Kamal Ghorui
Authorities in Dubai have intensified their annual anti-begging campaign during Ramadan, with Dubai Police announcing the arrest of 37 beggars of various nationalities in the second week of the holy month. The arrests are part of an ongoing enforcement drive aimed at preventing individuals from exploiting the spirit of charity that traditionally marks Ramadan.Officials said the arrests were carried out by the Suspicious Persons and Criminal Phenomena Department within the General Department of Criminal Investigation, working in coordination with police stations across the emirate. The operation forms part of the annual “Combat Begging” campaign, a coordinated initiative designed to tackle illegal solicitation and raise awareness about proper channels for charitable giving.
Begging crackdown intensifies in Dubai during Ramadan 2026
Ramadan is a time when Muslims across the world increase charitable donations and acts of generosity. However, authorities say some individuals exploit this period by appealing to public sympathy in order to collect money illegally.According to Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the department overseeing the operation, the campaign aims to curb such practices and preserve the city’s safety and social order. Police have observed that beggars frequently use emotionally manipulative tactics to attract donations, including involving children, people with disabilities or individuals pretending to be ill in order to gain sympathy.Authorities say the initiative has helped reduce begging cases over the years as enforcement becomes stricter and public awareness improves. The 37 arrests in the second week add to earlier detentions made during the first days of Ramadan. During the first week alone, 26 beggars were arrested in the emirate as part of the same campaign, highlighting the scale of enforcement efforts.
Dubai Police step up crackdown as beggars target Ramadan generosity
Cases uncovered during the crackdown show that some individuals involved in begging may not actually be in financial distress. In one widely reported case earlier in the campaign, authorities arrested a beggar who was found to own three luxury cars, illustrating how organised begging can sometimes be used as a lucrative activity.In another incident, a suspect detained during Ramadan was discovered carrying thousands of dirhams collected in a short period of time, reinforcing police warnings that public generosity can sometimes be exploited.
Wider UAE crackdown on begging
The campaign is not limited to Dubai. Authorities across the United Arab Emirates have stepped up patrols and inspections during Ramadan as part of a broader effort to curb begging and related scams. For example, police in Ras Al Khaimah arrested 19 beggars during the early days of Ramadan, including one suspect who reportedly collected Dh11,000 in a single day.Similarly, law enforcement in Sharjah reported arresting 95 individuals involved in begging since the beginning of Ramadan, demonstrating a nationwide effort to address the issue.
Strict penalties under UAE law
Begging is considered a criminal offence under UAE law. Individuals caught begging may face up to three months in prison and fines starting from Dh5,000, or both. Penalties are even harsher for organised begging networks or those who recruit others to beg, with possible jail sentences of six months or more and fines reaching Dh100,000.
Dubai’s message this Ramadan: Donate to charities, not beggars
Authorities have also warned about online begging, where individuals solicit money through social media or messaging platforms. Such digital appeals can fall under cybercrime laws and carry additional penalties if they involve misleading claims or fraudulent fundraising.
UAE public urged to donate through official charities
Police have urged residents and visitors not to give money directly to beggars and instead support licensed charitable organisations that can ensure donations reach people genuinely in need. Officials also encouraged the public to report begging incidents through official channels, including the police hotline 901, the “Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police app, or the eCrime platform for cases involving online solicitation.Authorities emphasise that the goal of the crackdown is not only law enforcement but also the protection of the true spirit of Ramadan. By preventing exploitation of charitable impulses, officials hope to ensure that donations go to legitimate humanitarian causes rather than organised or deceptive begging operations.With patrols continuing throughout the holy month, police say additional arrests may follow as they maintain heightened surveillance across busy public areas, mosques, markets and residential neighbourhoods.
