A total of 17 beggars were arrested in various parts of Dubai on the first day of Ramadan, according to Dubai Police on Tuesday (March 12). Colonel Ali Salem Al Shamsi of the Criminal Investigation Department said that among those arrested were 14 men and four women. The official said that police patrols have been intensified to catch violators. The crackdown is part of the “Fight Begging” campaign launched by the Dubai Police, in collaboration with Dubai Municipality, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department. Al Shamsi reiterated that begging is considered a crime in the UAE and inadvertently promotes associated crimes, including the exploitation of children and people with disabilities. He urged the public to only deal with “official entities and charitable organisations” to donate aid for financial assistance to the needy. The public can report beggars through the hotline 901, the Dubai Police Eye service on the Dubai Police app or through ecrime.ae. ICA/Expat Media
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