Dubai Police Arrest 26, Says Begging Is a Crime

A day after Dubai Police warned that “begging is a crime punishable by law” with penalties of up to three months’ imprisonment and a fine of AED 5,000, authorities said they arrested 26 beggars of various nationalities during the first week of Ramadan.

In a statement on Tuesday, Dubai Police said that the arrests were made by the Suspicious Persons and Criminal Phenomena Department in cooperation with police stations throughout the emirate.

The campaign, titled “An Aware Society Without Begging”, is run in partnership with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.

Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, the department’s director, said the initiative has contributed to a steady decline in begging cases over the past few years.

“Thanks to firm legal action against apprehended beggars, the campaign has led to a steady yearly decline in begging cases, with 26 beggars of various nationalities arrested in the first week of Ramadan,” Al Shamsi added.

Dubai Police Arrest 26, Says Begging Is a Crime. Credit: Gulf News

He warned that some beggars exploit the spirit of Ramadan, using children, the sick, or people of determination to gain sympathy and financial support.

“Beggars often exploit the spirit of compassion during Ramadan for illegal gains, using tactics that include involving children, the sick, and people of determination to evoke sympathy,” he added.

Al Shamsi cautioned the public not to engage with such deceptive practices, noting that several cases involving these methods have already been apprehended.

Residents were also reminded by authorities that begging carries a fine of AED 5,000 and a maximum sentence of three months in jail.

Al Shamsi advised the public to donate only through recognised nonprofits to ensure assistance reaches those who are truly in need.

The public can report beggars by calling the toll-free number 901, using the “Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police app, or submitting complaints via the “e-Crime” platform, police said.