Dubai Police has launched its annual “Combat Begging” initiative ahead of Ramadan to tackle both street and online begging scams.
The campaign, themed “A Conscious Society, Free of Beggars,” aims to eradicate begging, raise awareness, and direct donations to official charities.
In 2024, 384 beggars were arrested, with authorities revealing that 99% treat begging as a profession.
Many employ deceptive tactics, such as exploiting vulnerable individuals or falsely claiming to raise funds for mosques or medical needs. The campaign urges the public to donate only through official charities and warns against the risks of digital scams.
Begging is illegal in the UAE, with penalties including a Dh5,000 fine and up to three months in prison. Stricter penalties apply to organised begging and unauthorised fundraising.
In collaboration with key agencies like the RTA, Dubai Municipality, and IACAD, Dubai Police aims to curb begging during a time when generosity is heightened.
Over the past five years, Dubai Police arrested 2,085 beggars:
- 2024: 384
- 2023: 499
- 2022: 318
- 2021: 458
- 2020: 426
Exploiting Ramadan’s Spirit:
Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi warns that beggars exploit Ramadan’s compassion, using tactics like:
- Exploiting vulnerable individuals (children, elderly).
- Faking illness or injury.
- False charity claims.
“We’ve seen many women using children to manipulate emotions,” stated Brigadier Al Shamsi.
Combating street and online begging:
The campaign targets:
- Street begging in public areas.
- Online scams using fake charity requests.
Donations should only be made through official charities.
Stricter penalties apply to organised begging:
Organizers of begging involving two or more people face at least six months in prison and a minimum fine of Dh100,000.
Bringing individuals into the UAE for organized begging carries the same penalty.
Participants in organized begging may face up to three months in prison and a minimum fine of Dh5,000.
If the perpetrator is a guardian, trustee, or caretaker of the beggar, it is considered an aggravating circumstance.
Reporting begging:
Report suspicious activity via:
- 901 (non-emergency).
- “Police Eye” on the Dubai Police app.
- E-crime platform for online scams.
