Authorities in the UAE have intensified their efforts to clamp down on illegal street vendors and unauthorised pop-up shops, though some operations may still be ongoing across the country.
On Thursday, Sharjah Municipality issued a warning to residents, urging them to avoid purchasing goods from these "unregulated markets". Officials emphasized that while items from illegal vendors are often sold at significantly reduced prices, they carry serious risks.
“There is no guarantee these are safe for use”, the municipality stated, warning that such products are frequently “counterfeit or expired”.
The authority cautioned residents: “Don’t be tempted by low prices at the cost of your safety and your family’s well-being”.
This latest advisory comes in the wake of extensive inspections carried out by UAE authorities. Since the beginning of 2023, over 4,000 inspections have been conducted at local markets, uncovering 620 violations. As part of these efforts, hundreds of fake and imitation products were seized, and several violators were arrested.
In a recent case, Ras Al Khaimah authorities discovered two warehouses filled with counterfeit goods. These storage facilities housed countless boxes of ‘branded’ shampoos, lipsticks, and other cosmetics — all of which turned out to be fake. The total value of the confiscated items was estimated at Dh23 million.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding public health and safety, encouraging consumers to remain vigilant against purchasing from illegal vendors.