As the Holy Month of Ramadan began, Dubai authorities intensified their efforts to curb begging, a practice considered illegal in the UAE. On the first day of Ramadan, Dubai Police arrested nine beggars – five male and four female beggars – under its ongoing ‘Fight Begging’ campaign.
The crackdown on Saturday, March 1, is part of a broader initiative to preserve the city’s image and maintain public order.
Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, emphasised that anti-begging efforts are being executed in collaboration with key agencies, including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Municipality, and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.
“Beggars use various tricks to attract attention, often manipulating emotions to solicit money unlawfully,” Al Shamsi explained.
“However, through strict enforcement and continuous monitoring, we have seen a significant decline in begging cases compared to previous years.”
Coordinated Strategy Against Begging
Dubai Police implement a comprehensive security plan each year to combat begging, deploying patrols in areas where such activities are commonly reported. Al Shamsi revealed that authorities closely monitor the evolving tactics used by beggars, many of whom exploit children, the elderly, and people with disabilities to gain public sympathy.
Under Federal Law No. 9 of 2018, begging is a criminal offence in the UAE. Furthermore, Articles 476 and 477 of Federal Decree Law No. 31 of 2021 impose harsh penalties on those involved in organised begging. Individuals found guilty of orchestrating begging groups of two or more people face a minimum of six months in jail and a fine of at least Dh100,000.
Residents Urged to Report Beggars
Authorities have called on residents to refrain from giving money to beggars, warning that doing so only fuels illegal activities. Instead, the public is encouraged to report beggars through various official channels, including the Dubai Police contact centre (901), the ‘Police Eye’ service on the Dubai Police smart app, and the ‘E-crime’ online platform for digital begging cases.
With Ramadan being a time of increased charitable giving, officials stress the importance of donating through registered charitable organisations rather than individuals soliciting on the streets. Dubai Police reaffirm their commitment to maintaining the city’s security and urge the community to support their efforts in eliminating the practice of begging.
(Source: uaebarq.ae)
