A man accused of soliciting money from motorists in Dubai was taken into custody after authorities found AED 20,000 in his possession, police confirmed.
The arrest was carried out by the Dubai Police under the General Department of Criminal Investigation, following surveillance linked to the force’s ongoing “Combating Begging” initiative. The campaign, conducted with strategic partners, aims to deter street solicitation and reinforce public awareness about the legal consequences tied to the practice.
According to Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspicious Persons and Criminal Phenomena Department, the suspect approached drivers of high-end vehicles in parking areas and at traffic intersections. He allegedly presented himself as destitute, appealing to motorists’ compassion by claiming he had no means to provide food for himself.
Al Shamsi cautioned residents against handing over money in response to emotional appeals. He said individuals engaged in begging frequently rely on invented narratives and calculated methods to draw sympathy, often positioning themselves near mosque entrances, healthcare facilities, commercial centers, and busy streets to maximize attention.
He urged members of the public to avoid engaging with such individuals and instead report incidents through the police contact center at 901 or via the “Police Eye” feature available on the Dubai Police smart application.
Al Shamsi also underscored that financial assistance in the UAE is available through recognized government bodies and charitable institutions, adding that falsely claiming hardship to solicit funds constitutes an offense punishable under federal anti-begging legislation.
