Cleaners in Dubai pick up at least 2000 cards a day that advertise illegal massage parlour services, according to Dubai Municipality (DM).
They are collected by an estimated 3000 cleaners from all regions of the emirate of Dubai, a top official told Khaleej Times.
Hani Shaker Al-Nusairat, principal supervisor of the waste management department at DM said, “We always call on the public to ensure that these cards are properly disposed off and not throw them on the roads.”
Last month, the Dubai Police had revealed that they seized a whopping 5.9 million business cards that advertise illegal massage services in 15 months.
Illegal services
Authorities have repeatedly warned residents not to avail these services as they are illegal.
“Licensed and approved shops and companies in this field do not promote their business and services by employing people who hang advertising cards on vehicle windows and on public roads in an uncivilized manner,” said Al-Nusairat. “They promote their business through the approved electronic marketing channels.”
Dubai Police arrested 870 people for offering the illegal service in 2021 and the first three months of 2022. Of these, 588 were charged for violating public morals and 309 for printing and distributing the cards.
According to DM, distributing massage cards is a clear violation of Article 59 of Local Ordinance No. 11 issued in 2003 and its executive regulations. “It may also lead to health and economic damage. ln addition to this, they lure the public to habits and behaviour that are contrary to public morals, which in turn may constitute a danger,” said Al-Nusairat.
