Dubai Police steps up crackdown on begging scams

Dubai Police has rolled out its annual "Combat Begging" campaign, running throughout Ramadan.

The initiative, under the slogan 'A Conscious Society, Free of Beggars', aims to tackle both individual and organized begging, raise awareness, and encourage donations only through official charity channels.

Over the past five years, Dubai Police have arrested 2,085 beggars (384 in 2024, 499 in 2023, 318 in 2022, 458 in 2021 and 426 in 2020).

The offence is punishable with penalties including a AED 5,000 fine and up to three months in prison.

Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Anti-Social Crimes Department, said that many beggars exploit people's generosity with deceptive tactics, such as using children, the elderly, or fake medical emergencies to solicit donations.

The campaign also targets digital begging, including online scams for fake medical emergencies and fraudulent charity projects.

Dubai Police urged the public to report any suspicious activity via the 901 hotline, the 'Police Eye' service on the Dubai Police app, or the E-crime platform for online scams.

#News | Dubai Police Targets Begging Scams with Annual Ramadan Awareness Campaign

Details:https://t.co/MYMROUIzTe#CombatBegging#RamadanInDubai pic.twitter.com/vybdxZZ9Qs

— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) February 27, 2025