Organised criminals coming to UAE to beg for money during Ramadan, say Dubai Police

Officers are stationed at mosques and markets across the emirate during the holy month to ward off offenders

Asking for money illegally can lead to three months in prison and a fine of Dh5,000. Jeff Topping / The National

Dubai Police have warned the public to be on the lookout for people who come to the UAE on visit visas to beg during Ramadan.

There is an increase in “begging tourism” during the holy month as criminals seek to take advantage of the generosity of UAE residents during the period, the force said.

A clampdown has already led to the arrest of a woman who exploited her baby son to collect Dh30,000 ($8,168) from members of the public.

“Another female beggar, who was involved in organised begging, was arrested and found with Dh60,000,” said Brig Ali Al Shamsi, director of the suspects and criminal phenomena department at Dubai Police.

Officers are stationed across the emirate, particularly near mosques and markets, to enforce an anti-begging campaign that runs from March 1 to April 13.

Every year, the force arrests hundreds for begging. Asking for money illegally in the UAE can result in offenders being jailed for up to three months and fined Dh5,000.

Criminal gang members involved in organised begging can receive minimum jail terms of six months and fines of Dh10,000.

Anyone asking for donations on social media without official permission can face fines of between Dh250,000 and Dh500,000, under the UAE's cyber crime laws.

Brig Al Shamsi said the force arrested 499 beggars – 342 men and 157 women – last year, up from 318 in 2022.

About 1,702 beggars have been arrested over the past four years in Dubai, according to official figures.

Of these, 99 per cent consider begging to be an occupation, said officials.

The force said that the majority of the beggars were visitors who come during Ramadan seeking easy money.

“People should not sympathise with beggars as they dupe Emiratis and residents by pretending they have a disability, a disease or have lost their jobs.”

He said most beggars exploit people's religions, generosity and charitable sentiments for personal gain.

“Dubai Police launches the anti-begging campaign annually during Ramadan as people are more inclined to give to those in need, particularly during the holy month. Beggars know that.”

Educating the public

Brig Saeed Al Qemzi, assistant director of the general directorate of investigations for criminal operations affairs at Dubai Police, said the anti-begging campaign aimed to educate the public about the dangers of begging.

“We urge members of the public to report beggars who exploit people's generosity during the holy month to collect money,” he said.

People willing to help those in need should go to verified and official charities to donate their money, to ensure that it goes to the right people, Brig Saeed Al Qemzi said.

“People shouldn't be deceived by beggars, as different crimes can result from begging – such as burglary and abusing children, [the] elderly and people of determination to raise money illegally,” he said.

“People should not show compassion to beggars' fake appearances. They must, instead, help police by reporting them.”

Struggling to pay the rent

A beggar from South Africa, who was asking strangers for money near a mosque in Dubai, told The National that he came to the emirate on a visit visa but failed to find a job.

“It is the first time I'm begging for money,” he said.

“I have rent and expenses to pay here but I ran out of money and don't have a job.

“I know it is illegal but I'm desperate and have no other options.”

The 40-year-old man claimed that he had a family back home to support.

“It is very a difficult and stressful situation. There are many people, like me, who are losing jobs. I will move around and maybe I will find a job,” he said.

“I don't want to return to my country empty-handed.”

Layla Atif, an Egyptian homemaker in Sharjah, said she used to give small amounts of cash to beggars, especially during Ramadan as part of the good deeds she performs.

“I used to give sums of cash as I like to help others in need, but after the police campaigns I decided to help them by purchasing a meal,” she said.

“Some refused and walked away, but others thanked me for the meal.”

Ms Atif, a mother of two, said she sees beggars frequently around mosques, markets and car parks.

“I ask them about their reasons for begging and they tell me different stories to stir my emotions, such as they lost their job or they don't have any money for medication,” she said.

“Usually I give them Dh5 or Dh10 but recently I decided to either buy a meal or donate the money to charity.”

Members of the public are urged to report beggars on the streets, as well as people asking for money online, to the force's call centre on 901, the Police Eye smart service or the e-crime platform.