Dubai Police Arrest Man with Dh20,000 During Ramadan Begging Crackdown
DUBAI-22-02-2026 Dubai authorities have stepped up their efforts to curb illegal Ramadan begging activities across the city during the holy month of Ramadan, resulting in the arrest of a man found with 20,000 UAE dirhams (approximately USD 5,400) in cash. The incident highlights broader concerns among law enforcement about fraudulent solicitation and the exploitation of public generosity during the period of increased charitable giving.
Targeting Fraud, Not Genuine Hardship
Dubai Police, in coordination with multiple government bodies, have intensified combating begging operations as part of an annual campaign that runs throughout Ramadan. Officers said they apprehended the suspect in a public car park after observing his behaviour and discovering the significant amount of cash on him.
According to police statements, the man was travelling throughout the city on a bicycle, positioning himself at traffic lights and parking areas, especially near luxury cars. He would reportedly approach drivers, claim to be in hardship and plead for money — tactics authorities say are commonly used by fraudulent beggars.
Dubai Police Ramadan Begging Crackdown: What Public Need to Know
Brigadier Ali Al Shamsi of Dubai Police urged the public not to give money to individuals soliciting cash on the streets, particularly during Ramadan, when many people are more inclined to help those they believe are in need. Police emphasized that fabricated stories and emotional appeals are often used to manipulate generosity for dishonest gain.
Authorities have repeatedly warned residents that tempting as it may be to help, begging is illegal in the UAE. Under federal law, those caught begging face up to three months in jail and fines of up to Dh5,000.
Officials stressed that official charity organisations are the appropriate channel for donations during Ramadan, ensuring support reaches genuine recipients through legal and structured means.
Coordinated Crackdown and Broader Trend
The arrest forms part of a larger, coordinated effort involving:
- Dubai Police
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai
- Roads and Transport Authority
- Dubai Municipality
- Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department
- Al Ameen service
These agencies are working together to patrol hotspots and remove unauthorized solicitation across busy urban zones.
In previous years, such operations have led to hundreds of arrests. For example, Dubai Police reported making 127 arrests in the first two weeks of Ramadan last year, with 384 beggars apprehended in 2024 and 499 in 2023, according to official figures.
Growing Concerns Over Begging Exploitation
This crackdown reflects a continuing concern by UAE authorities that some individuals and groups may seek to exploit the spirit of Ramadan to profit from compassionate residents and visitors. In recent years, similar cases have surfaced:
- Police have found beggars with large sums of cash hidden under prayer mats or on their person.
- Some individuals claiming to be in need were later found to own multiple luxury vehicles or other signs of wealth.
- Authorities also warn about the rise in online begging scams, where fraudulent pleas for donations circulate on social media and websites, urging residents to contribute money that never reaches genuine beneficiaries. Such activity is also considered unlawful under UAE cybercrime laws.
Public Participation and Reporting
Dubai Police encourage the community to assist in enforcement by reporting suspicious begging activities via:
- The 901 hotline
- The Police Eye service on the Dubai Police app
- The e-crime reporting platform