Two beggars arrested in Dubai on March 1, 2025. DUBAI POLICE

Dubai Police arrested nine individuals on the first day of Ramadan as part of their ongoing "Fight Begging" campaign. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with multiple government agencies, aims to curb illegal solicitation and protect the community from fraud. “On the first day of Ramadan alone, nine individuals, including five men and four women, were arrested,” said Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department. Dubai Police's "Fight Begging" campaign aims to eradicate begging, particularly during Ramadan, when cases tend to rise due to increased public generosity. Authorities warn that beggars often exploit people’s goodwill through emotional tactics. “There have been several reports of women begging while accompanied by children,” Al Shamsi said, emphasizing that the police have encountered cases where beggars use minors, patients, and individuals with disabilities to elicit sympathy. Dubai Police have also noted a rise in online begging, where fraudsters use social media to seek financial assistance for allegedly humanitarian causes. “The campaign targets all forms of begging, whether traditional—near mosques, community events, and markets—or digital, such as online solicitations claiming to fund mosque construction abroad or provide aid to those in need,” Al Shamsi explained. Under UAE law, begging is a criminal offense punishable by a fine of Dh5,000 and up to three months in prison. Those found orchestrating begging rings or bringing individuals from outside the country to beg face harsher penalties, including a Dh100,000 fine and a six-month prison sentence. Additionally, unlicensed fundraising can result in fines of up to Dh500,000. Authorities encourage residents to support official charities instead of giving money directly to beggars. “Official entities and charitable organisations are available for those who require financial assistance or services such as ‘Iftar for the Fasting,’” Al Shamsi said. To report cases of begging, Dubai Police urge the public to use their hotline (901), the "Police Eye" service on the Dubai Police app, or the ‘E-crime’ platform for online scams. “We encourage the public not to fall victim to these deceptive practices and to report any suspicious activities immediately,” Al Shamsi added. The anti-begging campaign has been highly effective in reducing the number of beggars annually. “Thanks to our strong partnerships and decisive actions, we have seen a significant decrease in the number of beggars in Dubai,” Al Shamsi said, assuring the public that authorities remain committed to tackling the issue. ICA/Expat Media
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