Dubai Police have arrested 222 beggars throughout Ramadan and the Eid Al Fitr holidays as part of a concerted effort to curb begging and fraudulent activities in the city. The arrests come as part of the ongoing campaign against begging, which has been increasingly linked to deceptive tactics, especially during the charitable month of Ramadan and festive periods like Eid.
Colonel Ahmad Al Adidi, acting director of the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena, revealed that 33 of the 222 beggars were apprehended during the Eid Al Fitr holidays alone. Many of those arrested were involved in fraudulent activities, exploiting the generous spirit of Ramadan and Eid by using children, feigning disabilities, or fabricating medical conditions to elicit sympathy and financial donations.
The Dubai Police emphasized that women begging with children was a common tactic used by individuals seeking alms. The authorities have been vigilant in addressing these deceptive practices and making the public aware of the illegal nature of street begging and online solicitation. 
To tackle this issue, the ‘Fight Begging’ campaign, launched in collaboration with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Municipality, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), and Al Ameen Service, continues to gain momentum. The campaign’s primary focus is not only to reduce begging but also to raise awareness about the illegality and dangers of both street and online begging.
Captain Abdullah Khamis, head of the Anti-Begging Section, highlighted the widespread issue of fake fundraising, including fabricated appeals for mosque construction or humanitarian causes. These deceptive tactics, he said, aim to exploit the public’s goodwill.
Captain Khamis urged residents and visitors to donate only through official, authorized charities, ensuring that contributions directly benefit those in need. The public is also encouraged to report beggars by contacting Dubai Police at 901, using the “Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police smart app, or reporting online begging cases through the E-Crime platform at www.ecrime.ae.
Begging is illegal in the UAE and is punishable by a Dh5,000 fine and up to three months in prison. Additionally, individuals found guilty of running a begging ring or recruiting people to beg from abroad can face up to six months in jail and a Dh100,000 fine. Unauthorized fundraising activities also attract heavy penalties, with fines of up to Dh500,000.
The initiative aims to eliminate begging from Dubai’s streets and ensure that public donations are properly channeled to those who truly need help.
