Dubai Police Arrest 41 Individuals for Organized Begging Operations
The group was apprehended in a hotel and found to possess over Dh60,000; authorities continue to combat begging in the emirate.
Dubai Police have arrested 41 individuals of Arab nationality suspected of operating an organized begging ring from a hotel in the emirate.
The operation, which took place during a targeted security initiative dubbed Al-Misbah, led to the recovery of more than Dh60,000 from the suspects.
All individuals arrested had entered the UAE on visit visas and were using the hotel as their base.
The crackdown began following a report received via the 901 call centre concerning individuals observed begging while selling prayer beads and other accessories.
Responding to the tip-off, police initiated surveillance and soon arrested three individuals selling these items and soliciting money from passersby.
Upon interrogation, these suspects disclosed their involvement in a larger organized group.
Subsequently, authorities coordinated with hotel management, leading to the arrest of an additional 28 suspects.
A further 10 individuals were apprehended the following day as they attempted to vacate the hotel premises.
The apprehended individuals admitted to running an organized begging operation, and they have been referred to the relevant legal authorities for further action.
This operation is part of Dubai Police’s broader ‘Combat Begging’ campaign, which aims to deter begging and raise public awareness about the issue.
The campaign is conducted in collaboration with various strategic partners and emphasizes a societal approach to prevent begging in the emirate, promoting a message of community responsibility in charitable giving.
Dubai Police have advised the public to direct donations solely through licensed charitable organizations to ensure that assistance reaches those most in need.
They have also encouraged immediate reporting of any begging activities through multiple channels, including the toll-free number 901 and the Dubai Police smart app's 'Police Eye' feature, as well as through the E-Crime platform.
The 'Combat Begging' initiative is part of an annual security plan that includes heightened police patrols in potential begging hotspots.
Authorities remain vigilant against the evolving tactics used by beggars, particularly during religious occasions and holidays when begging often increases due to heightened public sympathy.
In the UAE, begging is considered a criminal offence, punishable by up to three months in prison and fines that can reach Dh5,000.
For those involved in organized begging operations, sentences can be longer, with minimum jail terms of six months and fines of Dh10,000.
According to official figures, Dubai Police arrested 384 beggars in 2022, with 499 arrests recorded in 2023. In total, over 2,085 beggars have been apprehended in the emirate in the preceding five years.
The operation, which took place during a targeted security initiative dubbed Al-Misbah, led to the recovery of more than Dh60,000 from the suspects.
All individuals arrested had entered the UAE on visit visas and were using the hotel as their base.
The crackdown began following a report received via the 901 call centre concerning individuals observed begging while selling prayer beads and other accessories.
Responding to the tip-off, police initiated surveillance and soon arrested three individuals selling these items and soliciting money from passersby.
Upon interrogation, these suspects disclosed their involvement in a larger organized group.
Subsequently, authorities coordinated with hotel management, leading to the arrest of an additional 28 suspects.
A further 10 individuals were apprehended the following day as they attempted to vacate the hotel premises.
The apprehended individuals admitted to running an organized begging operation, and they have been referred to the relevant legal authorities for further action.
This operation is part of Dubai Police’s broader ‘Combat Begging’ campaign, which aims to deter begging and raise public awareness about the issue.
The campaign is conducted in collaboration with various strategic partners and emphasizes a societal approach to prevent begging in the emirate, promoting a message of community responsibility in charitable giving.
Dubai Police have advised the public to direct donations solely through licensed charitable organizations to ensure that assistance reaches those most in need.
They have also encouraged immediate reporting of any begging activities through multiple channels, including the toll-free number 901 and the Dubai Police smart app's 'Police Eye' feature, as well as through the E-Crime platform.
The 'Combat Begging' initiative is part of an annual security plan that includes heightened police patrols in potential begging hotspots.
Authorities remain vigilant against the evolving tactics used by beggars, particularly during religious occasions and holidays when begging often increases due to heightened public sympathy.
In the UAE, begging is considered a criminal offence, punishable by up to three months in prison and fines that can reach Dh5,000.
For those involved in organized begging operations, sentences can be longer, with minimum jail terms of six months and fines of Dh10,000.
According to official figures, Dubai Police arrested 384 beggars in 2022, with 499 arrests recorded in 2023. In total, over 2,085 beggars have been apprehended in the emirate in the preceding five years.
