Dubai Police Warn of Organised Begging Surge During Ramadan as 1,801 Arrested Since 2021
Organised begging in Ramadan is rising again as UAE authorities warn of coordinated fraud networks exploiting generosity.
As the holy month begins, charitable giving increases sharply across the UAE. However, authorities say Ramadan also brings a predictable surge in organised begging. Officials report that some individuals enter the country on short-term visit visas to exploit public sympathy.
Dubai Police recently arrested a man in a parking area carrying Dh20,000 in cash. Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspicious Persons and Criminal Phenomena Department, said the suspect targeted motorists in luxury vehicles at traffic lights and parking areas.
“Beggars often use deceptive tactics to exploit sympathy at mosque entrances, hospitals, clinics, markets and streets,” Al Shamsi said in an official statement. He urged residents to report suspicious cases through the 901 call centre or the Police Eye feature on the Dubai Police app.
Arrests Drop Over Five Years, But Ramadan Spike Continues
Under the annual Combating Begging campaign, launched in coordination with strategic partners, enforcement has intensified over the past five years. According to official figures from Dubai Police, 1,801 beggars were arrested between 2021 and 2025.
- 458 arrests in 2021
- 318 arrests in 2022
- 499 arrests in 2023
- 320 arrests in 2024
- 206 arrests in 2025
The data shows a 70 percent drop over the five-year period. Despite the decline, Ramadan remains a peak season for violations.
During Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr in 2025 alone, Dubai Police arrested 222 beggars. Of those, 127 were detained in the first half of the month.
Other emirates reported similar patterns. In 2025, Abu Dhabi Police arrested 237 beggars, Sharjah Police 144, and Ras Al Khaimah Police 51 during the same period.
Organised Operations and Deceptive Tactics
Investigations show that many suspects operate in coordinated groups. In May 2025, Dubai Police raided a hotel and arrested 41 Arab nationals who allegedly used the property as a base for organised begging. Authorities recovered more than Dh60,000 in cash.
In other cases, police uncovered large sums concealed by individuals posing as destitute. Officers once found Dh25,000 hidden under a prayer mat. In an earlier case, Dh300,000 was discovered inside an artificial limb.
Police have also warned about so-called “salaried beggars.” Authorities say some individuals are allegedly brought into the country and paid to solicit money by faking illness or disability.
A common tactic involves approaching drivers with a heavily bandaged arm and a medical prescription, claiming a workplace injury. Police say these injuries are often fabricated. Others attach fake IV tubes to simulate serious illness.
Another recurring method involves the “stranded family” story. Drivers in vehicles with neighbouring country plates claim they have run out of fuel or food money. Authorities say such approaches increase during Ramadan.
The tactics leave many residents unsure whom to trust. “It looked so real, I gave him Dh100 without thinking,” said Dubai resident Ayesha Alam. “Now I keep my windows up.”
Sharjah resident Nazia Khan recalled a more serious encounter several years ago. She said a beggar allegedly superglued her car doors after she refused to give money outside a fast-food outlet on Al Ittihad Road.
“He was limping and asking for money. I had seen similar injury claims before and chose to ignore him,” she said. Petrol station attendants later forced the doors open.
Rise of Online Begging Cases
Authorities have also reported a rise in digital solicitation. In 2024, around 1,200 online begging cases were detected across the UAE.
Under Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumours and Cybercrimes, online begging can lead to jail terms of up to three months and fines starting from Dh10,000. The full law is available through the UAE Government portal.
Police continue to urge residents to channel donations through licensed charities instead of giving cash directly. Officials say structured charity ensures help reaches those in genuine need while preventing organised fraud networks from benefiting.
