Dubai Police arrest 222 beggars during Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr
Dubai: In an ongoing crackdown on begging and related fraudulent practices in the emirate during the month of Ramadan and upcoming Eid Al Fitr holidays, Dubai Police have apprehended 222 beggars, the authority announced on Friday.
Colonel Ahmad Al Adidi, acting director of the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena, said of the 222 beggars, 33 were arrested during Eid Al Fitr.
He warned that lots of beggars should not be above exploiting the charitable nature of Ramadan and festive periods, going so far to use children, the handicapped or even to fake a medical need to elicit sympathy. There were also several cases of begging women with children.
'Fight Begging' campaign
The 'Fight Begging' campaign with the slogan – launched in partnership with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Municipality, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), and Al Ameen Service.
On the other hand, Captain Abdullah Khamis, head of the Anti-Begging Section, said the campaign targets not only issues related to begging but also aims to raise public awareness about the dangers and illegality of street and online begging.
The campaign also focused on other forms of disinformation, such as fake fundraising for foreign mosque building and fake humanitarian appeals, he said.
He advised members of the public to contribute only through registered charity organisations to ensure that assistance is received by the people who are really in need.
He also called upon members of the public to report beggars through the 901 hotline, the "Police Eye" feature on the Dubai Police smart app and through the E-Crime platform on the smart police website at www. ecrime. ae
In the UAE, begging is considered a crime and is subject to a fine of up to Dh5,000 and three-months imprisonment. Anyone who runs a gang of beggars or brings people into the country to beg will be liable for a maximum of six months in prison and a debt of Dh100,000. Penalty of Dh500,000 for fund raising without a permit.
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