Annoying street vendors at a one-lane street, in the heart of the business district of Deira, have been an issue for some time now. However, with time, they have become bold enough to overstep their boundaries by not just harassing clients but also cheating them.
Touting is an act of harassment, by pulling customers’ hands, blocking their path and cajoling them to buy various products and services. Apart from harassing people, these street vendors are also a threat to smooth traffic flow and, hence, a traffic hazard.
This state of affairs is highly undesirable as the area is a favourite tourist spot. These hawkers engage customers, especially those behind the steering wheel, in long conversations with their haggling and relentless persuasion.
In spite of repeated ‘no, thank you’, they do not go away. Some even defraud the unsuspecting client by snatching the money and making good with it through the narrow by-lanes of Deira, knowing very well that the driver of the vehicle will not be able to stop his/her car in the middle of the road and give chase.
The seriousness of this offense is compounded by the fact that, a cheated tourist, instead of coming to believe that this is a land of harmony and security, will carry home a wrong and negative impression of the country.
Immediate and very stringent action should be taken against these dishonest, inconsiderate hawkers.
The reader is based in Dubai
Be a community reporter. Tell us what is happening in your community. Send us your videos and pictures at readers@gulfnews.com
