DUBAI — Dubai Police arrested a beggar found carrying Dh20,000 in a parking lot as part of its annual Ramadan campaign against street and online begging.
Authorities said the individual was targeting owners of luxury vehicles in parking areas and at traffic signals, claiming to be in urgent need of money for food and personal expenses. The arrest was carried out under the “Combating Begging” initiative, which aims to protect the country’s public image and prevent begging-related crimes.
Targeting motorists during Ramadan
Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspicious Persons and Criminal Phenomena Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, said beggars often exploit public sympathy during Ramadan.
He noted that some individuals fabricate stories to solicit money at mosque entrances, hospitals, markets and busy streets. He urged residents not to give cash directly to beggars and instead support recognized charitable organizations and official aid channels.
Online begging and legal consequences
Dubai Police also warned against online begging scams, advising residents not to respond to suspicious donation requests circulating on websites and social media platforms.
Under Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes, online begging is a criminal offence. Article 51 stipulates that anyone who solicits money through information technology may face up to three months in prison and a fine of at least Dh10,000, or one of the two penalties.
Police urged the public to report suspected begging cases by calling 901, using the Police Eye feature on the Dubai Police smart app, or through the official e-Crime platform.
Officials said the Ramadan campaign targets both individual and organized begging networks while encouraging residents to donate through verified and lawful channels.
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