In new cleaner Dubai, betel watch out

DUBAI // People caught selling or preparing betel leaves and other products that are chewed and spat out may be deported, the municipality announced yesterday. The sanction is included in the potential consequences of antisocial behaviour in a campaign to restore the "old charm" of the city. At the launch of the "Say Yes to a Clean Naif" campaign, Hussain Nasser Lootah, the municipality's acting director general, said: "People caught selling paan [betel leaves] would be liable to legal action amounting to deportation.

"There will be no more warnings and their shops would also be shut down immediately." He added that rewards of up to Dh5,000 (US$1,360) would be given to people who reported the sale or manufacture of betel leaves and similar products in Dubai. People found spitting betel juice would also be fined Dh500, officials said. Betel, known locally by its Hindi name paan, is usually chewed after meals. The juice from the leaves, which is red in colour, is spat out, and easily stains pavements and buildings. Despite its sale being illegal in Dubai, paan is widely available in cafeterias and shops in Karama, Deira, Bur Dubai and other areas.

The cleanliness drive was launched in the streets of Al Sabkha yesterday. Municipal officials, accompanied by stilt walkers and volunteers playing drums and holding placards, distributed brochures to shops in the district. Apart from spitting, littering and hanging clothes out to dry on balconies are also being targeted by the campaign. Officials said hanging clothes spoilt the beauty of the city, while littering was a source of disease.

The initiative begins in earnest today and will continue until Nov 13. It will be extended to other areas of Dubai such as Al Ghubaibah, Al Sabkha, Al Fuhaidi, Al Karama, Al Qusais and Al Quoz at a later stage. Campaign managers will also spread their message through brochures and advertisements in newspapers and on buildings. Road shows, stage shows and contests for the cleanest buildings and shops will be organised to encourage the involvement of residents.

Clean shops that prohibit eating, drinking and smoking indoors and do not leave goods outside will be rewarded. Shopkeepers and residents in Al Sabkha complain that there is a need for more dustbins if the campaign is to succeed. "There are very few bins - just one at the end of the street," a resident said. "If every shop provides a bin, then people will be encouraged to use it. Besides, cigarette butts are a big problem because there are no places to throw them." [e-mail]