Dubai Police launch anti-begging campaign ahead of Ramadan

Dubai Police ramped up measures against begging, targeting individuals engaged in fake charity scams on the streets and online, especially during Ramadan.

The "A Conscious Society, Free of Beggars" campaign aims to eliminate begging, raise awareness, and direct donations to deserving and authorised charitable organisations.

Authorities apprehended at least 384 individuals involved in begging last year, revealing that 99% of them were professional beggars.

Professional beggars frequently deceive vulnerable individuals by fabricating donation appeals for mosques or medical treatments.

This campaign aims to educate the public about the risks of these scams and encourages donations solely through authorised charities

Read: Woman arrested for begging in Saudi Arabia upon return to Karachi

Notably, begging was illegal in the UAE, with penalties, including a Dh5,000 fine and prison for at least three months. The same penalties were applied for organized begging and unauthorised fundraising.

Dubai Police partnered with key agencies, including RTA, Dubai Municipality, and IACAD, to crack down on begging during Ramadan, a period of increased charitable giving.

Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi said that beggars take advantage of the spirit of generosity during Ramadan by applying manipulative tactics, including using vulnerable individuals, such as children and the elderly, fake illnesses or injuries, and making false charity claims.

He noted that women often use children to evoke emotions and solicit donations.

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The campaign would focus on combating two main areas, such as in-person begging in public spaces and online charity scams.

The UAE imposed strict penalties for organised begging, as organisers a group of more than two people, would be jailed for at least six months and a minimum Dh100,000 fine.

Trafficking individuals for begging would have to pay the same penalty as organisers and participants in organised begging will be imprisoned for up to three months and a minimum Dh5,000 fine.