Dubai launches anti-begging campaign before Ramadan

Police patrols will be intensified and people are urged to report beggars to authorities

Dubai Police launched a crackdown on beggars preying on the generosity of the public during Ramadan this year. 

Dubai Police launched a campaign to curb begging during Ramadan.

The campaign is being organised under the slogan, "Begging is misunderstood for compassion".

Many beggars try to deceive people by appealing to their emotions during the holy month.

Police patrols will be intensified and people are urged to report beggars by calling 901 or via the police app.

“Begging is bad for society,” said Brig Jamal Al Jalaf, director of the Criminal Investigation Department.

“It can lead to theft or the exploitation of children and disabled people.

“People should use official charitable organisations to help the needy.”

Last year, more than 120 beggars were arrested during Ramadan.

In 2019, 85 men and 43 women were arrested, a majority of whom came to the Emirates to beg during Ramadan.

A woman was caught after she made more than $50,000 by begging on Facebook.

Officials said she posed as a divorced woman on social media and posted pictures of her children. Investigations revealed that the children lived with their father.