Dubai Police have uncovered new cases of begging in the emirate involving large amounts of cash and individuals who were not financially distressed, as authorities intensified their annual crackdown ahead of Ramadan.
Speaking to Gulf News on Thursday, Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department, said recent arrests show how some individuals exploit public sympathy to generate significant income.
Among the cases highlighted was the arrest of a resident who was caught begging despite owning three luxury vehicles.
In another incident, police apprehended an Asian man who had been soliciting money near mosques and residential areas while carrying his two-year-old baby in an attempt to gain sympathy. Authorities later found he was carrying nearly Dh20,000 in cash in various foreign currencies, an amount believed to have been collected within only a few days. He had entered the UAE on a visit visa and was referred to Dubai Public Prosecution.
Police also reported the arrest of another beggar in one of Dubai’s markets just three days ago. The man was found sitting on the ground with a mat in front of him, and officers discovered more than Dh25,000 hidden underneath it.
Captain Ammar Tariq from the Criminal and Investigation Department told Gulf News that police have also been monitoring organised begging involving families, particularly those from Asian nationalities, who were allegedly exploiting children. He said some of the children involved were between 13 and 14 years old and were not enrolled in school, despite being legal residents. According to Tariq, some of these children could not even write their own names, describing the situation as a serious injustice. He said they were apprehended and deported.
Tariq added that authorities have also observed families entering the country with the intention of begging, including those involving individuals with disabilities. He said the youngest beggar arrested was seven years old and was with his family.
Dubai Police said the penalty for organised begging can reach up to 10 years in prison.
As part of the Ramadan campaign, Captain Tariq reported a major decline in begging incidents, estimating a 70 per cent drop compared to last year. Brigadier Al Shamsi said around 90 per cent of those arrested are visitors who arrive during Ramadan seeking quick money, adding that they rely on the UAE’s reputation for generosity.
Authorities said Dubai has been divided into zones for intensified patrols, particularly in areas where begging is commonly reported. The campaign is being conducted in coordination with Dubai Municipality, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority, and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.
Police also warned residents about online begging and fraudulent donation requests circulating on social media, including appeals claiming to raise funds for mosque construction abroad or to support sick and disabled individuals.
“Most beggars consider this their profession,” Al Shamsi told Gulf News. “Do not sympathise with them. Instead, donate through recognised charitable organisations.”
Under Federal Law No. 9 of 2018 on Anti-Begging, those caught begging face a Dh5,000 fine and up to three months in jail. Individuals running organised groups or recruiting beggars from abroad face at least six months in prison and fines starting from Dh100,000.
Dubai Police urged residents to report suspected beggars through the 901 call centre, the Police Eye service on the Dubai Police app, or the e-Crime platform.
Dubai Police recorded 1,801 begging cases over the past five years, including 458 in 2021, 318 in 2022, 499 in 2023, 320 in 2024, and 206 last year.
