Dubai Police has warned residents against dealing with beggars and itinerant butchers during Eid Al Adha, revealing that authorities arrested 50 people linked to begging and illegal slaughter activities during last year’s holiday period.

Police said some individuals attempt to exploit the festive season and people’s generosity through traditional street begging, online scams and unlicensed slaughter services operating in residential areas.

Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Criminal Phenomena Department at Dubai Police, said anti-begging campaigns are being intensified in cooperation with strategic partners to tackle illegal activities that negatively impact public safety and the emirate’s image.

According to police, begging methods now extend beyond mosques and public markets to include electronic begging, fake donation requests and fraudulent humanitarian appeals shared online.

Authorities warned that some beggars use children, elderly individuals, sick people and people of determination to gain sympathy and collect money illegally.

Dubai Police also urged residents to donate only through officially recognised charities and approved humanitarian organisations to ensure funds reach legitimate causes.

Alongside the anti-begging warning, police cautioned the public against hiring itinerant butchers during Eid Al Adha, citing serious hygiene and public health risks.

Officials said illegal butchers often slaughter animals in unsanitary locations using unsterilised equipment, moved from house to house without proper cleaning or health supervision.

Residents have been urged to report beggars or illegal butchers by calling 901 or through the “Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police smart app. Cases of online begging and fraud can also be reported through the e-Crime platform.

Following a similar alert issued in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Police has warned residents against the use and trade of fireworks during Eid Al Adha celebrations, stressing the serious dangers they pose to public safety.

Authorities said fireworks can quickly turn festive gatherings into dangerous situations, causing injuries, fires and damage to property. Dubai Police warned that accidents linked to fireworks can result in severe burns, amputations and permanent disabilities.

The warning comes as police forces across the UAE step up public safety campaigns ahead of the Eid holidays, urging families not to allow children to handle fireworks or purchase them from illegal sellers.

Dubai Police also reminded residents that trading in fireworks without a licence is a criminal offence under UAE law.

Under Federal Decree Law No. 17 of 2019 concerning weapons, ammunition, explosives and hazardous materials, violators can face imprisonment for at least one year and fines of no less than Dh100,000, or both.

Authorities have urged the public to celebrate Eid responsibly and report illegal fireworks sales or suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.

Dubai Police called on community members to cooperate with authorities and prioritise safety during Eid celebrations by avoiding all forms of illegal fireworks activity.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast hot weather across the UAE throughout the Eid Al Adha holiday period, with temperatures expected to climb as high as 48°C in inland areas.

According to the forecast covering May 25 to May 31, inland regions will experience particularly intense daytime heat, while coastal areas and islands are expected to remain relatively hot. Weather conditions will generally stay fair, with occasional partly cloudy skies over the eastern parts of the country.

Night-time and early morning conditions are expected to be more moderate, although humidity levels will rise in some coastal areas, increasing the possibility of fog or light fog formation on Monday and Friday mornings.

Winds are forecast to be light to moderate overall but becoming active at times during the daytime, especially in open areas where blowing dust may reduce visibility.

Sea conditions in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea are expected to remain slight throughout the holiday period.

The NCM said maximum temperatures could range between 35°C and 43°C along coastal areas and islands, while inland regions may see highs of 43°C to 48°C. Mountainous areas are expected to remain comparatively cooler, with temperatures between 28°C and 35°C.

Residents have been advised to avoid prolonged direct exposure to sunlight during peak daytime hours, particularly during outdoor Eid activities.