Illegal gambling at capital’s labour camps

Every Friday, workers are able to purchase illegal alcohol, tobacco and pornography from vendors dotted around the capital's labour camps. Gambling scams are also commonplace.

Men watch a gambling game at a local makeshift market at Al Mafraq Workers City 2, near Baniyas and Abu Dhabi, on Friday, Nov 22, 2013. Silvia Razgova / The National

ABU DHABI // There is a sinister side to the thriving Friday bazaars outside labour camps on the outskirts of the capital.

Apart from the usual selling of fruit, vegetables and fish, many workers, in the shade of umbrellas, gather to gamble while some are busy selling liquor or illegal tobacco from a truck.

These illegal activities are orchestrated outside the two labour camps – in front of International City Abu Dhabi (Icad), Gate No 2 and Al Mafraq Workers City 2 on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, also known as Baniyas labour camp.

Some workers have voiced serious concerns about their colleagues who have fallen prey to gambling scams.

Workers said conmen operated in a group of five or six people who pretended to win vast sums of money to lure unsuspecting workers.

Yousuf Khan, a Pakistani painter, stopped to watch such a game after buying groceries.

“They mostly target innocent workers to exploit their hard-earned money. They [the workers] hope to double their money but they lose,” he said.

The “winners”, who are associates of the conmen, drew attention by shouting and flashing the money they “won” to attract workers, said Mr Khan.

Fights occurred following disputes over such activities, he said, adding that he felt the gambling had to be stopped.

The National reported on the matter in June 2012 and the practice seems to have expanded since then.

More than 10 umbrellas were put up in front of Icad residential city on Friday and five people were found gambling at different places in Baniyas labour camps two weeks ago.

When approached for comment, many gamblers reacted angrily.

“Don’t try to sneak into the matter or talk to the [gamblers]. They can fight if you argue with them, so be aware,” warned Mohammed Asghar Ali, a steel worker from Bangladesh.

“These activities are regular on Fridays. Sometimes I buy some stuff from here as they offer cheap rates,” he said.

When asked about the quality of the goods he bought, he said: “I know it’s not as good as in the supermarkets but I sort out the stuff before buying.”

As for alcohol, the “Officer’s Choice” and “Royal Stag” whiskey brands are popular and can be bought for Dh2 a cup. A bottle of whiskey costs Dh25, while a bottle of Red Horse Beer is Dh10.

One man was covertly selling rum beside a parked lorry, while another was behind a building.

“I bought a bottle for Dh25. I take one on Friday to relax from the week’s hard work. I buy food from outside and finish here,” said an Indian worker, who said he did not know where the sellers got their alcohol from.

Workers were also found selling and haggling over pornographic DVDs that were on sale for Dh2 each.

When asked where the DVDs came from, the seller remained calm but refused to answer. “If you want to buy, buy, or move ahead,” he said.

Some were selling neswar, a type of chewing tobacco favoured by many Pakistanis, which is banned in Abu Dhabi.

Paan – a mixture of lime and tobacco wrapped in betel leaves, that Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and Nepalis enjoy chewing – was also available.

“I sell one paan at Dh1 and make about Dh50 to Dh100 in one day’s business,” said Haroon, a Bangladeshi worker. “I earn only Dh800 as a worker, so I do this on Fridays to support my expenses.”

Barkat Khan, a Pakistani worker, said he could earn Dh30 to Dh50 a day from selling small packets of neswar for Dh1 each.

He said he got his stock from local suppliers in Mussaffah.

The National first asked the authorities about such activities a year ago.

Despite numerous follow-up requests, the Higher Corporation for Specialised Economic Zones and Abu Dhabi Police have yet to comment. The Ministry of Labour said: “This issue is of relevance to the police.”

Abu Dhabi Municipality and the Department of Economic Development told The National that the matter was related to zones.