In line with its ongoing “Combat Begging” initiative, Dubai Police apprehended 222 beggars from different nationalities during the Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr holidays. The campaign aimed at reducing begging and maintaining the UAE’s image. It was launched under the slogan “An Aware Society, Free of Begging.”
Collaborating organizations included the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Municipality, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), and Al Ameen Service. The goal of the initiative is to raise public awareness and combat begging, particularly during the religious season.
’33 of the 222 beggars were detained during Eid Al Fitr alone’
Colonel Ahmad Al Adidi, Acting Director of the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena, emphasized that the campaign has been effective each year due to strict legal enforcement. He noted that 33 of the 222 beggars were detained during Eid Al-Fitr alone. Dubai Police have implemented a comprehensive security plan that includes intensified patrols in areas where begging is common, along with efforts to monitor new begging tactics.
‘Fake medical conditions to gain sympathy’
Many beggars take advantage of Ramadan and Eid’s charitable atmosphere, often using children, individuals with disabilities, or fake medical conditions to gain sympathy. There have been multiple cases of women begging with children. Colonel Al Adidi warned that such professional and organized begging, especially in religious locations or during festive events, is a criminal offense punishable by law.
The campaign targets both traditional and non-traditional forms of begging, including online begging, fake fundraising for foreign mosques, and fabricated humanitarian appeals. Captain Abdullah Khamis, Head of the Anti-Begging Section, stressed that the campaign’s main goal is to safeguard society from crimes related to begging and maintain the UAE’s reputation as a secure and civilized nation.
Captain Khamis also advised the public to donate only through official charities to ensure donations reach those in genuine need. He urged the community to report instances of begging by calling 901, using the “Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police app, or reporting online begging via the E-Crime platform at www.ecrime.ae.
