Dubai Police arrested nine individuals for begging across the city on the first day of Ramadan as part of an ongoing campaign to combat the practice and protect the community from related crimes.
The arrests—consisting of five men and four women—were carried out through coordinated efforts between the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department and Dubai police stations.
The anti-begging drive falls under the “A Conscious Society, Free of Beggars” campaign, launched in partnership with several government bodies, including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Municipality, and the Roads and Transport Authority.
Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department at Dubai Police, confirmed that patrols have been intensified in areas where beggars are commonly found, especially during the holy month.
“The first day of Ramadan saw the arrest of nine individuals,” Al Shamsi said, adding that Dubai Police are consistently monitoring new tactics used by beggars to ensure the community is safeguarded.
Al Shamsi also warned the public against falling for emotional schemes that take advantage of people’s generosity during Ramadan. “Several cases have been reported of women begging while accompanied by children,” he noted.
The campaign targets both street and online begging, including fraudulent donation requests for charitable causes.
Dubai Police urged residents to avoid giving money to beggars and instead report incidents through their contact center at 901, the “Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police smart app, or the “E-crime” platform for online cases.
“Official entities and charitable organisations are available for those needing financial assistance,” Al Shamsi said, reminding the public that help is best provided through verified channels.
