Dubai police have arrested 222 beggars throughout Ramadan and the Eidul Fitr holidays as part of an ongoing crackdown on begging and related fraudulent activities, the authority announced on Friday.
Colonel Ahmad Al Adidi, acting director of the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena, revealed that 33 of those apprehended were caught specifically during the Eidul Fitr celebrations.
These included involving children, people with disabilities, or fabricating medical conditions to gain sympathy. Several cases involved women begging with children, the authorities noted.
In response to the issue, Dubai launched the “Fight Begging” campaign, partnering with various authorities including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), and the Al Ameen Service. The campaign carries the slogan “An Aware Society, Free of Begging.”
Captain Abdullah Khamis, head of the Anti-Begging Section, explained that the initiative aims to not only combat begging but also raise awareness about its dangers and illegality, both on the streets and online.
The campaign also targeted fraudulent fundraising efforts, such as fake appeals for foreign mosque construction and other fabricated humanitarian causes. Khamis urged the public to donate only through official charitable organisations to ensure their contributions reach those who genuinely need help.
He also called on the community to report beggars via the Dubai Police smart app, using the “Police Eye” feature, or through the E-Crime platform at www.ecrime.ae.
In the UAE, begging is a criminal offense, punishable by a fine of Dh5,000 and up to three months in prison. Operating a begging gang or recruiting people from abroad to beg can result in a six-month jail term and a Dh100,000 fine. Raising funds without proper permits is subject to fines up to Dh500,000.
