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Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Gulf Today
Dubai Police arrest organised begging ring of 41 suspects residing in hotel
Dubai Police arrested 41 people who were part of an organised begging ring in Dubai. The police said 41 individuals of Arab nationality who were residing in a hotel in Dubai. The arrests were part of a targeted security operation codenamed Al-Misbah (Arabic for 'prayer bead'), carried out by the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena at the General Department of Criminal Investigation. Dubai Police confirmed that all gang members were living in the same hotel, which they used as a base for their organised begging activities. More than Dhs60,000 was found in their possession. This operation falls within the force's 'Combat Begging' campaign, launched under the slogan 'A Conscious Society, Free of Begging', in cooperation with strategic partners. The anti-begging drive seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of begging and promote the UAE's civilised image by preventing and combating all forms of this practice. Case Details The operation began following a report received through the 901 call centre about individuals seen begging while selling prayer beads and accessories. Upon receiving the tip-off, the Monitoring and Analysis Section began surveillance of the location and observed three Arab individuals selling these items and asking for money from the public. They were arrested on the spot. During questioning, the suspects confessed to being part of a larger organised begging ring. They had entered the UAE on visit visas and were residing in a hotel. In coordination with hotel management, 28 suspects of the same nationality were arrested. The following day, 10 more were apprehended as they attempted to leave the hotel. All admitted to operating as an organised group for begging and were referred to the relevant authorities for legal action. Intensified Patrols and Preventive Plans Dubai Police affirmed that the 'Combat Begging' campaign, launched annually in coordination with strategic partners, continues to effectively reduce the number of beggars yearly, thanks to the strict measures enforced against offenders. The force noted that a comprehensive annual security plan is implemented to combat begging, including increased patrols in areas where such activity is likely to occur. Dubai Police also monitor the evolving methods used by beggars to develop proactive strategies to counter them. The force warned that beggars often exploit religious occasions and holidays to provoke sympathy through professional and deceitful means—an act considered a criminal offence under UAE law. Dubai Police has reminded the public to contribute to charitable causes only through licensed associations and official channels to ensure donations reach those truly in need. The force also urged community members to report any begging activity by calling the toll-free number 901, using the 'Police Eye' feature on the Dubai Police smart app, or reporting online begging via the E-Crime platform ( ).
Filipino Times
07-04-2025
- Filipino Times
Over 200 beggars caught in Dubai during Ramadan and Eid
Dubai Police arrested more than 200 individuals for begging during the holy month of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr holidays, in an effort to combat the illegal practice across the emirate. In a statement, the General Department of Criminal Investigation revealed that a total of 222 beggars of various nationalities were apprehended. Of this number, 33 were caught during the Eid holiday period. The arrests were made under the ongoing 'Combat Begging' initiative, which aims to eliminate the practice through increased public awareness and firm enforcement. Colonel Ahmad Al Adidi, Acting Director of the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena, noted that the campaign's success is largely due to the proactive deployment of patrols and strict legal consequences. He also warned the public that many individuals take advantage of the generous spirit of Ramadan by faking illnesses or using children to garner sympathy. Begging is a criminal offense in the UAE, punishable by imprisonment of up to three months and a fine of AED 5,000. Meanwhile, Captain Abdullah Khamis, Head of the Anti-Begging Section, highlighted that the campaign targets not only street-level begging but also modern forms such as electronic and online begging, which often involve fake donation drives or fundraising for non-existent causes. 'The campaign's core objective is to protect society from crimes related to both street and online begging and uphold the UAE's reputation as a civilised and secure nation,' he said in a news release.
