Picture for illustrative purposes only. EXPAT MEDIA

Sharjah Police arrested 144 beggars during the holy month of Ramadan, confiscating more than Dh76,000 in illegal earnings, authorities confirmed on Friday (April 4). Brigadier General Omar Al Ghazal, Director of the Special Tasks Department at Sharjah Police, said the arrests were part of the emirate’s intensified crackdown on begging, particularly during Ramadan when public generosity is at its peak. “These individuals took advantage of people’s emotions and the spirit of giving during the holy month,” Al Ghazal said. “We call on residents to report such violations through 901 or 80040.” In a parallel operation in Dubai, authorities apprehended 222 beggars of various nationalities during Ramadan and the Eid Al Fitr holiday. Colonel Ahmad Al Adidi, Acting Director of the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena at Dubai Police, emphasized that many of these beggars use deceitful methods to exploit public sympathy. “Some use children, others pretend to have medical conditions or disabilities. We’ve recorded several cases involving women begging with children in tow,” Al Adidi said. He warned that professional and organized begging—particularly near places of worship and during religious celebrations—constitutes a criminal offence under UAE law. Captain Abdullah Khamis, Head of the Anti-Begging Section, added: “We are also cracking down on electronic and non-traditional forms of begging, such as fake online fundraisers and fraudulent humanitarian appeals.” ICA/Expat Media
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