The male beggar disguised as a woman in Dubai. DUBAI POLICE

A man wearing an abaya while begging near a mosque in Dubai has been arrested, according to Dubai Police on Friday (March 15).

The Arab man also wore a face mask to hide his face and disguise as a woman while begging. “The man was wearing a woman’s clothing because he believed people tend to sympathise more with begging women than men,” said Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, director of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department at the Dubai Police.

Al Shamsi said the beggar was arrested following a tip-off from a resident. The police official said that beggars often prey on unsuspecting people near mosques, hospitals and markets.

“The stories they tell and claims they make are contrary to the truth, and residents must be vigilant and not deal with them,” he said.

Since the start of Ramadan, police have intensified patrols to catch beggars. Early this week, Dubai Police reported arresting 17 beggars on the first day of Ramadan.

Begging is illegal in the UAE and the punishment includes jail time and a fine. The minimum punishment is up to three months in jail and a fine of Dh5,000. The punishment becomes more severe when children are involved, or in cases of organized begging. The crime is punishable with a minimum jail time of six months and a fine of not less than Dh100,000.

Meanwhile, illegal fundraising or soliciting donations without a licence is also considered a crime that is punishable with a fine of between Dh250,000 and Dh500,000.

Authorities have repeatedly advised to public to only deal with licenced charities when giving donations for the least fortunate. They also urged the public to report violators through the hotline 901 or through the Police Eye service in the Dubai Police app. ICA/Expat Media

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