Dubai Eye
05-04-2025
- Dubai Eye
Dubai Police arrests 222 beggars during Ramadan, Eid
Dubai Police announced on Friday it arrested 222 beggars during Ramadan and Eid, after a campaign was launched under the slogan 'An Aware Society, Free of Begging,' in partnership with other government entities. Thirty-three beggars were detained during Eid and the rest during the holy month of Ramadan. The Head of the Anti-Begging Section, Captain Abdullah Khamis, said the campaign includes electronic begins, fake fundraising for foreign mosque construction, and fabricated humanitarian appeals. 'The campaign's core objective is to protect society from crimes related to both street and online begging and uphold the UAE's reputation as a civilised and secure nation,' he said. The authority said many beggars exploit the festive seasons and resort to fraudulent tactics, including using children and individuals with disabilities, or fabricated medical conditions to gain sympathy. Multiple cases involving women begging with children have been recorded, according to Dubai Police. Colonel Ahmad Al Adidi, Acting Director of the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena, said professional and organised begging practices are criminal offences punishable by law, especially when conducted in places of worship or during religious celebrations. 'The campaign's core objective is to protect society from crimes related to both street and online begging and uphold the UAE's reputation as a civilised and secure nation,' he said. The authority encouraged community members to report beggars by calling 901, using the 'Police Eye' feature on the Dubai Police smart app, or reporting online begging cases via the E-Crime platform.
Express Tribune
04-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Dubai police arrest 222 beggars during Ramadan, Eid crackdown
Listen to article Dubai police have arrested 222 beggars throughout Ramadan and the Eidul Fitr holidays as part of an ongoing crackdown on begging and related fraudulent activities, the authority announced on Friday. Colonel Ahmad Al Adidi, acting director of the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena, revealed that 33 of those apprehended were caught specifically during the Eidul Fitr celebrations. These included involving children, people with disabilities, or fabricating medical conditions to gain sympathy. Several cases involved women begging with children, the authorities noted. In response to the issue, Dubai launched the "Fight Begging" campaign, partnering with various authorities including 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. The campaign carries the slogan "An Aware Society, Free of Begging." Captain Abdullah Khamis, head of the Anti-Begging Section, explained that the initiative aims to not only combat begging but also raise awareness about its dangers and illegality, both on the streets and online. The campaign also targeted fraudulent fundraising efforts, such as fake appeals for foreign mosque construction and other fabricated humanitarian causes. Khamis urged the public to donate only through official charitable organisations to ensure their contributions reach those who genuinely need help. He also called on the community to report beggars via the Dubai Police smart app, using the 'Police Eye' feature, or through the E-Crime platform at In the UAE, begging is a criminal offense, punishable by a fine of Dh5,000 and up to three months in prison. Operating a begging gang or recruiting people from abroad to beg can result in a six-month jail term and a Dh100,000 fine. Raising funds without proper permits is subject to fines up to Dh500,000.
TAG 91.1
04-04-2025
- TAG 91.1
Dubai Police arrests 222 beggars during Ramadan, Eid
Dubai Police announced on Friday it arrested 222 beggars during Ramadan and Eid, after a campaign was launched under the slogan 'An Aware Society, Free of Begging,' in partnership with other government entities. Thirty-three beggars were detained during Eid and the rest during the holy month of Ramadan. The Head of the Anti-Begging Section, Captain Abdullah Khamis, said the campaign includes electronic begins, fake fundraising for foreign mosque construction, and fabricated humanitarian appeals. 'The campaign's core objective is to protect society from crimes related to both street and online begging and uphold the UAE's reputation as a civilised and secure nation,' he said. The authority said many beggars exploit the festive seasons and resort to fraudulent tactics, including using children and individuals with disabilities, or fabricated medical conditions to gain sympathy. Multiple cases involving women begging with children have been recorded, according to Dubai Police. Colonel Ahmad Al Adidi, Acting Director of the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena, said professional and organised begging practices are criminal offences punishable by law, especially when conducted in places of worship or during religious celebrations. 'The campaign's core objective is to protect society from crimes related to both street and online begging and uphold the UAE's reputation as a civilised and secure nation,' he said. The authority encouraged community members to report beggars by calling 901, using the 'Police Eye' feature on the Dubai Police smart app, or reporting online begging cases via the E-Crime platform.
