Dubai, April 4, 2025 – In a sweeping move to curb begging and fraudulent activities, Dubai Police arrested 222 individuals throughout the holy month of Ramadan and the subsequent Eidul Fitr holidays, authorities confirmed on Friday. The arrests are part of a broader initiative to tackle street begging and deceptive practices that exploit public generosity during this period of heightened charity.
Colonel Ahmad Al Adidi, acting director of the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena, reported that 33 of the apprehended beggars were detained specifically during the Eidul Fitr celebrations. “This is a time when families come together, and unfortunately, some exploit this spirit of giving,” he said. Among the cases uncovered were schemes involving children, individuals posing as disabled, and fabricated sob stories designed to tug at heartstrings. Notably, several women were caught begging with young children in tow, a tactic police say is often used to evoke sympathy.
To address this persistent issue, Dubai authorities rolled out the “Fight Begging” campaign, a collaborative effort involving the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), and the Al Ameen Service. Under the banner “An Aware Society, Free of Begging,” the campaign seeks to dismantle begging networks while educating residents about the legal and social ramifications of such activities.
Captain Abdullah Khamis, head of the Anti-Begging Section, emphasized the dual purpose of the initiative. “We’re not just arresting offenders; we’re working to shift public perception,” he explained. “Begging isn’t just illegal—it undermines the integrity of genuine charitable efforts.” The campaign has also taken aim at online scams, including fraudulent crowdfunding appeals for nonexistent causes like overseas mosque construction or emergency aid. Khamis urged residents to channel their donations through verified organizations, saying, “This ensures your generosity reaches those who truly need it.”
The crackdown revealed a range of tactics employed by beggars. Some used counterfeit medical documents to claim urgent healthcare needs, while others leveraged social media to amplify their pleas. In one striking instance, a group was found coordinating via encrypted messaging apps to target busy shopping districts during Eid. “These are organized efforts, not random acts,” Khamis noted.
Dubai’s legal framework leaves no ambiguity: begging is a crime in the UAE, carrying a Dh5,000 fine and up to three months in jail. Penalties escalate for those running begging rings or smuggling people into the country for the purpose—offenses that can lead to six months behind bars and a Dh100,000 fine. Unauthorized fundraising, meanwhile, risks fines as high as Dh500,000. “The law is clear, and we’re enforcing it rigorously,” Colonel Al Adidi affirmed.
Public participation is a cornerstone of the campaign’s strategy. Authorities are encouraging residents to report suspicious activity through the Dubai Police smart app’s “Police Eye” feature or the E-Crime platform at. “Community vigilance is our first line of defense,” Khamis said, adding that tips from citizens have already led to several arrests.
The initiative reflects Dubai’s broader commitment to maintaining order and protecting its reputation as a hub of prosperity and security. “We want a society where help is given through proper channels, not exploited on the streets,” Al Adidi concluded. As Ramadan and Eid celebrations wind down, police say they’ll maintain heightened patrols to deter would-be offenders.
For now, the message to residents is simple: give wisely, report promptly, and help keep Dubai’s streets free of deception. With 222 arrests already notched, the “Fight Begging” campaign is proving it’s more than just a slogan—it’s a call to action.
