Dubai clamps down on fake product trade

Vendors selling fake products to tourists who fly to Dubai are being targeted by authorities in an effort to improve the country's profile as a tourist destination.

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), is to impose strict measures on individuals marketing pirated goods, which include legislation to allow the deportation of convicted offenders.

Preliminary measures to combat the practice of selling illegal goods were suggested at a meeting held today in the DTCM head office.

These included setting up databases of known criminals to ensure they are not allowed to re-enter the country having been deported.

Gold Souq in Deira is thought to be one of the areas with the greatest frequency of vending related crimes, according to Travel Daily News.

The DTCM said it will set up a visitors' information bureau in the area, to improve visitor numbers and showcase Dubai's international facilities.

Meanwhile, official statistics suggest that over five million tourists checked into Dubai's hotels in 2004, with numbers continuously rising.

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