Dubai Police arrest 26 beggars during first week of Ramadan|LAGOS EYE NEWS

Police in Dubai say they have arrested 26 0 of various nationalities during the first week of Ramadan, a day after warning that begging is a crime punishable by law.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Dubai Police said the arrests were carried out by its Suspicious Persons and Criminal Phenomena Department in cooperation with police stations across the emirate.

The campaign, titled “An Aware Society Without Begging”, is being conducted in partnership with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.

Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, director of the department, said the initiative had contributed to a steady decline in begging cases in recent years.

“Thanks to firm legal action against apprehended beggars, the campaign has led to a steady yearly decline in begging cases, with 26 beggars of various nationalities arrested in the first week of Ramadan,” he said.

He warned that some individuals attempt to exploit the charitable spirit associated with Ramadan by using children, sick people or people of determination to elicit sympathy and financial support.

“Beggars often exploit the spirit of compassion during Ramadan for illegal gains, using tactics that include involving children, the sick, and people of determination to evoke sympathy,” Brigadier Al Shamsi added.

Police urged members of the public not to engage with such practices, saying several cases involving these methods had already been detected.

Authorities reminded residents that begging is punishable by a fine of AED 5,000 (approximately $1,360) and up to three months’ imprisonment under UAE law.

They advised people wishing to give charity to do so through recognised non-profit organisations to ensure support reaches those in genuine need.

Members of the public can report suspected cases of begging by calling the toll-free number 901, using the “Police Eye” service on the Dubai Police app, or through the “e-Crime” platform, the statement added.