The lines snaking into this tiny little Bur Dubai grocery all point to signs of a killer sale in progress.
However, it’s not garden fresh vegetables or bargain basement prices on daily staples that are drawing in the crowds, but a sneaky sale on fireworks ahead of the Diwali season, which leads up to the big day on November 13.
If you mange to push your way in through the door, the ‘helpful’ staff quickly usher you towards the back of the grocery, where three well-worn folders await, ready to be flicked through, sporting hazy, but glossy pictures of all the fireworks that can be filled into your bag of purchases.
Inside is a treasure trove of rows upon rows of hand-held sparklers, rockets, spouting fountains and crackling bombs, all selling like hot cakes.
Sparklers, we are told, comes in two sizes: a pack of 100 mite sized ones cost Dh60; while larger ones in packs of eight cost Dh15 a piece; inflation has evidently hit the illegal fireworks market too.
The dazzling array of rockets would even pale a regular fireworks display during festive season, with prices ranging from Dh70 for a pack of bottle rockets to Dh130 for larger ones that are akin to those used during the Dubai Shopping Festival daily display.
Grocery salesman, Rafeek Khan (name changed) informs this reporter: “Spouting fountains and the spinning wheel (called zameen chakri in India) are limited in supplies as everyone has been demanding them.”
The quantities are limited to three packs per buyer.
He adds: “We have sold at least 300-400 packs of each since the Diwali sales of fireworks began last month. People started buying before the Eid holidays as the prices were probably lesser.”
While standing there, mulling over the choices available, the grocery managed to sell Dh1,200 worth of fireworks in less than 10 minutes to a single buyer.
The festive sale of crackers and fireworks, it appears, is not new in Dubai, with illegal supplies being shipped into the country every Diwali and Eid, as this reporter is duly informed.
At another grocery in Bur Dubai, which the owner claims has been running for 45 years now, says he has generations of customers who seek him out to buy fireworks.
“We build relationships with several family members and yes, those who have been coming to us to buy fireworks for decades do get first choice in the new stocks and better rates,” says Kareem Saeed (name changed).
He adds: “However, prices do go up by Dh5 or Dh10, depending on the item; bringing in the supplies is expensive, as is fuel.”
However, over the last few years, Dubai Police has cracked down severely on such retail selling, with dire consequences for the shopkeepers.
In a recent campaign, Dubai Police destroyed 54 tonnes of fireworks this year alone.
Campaigns about the dangers of fireworks have also been carried out in schools and mosques.
A Dubai Police source told Emirates 24|7 earlier: “The number of such illegal activities has greatly reduced in the last few years, however, there are reports of increased activities during the festive period.
“Usually, the incidences involve smaller shops with the majority of buyers being Asian expats, who buy for their children during festivals.”
The source added that punishment levied differs, depending on the severity of the crime.
“The first time it happens, items are confiscated and the shopkeeper is let off with a warning,” he said. “The second time it occurs, the shop can be fined and closed for a period.
“If the crime is repeated, then the owner may even lose his license and be prosecuted by the criminal courts.”
However, most suppliers have devised a sure fire way of making the sale.
“We don’t keep fireworks on the premises; after people select what they want from photographs, we supply the stock within minutes from another destination;” said Raju Gorkhand, who works at a Karama grocery.
According to Gorkhand, the average customer usually spends between Dh500 and Dh700 on fireworks.
When quizzed about the illegal nature of selling such fireworks, Gorkhand ushered this reporter out, without responding,
Meanwhile, Bur Dubai’s Saeed said that even the authorities turned lenient during the festive seasons.
“How else do Indian families manage to buy thousands in stock every year?”
“If you have lived in Dubai long enough, you know it is an open secret on where to go and light up such fireworks,” said another. “So how a Dh20 discount on whatever you buy?”