Dubai Police have intensified their efforts to combat the phenomenon of begging, a practice that peaks during the month of Ramadan.

In 2024, police reported apprehending 384 beggars, highlighting the need for community cooperation to address this seasonal issue effectively.

Colonel Ahmed Al Aidi, acting director of the Criminal Investigation Department, indicated that these successes were made possible by advanced policing capabilities and community awareness programs aimed at curbing begging's negative impact on societal stability.

In the first half of Ramadan alone, authorities detained 127 beggars who were found in possession of over 50,000 dirhams.

This crackdown coincides with a growing trend where community members are shifting their charitable donations towards official channels such as registered charities, as opposed to giving directly to beggars.

Many of the arrested individuals employed innovative tactics to elicit sympathy, including one case where an Asian male donned women's clothing to increase community empathy.

In another instance, a beggar was discovered with 42,000 dirhams, and yet another was apprehended with 65,000 dirhams.

Authorities also reported instances where beggars feigned disabilities to solicit money, despite leading stable lives, including transferring funds to family members.

Lieutenant Abdullah Khames Al Naqbi, head of the Begging Prevention Department, emphasized the importance of refraining from giving to beggars.

He noted that financial donations deter efforts to combat this issue, urging community involvement as a critical line of defense.

Various deceptive tactics employed by beggars included showcasing purported medical conditions and entering stores under the pretense of shopping before claiming to forget their wallets during checkout.

Moreover, the authorities identified a worrying trend of 'medical begging', where individuals seek medical supplies from pharmacies under false pretenses, alongside 'artistic begging' seen with street performers trying to attract monetary contributions from passersby.

Collaboration with local partners such as the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department has led to a significant decline in the begging populace, with public awareness campaigns further contributing to reduced interactions with beggars.

A sermon on the repercussions of begging was delivered at mosques during the first Friday of Ramadan, alongside community reminders about the real intentions behind beggars' solicitations.

Dubai Police have articulated a comprehensive security plan aimed at eradicating begging while enhancing public order.

This includes increased patrols in known high-incidence areas and the launch of the 'Fight Begging' campaign in conjunction with the General Department of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and municipal authorities.

The campaign aims to promote legal channels for donation and counsel the public against random acts of charity that bypass formal charity structures.

In related community efforts, the 'Hamdan Charity Iftar' initiative has distributed 4,000 meals to workers in Jebel Ali, demonstrating the city’s commitment to providing for the less fortunate through organized efforts rather than unregulated street begging.

The humanitarian campaign, part of the ongoing charity efforts, aims to strengthen social cohesion among the community.

Additionally, the city of Dubai is preparing for a range of family-centered cultural and entertainment activities in celebration of Eid al-Fitr, featuring fireworks, food experiences, and shopping promotions intended to foster a vibrant festive atmosphere.