Abu Dhabi City Municipality Cracks Down on Random Markets

The Abu Dhabi City Municipality has carried out a campaign aimed at controlling the phenomenon of random and unlicensed markets according to the required standards in Al Wathba and Al Rais. The campaign was coordinated with ADM’s strategic partners (Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre (Tadweer), Red Crescent, Preservation of Grace, Al Sahraa Transport Company).

This campaign is a reflection of the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities - Abu Dhabi City Municipality efforts aimed at protecting the urban appearance of cities and removing all forms of eyesores. The municipal system is keen on the health and safety of community members by providing the highest environmental and health standards for goods handling, as well as protecting consumers from the dangers of materials marketed through irregular random markets.

During the campaign, the joint teams confiscated items exhibited in the market comprising 3 tons of consumables, foodstuffs, clothing, various commodities, fruits and vegetables. These materials were seized and transported in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Police and (Tadweer). Usable materials such as food and foodstuffs were also handed over to representatives of (Preservation Grace) for use in charity.

The campaign resulted in issuing (10) illegal sales violations against street vendors. The campaign has achieved great success with no obstacles encountered, and all exhibited materials had been confiscated. The campaign organisers and strategic partners intend to continue organising such campaigns periodically until such practices are eliminated in all areas of Abu Dhabi city and its environs.

The Municipality has noticed an apparent decline in the phenomenon of street vendors and random markets, which is attributed to the success of campaigns in raising the public awareness of these negative practices. It is also a result of the inspection and control program imposed by the inspection teams and strategic partners to curb these markets and eliminate them.

The Abu Dhabi City Municipality called upon all community members to abide by the applicable laws regarding the regulation of foodstuffs trading, and the practicing of trades and crafts that require licensing. This requirements stems from the keenness of the Municipality and its strategic partners on protecting the public health and safety. Community members are encouraged to refrain from dealing with these casual markets due to the lack of public health and safety requirements, knowledge of the source of the materials offered in addition to endangering the health and safety of consumers.