Dubai Police arrests 222 beggars during Ramadan, Eid

Dubai Police announced on Friday it arrested 222 beggars during Ramadan and Eid, after a campaign was launched under the slogan “An Aware Society, Free of Begging,” in partnership with other government entities.

Thirty-three beggars were detained during Eid and the rest during the holy month of Ramadan. 

The Head of the Anti-Begging Section, Captain Abdullah Khamis, said the campaign includes electronic begins, fake fundraising for foreign mosque construction, and fabricated humanitarian appeals.

“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,” he said.

The authority said many beggars exploit the festive seasons and resort to fraudulent tactics, including using children and individuals with disabilities, or fabricated medical conditions to gain sympathy. Multiple cases involving women begging with children have been recorded, according to Dubai Police. 

Colonel Ahmad Al Adidi, Acting Director of the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena, said professional and organised begging practices are criminal offences punishable by law, especially when conducted in places of worship or during religious celebrations.

“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,” he said. 

The authority encouraged community members to report beggars by calling 901, using the “Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police smart app, or reporting online begging cases via the E-Crime platform.