Up to 6 months in jail: Dubai Police warn of begging scams as Ramadan approaches
Authorities at Dubai Police started their yearly "Combat Begging" program to prepare for Ramadan. Authorities warned about seasonal begging scams after apprehending 384 beggars in 2024.
The police report that begging represents a full-time occupation for ninety-nine percent of the individuals who have been detained for begging.
Some people who violate begging regulations manipulate emotions by using disabled people or the elderly to solicit donations and pretend injuries to acquire financial help while falsely claiming to collect funds for religious institutions or medical costs.
This campaign works to tackle both solo and group begging activities while boosting public awareness and directing donations exclusively to recognized charitable organizations. A total of 2,085 beggars faced arrest during the past five years.
The “fight begging” campaign addresses both traditional street begging near mosques, markets and gatherings and online fraudulent crowdfunding scams targeted at medical emergencies and mosque construction projects abroad.
Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi from Dubai Police's Anti-Social Crimes Department stressed the importance of channeling donations exclusively through authorised charity organisations to guarantee that money reaches authentic recipients.
Investigators have found that these criminals frequent residential zones, business districts and religious sites while collaborating with street vendors who use different techniques to gather sympathy. The public should inform authorities about any suspicious activities involving begging.
The UAE has made begging a criminal offense that leads to a Dh5,000 fine and a three-month prison sentence. People who create begging rings or bring people from other countries to beg for donations risk receiving six months of imprisonment with a Dh100,000 fine. Operating fundraising activities without proper authorization can lead to monetary penalties reaching Dh500,000.
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