Abu Dhabi crackdown on illegal street vendors sees almost 1,000 fines handed out

The National staff

ABU DHABI // A campaign to crack down on illegal street vendors ended with 931 tickets being issued and more than 51 vehicles impounded across the emirate.

Abu Dhabi City Municipality, in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Police, the Department of Economic Development and Niemaa Conservation Project of the UAE Red Crescent Society, carried out dozens of stings aimed at stopping unlicensed street vendors.

Officials say more than 2,091 swoops were launched, in which more than 1,109 cases were spotted. The municipality fined hundreds of illegal street vendors Dh500 each, while dozens were referred to prosecutors for further legal action.

The municipality said it will continue to carry out the campaign across Abu Dhabi and its suburbs throughout the year as it deems necessary, or in response to citizens’ complaints.