14-year-old boy reunited with mother after being spotted begging

A 14-year-old boy has been reunited with his mother by Dubai Police after running away from his father's house following his parents' divorce.

Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspicious Persons and Criminal Phenomena Department of the General Department of Criminal Investigations at Dubai Police, said the department received information regarding a child who had been spotted begging near a mosque in the emirate.

Al Shamsi said the child had resorted to begging "as a result of intense family disputes stemming from the divorce and his father's remarriage, which compelled him to flee the house and take to the streets.

"After listening to the perspectives of each party, an agreement was reached for the child to reside with his mother, who will provide the best care and support for him, especially in light of his father's remarriage. This decision opens the door to a fresh beginning in the child's life, filled with hope and positive prospects."

Brigadier Al Shamsi appealed to parents to ensure their children's well-being and continuous support. 

Al Shamsi also urged the public to refrain from sympathising with beggars or providing them with money and encouraged reporting beggars immediately via the contact centre (901) or the Police Eye service on Dubai Police's smart App. Additionally, he urged reporting cyber beggars via the e-Crime platform (www.ecrime.ae).

He also indicated that official entities, charities, and associations are available for individuals to seek financial assistance, reminding the public that begging is illegal

He highlighted the continued efforts of Dubai Police as part of the Combat Begging campaign.