Dubai Police apprehended a young Arab man disguised in an abaya and niqab for begging near a mosque, an incident that underscores the city’s crackdown on begging during Ramadan. Authorities on Friday emphasized their ongoing security efforts to combat this form of fraud, deemed a crime under UAE law.
Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, from the Dubai Police, explained the man’s choice of disguise was based on the belief that people are more sympathetic towards women beggars. The arrest was made after a local resident reported the suspicious individual.
With the onset of Ramadan, Dubai Police have intensified their anti-begging operations, already resulting in the arrest of 17 individuals, including 13 males and four females, on the first day of the holy month. Begging is considered a deceptive act, exploiting the charitable inclinations of the public.
Offenders face severe penalties, including fines starting from Dh5,000 and up to three months in jail. Those organizing begging rings, especially involving foreign nationals, could face at least six months in prison and a minimum fine of Dh100,000. Furthermore, unauthorized use of information technology for fundraising can attract fines between Dh250,000 and Dh500,000.
Al Shamsi urged the community to report any suspected begging to authorities and to channel their donations through registered and reputable charities.