By Staff Reporter
Dubai Police have arrested 26 beggars of various nationalities during the first week of Ramadan as part of their annual anti-begging campaign.
The arrests were carried out by the General Department of Criminal Investigation, represented by the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena, in cooperation with police stations across the emirate. The initiative falls under the “Combat Begging” campaign, launched under the slogan “A Conscious Society, Free of Begging.”
The campaign is being implemented in collaboration with strategic partners including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department. Authorities say the initiative aims to preserve the UAE’s civilised image while preventing illegal solicitation during the holy month.
Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, said the campaign has significantly reduced the number of beggars each year through firm enforcement measures.
He revealed that 26 individuals were apprehended within the first week of Ramadan alone.
Al Shamsi explained that police closely monitor fraudulent tactics commonly used during Ramadan. Some individuals exploit the spirit of compassion and generosity associated with the holy month to obtain money illegally. Authorities have recorded cases where children, sick individuals, and people of determination were used to evoke sympathy.
The brigadier stressed that residents wishing to give charity should do so through official and recognised humanitarian organisations to ensure donations reach legitimate beneficiaries.
Dubai Police urged the public to report beggars by calling the toll-free number 901 or through the “Police Eye” service available on the Dubai Police smart application. Online begging cases can also be reported via the e-Crime platform.
Authorities emphasised that combating begging is a shared social responsibility and called on residents to cooperate in maintaining security and social stability throughout Ramadan.
