Retail therapy

Honesty kiosks demonstrate that you can’t put a price on trust in a tight community

The honesty kiosk in Sharjah. Photo / Al Qaydi Organic Farm

The idea is a simple and timeless one. Take a normal ­kiosk stocked with staple items such as fruits and vegetables. Remove the clerks and ask customers to leave their payments based on honesty. “Honesty kiosks” are a feature of healthy communities in which trust is earned and respected. They exist around the world and now they are in the UAE.

An Emirati farmer in Sharjah was among the first to set up a roadside honesty kiosk and the idea is taking off. He now has plans to open kiosks in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Dubai.

These kiosks are additional evidence of the goodwill that extends across our community and enables all segments of society to enjoy a safe and secure life.

While many might take for granted the safety that we enjoy, it is important to pause for a moment of reflection at the genuine grass roots camaraderie that facilitates our security. Honesty kiosks are just one more confirmation of what we already know.