DUBAI: A total of 33 beggars of various nationalities were arrested in the first 10 days of Ramadan as part of an extensive crackdown led by Dubai Police, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
The arrests were made under the ongoing anti-begging campaign titled "A Conscious Society, Free of Beggars."
The campaign, which is conducted in collaboration with strategic partners such as the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Municipality, and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), aims to maintain the city’s civilised image while preventing financial exploitation through illegal means.
Strict penalties
Dubai’s legal system imposes severe consequences on those caught begging. Individuals found guilty face a fine of Dh5,000 and up to three months in prison. Organised begging rings or those who bring individuals into the country specifically for this purpose risk a six-month jail sentence and a Dh100,000 fine. Additionally, unauthorised fundraising can result in penalties of up to Dh500,000.
Colonel Ahmed Al Adidi, Deputy Director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department at the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations, highlighted that Dubai Police have been closely monitoring fraudulent begging methods to enhance preventive measures. "The number of beggars has reduced significantly due to the strict measures enforced each year," he stated.
Manipulative tactics
Authorities have warned that beggars often resort to exploitative methods, preying on the goodwill of residents. Common tactics include using children, people of determination, and patients to invoke sympathy. Several cases have involved women begging while accompanied by children to gain public trust and financial aid.
Beyond traditional face-to-face interactions, authorities have also observed an increase in online begging. Fraudsters create fake humanitarian appeals, claim to be collecting donations for building mosques abroad, or solicit financial assistance under false pretenses.
Brigadier Ali Salem noted that many beggars operate strategically during Ramadan and other religious observances, leveraging public generosity for personal gain. "These activities are often well-planned and structured, making it necessary for residents to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to such tactics," he said.
Public advisory
Dubai residents have been urged to refrain from giving money directly to beggars and instead direct their charitable contributions to licensed organisations. Officials have emphasised that legitimate avenues for financial assistance exist through registered charities and government programs such as 'Iftar for the Fasting.'
"People must recognise that responding to beggars' pleas could indirectly support organised crime," Captain Abdullah Khamis, head of the anti-begging section, explained. "There are safer, more transparent ways to help those in need."
Residents have been encouraged to report begging cases through the Dubai Police hotline (901), the ‘Police Eye’ feature on the Dubai Police smart app, or via the ‘E-crime’ online platform for electronic begging incidents.
Dubai Police continue to deploy increased patrols in high-footfall areas such as markets, mosques, and public gatherings to deter begging and ensure strict enforcement of anti-begging laws.
Meanwhile, in a real-life test conducted by Sharjah Police, an undercover officer posing as a beggar managed to collect Dh367 in just one hour, illustrating how quickly these activities can generate illicit earnings. The experiment served as a stark reminder of the risks associated with unverified donations and the importance of relying on official charitable organisations.