vendors who are selling goods without obtaining official licenses. This is a clear violation of domestic and international laws,” said Al Suwaidi.

Al Suwaidi added: “Our mission is to stop this illegal practice in cooperation with various stakeholders in the emirate, especially consumers who end up as victims. Illegal vendors commit commercial fraud; counterfeiting; and violation of intellectual property laws and health and safety regulations. For expatriates, they violate the provision concerning the issuance of their residency visa and a regulation banning the sale of goods contrary to religious, custom, and public morals. Street vendors many also expose the consumers to health risks if they are selling goods that do not meet the health and safety conditions.”

The inspections were carried out at the New Industrial Zone and Al Jarf Industrial Areas where there are reports of prevalence of street vendors. Illegal vendors affect the civilizational behavior in Ajman and the UAE as well as harm traders holding valid commercial licenses issued by concerned government authorities. They may also pose a threat to Ajman residents, causing them discomfort and affecting their peace of mind. 

The DED-Ajman has been clamping down on street vendors to ensure the protection of citizens and residents from people who are selling counterfeit products. The Department has intensified its inspection campaigns in cafes and other public places, confiscating all goods being sold illegally. It has resulted in a remarkable decline in the number of street vendors in Ajman. Its structured and organized plan focuses mainly on consumer protection and combating street vendors in coordination with local stakeholders.