Authorities in Dubai have taken 26 individuals into custody during the opening week of Ramadan as part of an intensified drive against street begging.
The arrests were carried out by the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena under the General Department of Criminal Investigation, working alongside police stations across the emirate. The enforcement action falls under the “Combat Begging” initiative, which operates under the slogan “An Aware Society, Without Begging.”
The campaign, supported by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai and the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai, is designed to curb the recurrence of begging, particularly during the holy month when charitable giving increases.
Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department, described the initiative as one of the department’s most impactful programmes. He said coordinated operations and firm action against offenders have helped lower the number of cases recorded annually.
According to Al Shamsi, enforcement teams pay close attention to the evolving methods used by those seeking to collect money unlawfully. He noted that some individuals attempt to exploit the heightened generosity associated with Ramadan, turning public sympathy into a source of income. Authorities have documented instances where children, people with medical conditions and individuals with disabilities were used to attract donations.
Police reiterated that contributions should be channelled through accredited charities and officially recognised institutions to ensure assistance reaches legitimate beneficiaries.
Members of the public may report suspected begging by calling 901, using the “Police Eye” service on the Dubai Police mobile application, or submitting online-related complaints through the “e-Crime” platform.
