Dubai Police apprehended 222 beggars of various nationalities during Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr holidays, as part of its ongoing “Combat Begging” campaign.
The campaign, held under the slogan “An Aware Society, Free of Begging,” was launched in partnership with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Municipality, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), and Al Ameen Service, with the aim of raising public awareness and preserving the UAE’s civilised image by curbing and preventing begging.
Colonel Ahmad Al Adidi, Acting Director of the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena, noted that the campaign has proven highly effective year after year due to the strict legal measures taken against offenders.
Dubai Police arrest Ramadan beggars
He reported that 33 of the 222 beggars were apprehended specifically during Eid Al Fitr.
He explained that Dubai Police develops an annual comprehensive security plan to combat begging by intensifying patrols in locations where beggars are commonly found and monitoring emerging methods to continuously adapt enforcement efforts.
Colonel Al Adidi warned that many beggars exploit the charitable spirit of Ramadan and festive seasons, often resorting to fraudulent tactics including the use of children, individuals with disabilities, or fabricated medical conditions to gain sympathy.
Multiple cases involving women begging with children have been recorded.
Al Adidi further stated that professional and organised begging practices are criminal offences punishable by law, especially when conducted in places of worship or during religious celebrations.
Captain Abdullah Khamis, Head of the Anti-Begging Section, added that the campaign targets both traditional and non-traditional begging, including electronic begging, fake fundraising for foreign mosque construction, and fabricated humanitarian appeals.
He said: “The campaign’s core objective is to protect society from crimes related to both street and online begging and uphold the UAE’s reputation as a civilised and secure nation”.
Captain Khamis urged the public to donate only through official charitable organisations, ensuring that support reaches those who truly deserve it.
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