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3/15/24, 1:23 PM Dubai Police Arrests 17 Beggars on the First Day of Ramadan – UAE BARQ
Dubai Police Arrests 17 Beggars on the First Day

of Ramadan

3 days ago News

In a coordinated effort between the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department of the General
Department of Criminal Investigation and Dubai police stations, 17 beggars were arrested across Dubai on

the first day of Ramadan.

The crackdown is part of the ‘Fight Begging’ campaign launched by the Dubai Police in collaboration with

strategic partners, including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, Dubai
Municipality, and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, aimed at preserving the emirate’s
civilised image by combating and preventing begging.

The director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department in the General Department of Criminal
Investigation at Dubai Police, Colonel Ali Salem Al Shamsi, stated that the anti-begging campaign is among

the successful initiatives conducted in partnership with stakeholders, contributing to a yearly reduction in the
number of beggars due to strict and decisive actions against offenders. “The first day of Ramadan saw the
arrest of 17 individuals, including 13 males and four females,” he said.

Al Shamsi confirmed that Dubai Police annually devises a comprehensive security plan to combat begging,
intensifying patrols where beggars are likely to be found. He further highlighted that begging threatens

community security, tarnishes the country’s image, and degrades its civilised appearance. He mentioned
that begging is linked to severe outcomes, such as committing crimes like theft and exploiting children, the

sick, and people with disabilities for illicit gains.

“Official entities and charitable organisations are available for those in need of financial assistance or

services like “Iftar for the Fasting,” he explained.

Al Shamsi further highlighted that begging is an illegal act punishable by Federal Law No. 9 of 2018 on
Combating Begging. He also urged community members to contribute to preventing begging by donating to

charitable organisations, ensuring their contributions reach the deserving poor and needy rather than
inadvertently promoting crimes associated with begging.

Moreover, Al Shamsi advised against responding to beggars’ pleas or interacting with them based on pity
and encouraged reporting beggars immediately via the contact centre (901) or the “Police Eye” service on

Dubai Police’s smart App.

https://www.uaebarq.ae/en/2024/03/12/dubai-police-arrests-17-beggars-on-the-first-day-of-ramadan/ 1/2