Dubai Police has launched its annual “Combat Begging” initiative ahead of Ramadan to tackle both street and online begging scams. The campaign, themed “A Conscious Society, Free of Beggars,” aims to eradicate begging, raise awareness, and direct donations to official charities.  In 2024, 384 beggars were arrested, with authorities revealing that 99% treat begging as a profession. Many employ deceptive tactics, such as exploiting vulnerable individuals or falsely claiming to raise funds for mosques or medical needs. The campaign urges the public to donate only through official charities and warns against the risks of digital scams. Begging is illegal in the UAE, with penalties including a Dh5,000 fine and up to three months in prison. Stricter penalties apply to organised begging and unauthorised fundraising. In collaboration with key agencies like the RTA, Dubai Municipality, and IACAD, Dubai Police aims to curb begging during a time when generosity is heightened. Over the past five years, Dubai Police arrested 2,085 beggars: Exploiting Ramadan’s Spirit: Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi warns that beggars exploit Ramadan’s compassion, using tactics like: “We’ve seen many women using children to manipulate emotions,” stated Brigadier Al Shamsi. Combating street and online begging: The campaign targets: Donations should only […]