Dubai Police are cracking down on organised begging scams this Ramadan, from fake injuries to salaried beggars and online fraud. Donate smart: give through licensed charities, not strangers on the street.
As the holy month of Ramadan begins, authorities in the United Arab Emirates are urging the public to be vigilant against organised begging and fraudulent activities that tend to rise during this period. While Ramadan is traditionally associated with increased charitable giving and community support, law enforcement officials say some individuals and groups exploit the spirit of generosity to solicit money through deceptive means.
Officials from the Dubai Police have highlighted a pattern in which certain beggars operate with tactics that authorities describe as sophisticated and misleading rather than being genuine cases of hardship. In recent weeks, the force intensified efforts as part of its annual Combating Begging campaign, a long-running initiative designed to protect residents, uphold public order, and discourage illicit fundraising that capitalises on people’s compassion.
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According to Dubai Police, many of the individuals arrested during previous Ramadan periods were found to be visitors on short-term visas, brought into the country specifically to solicit money. In one recent high-profile case, police detained a man in a car park who was carrying Dh20,000 (approx. USD 5,500) while begging from motorists, particularly targeting owners of expensive vehicles at traffic lights and parking areas.
Authorities say such individuals often prepare elaborate ruses to evoke sympathy from pretending to suffer fake injuries to fabricating stories about personal misfortune. In some instances, beggars have attached fake IV tubes to themselves, staged supposed medical prescriptions, or claimed to represent a family stranded without money for food or fuel. These approaches are designed to tug at heartstrings and prompt immediate cash handouts from bystanders.
These cases have prompted Dubai Police to urge residents not to hand out money directly to individuals in public spaces, especially when the circumstances are unclear. Instead, officials recommend that charitable giving be channelled through licensed and regulated NGOs or official charity organisations, which can ensure that donations reach genuinely needy recipients.
Investigations carried out in recent years indicate that begging in the UAE is often not an isolated activity but part of a larger, coordinated effort involving multiple participants. Last year, a police raid on a hotel in Dubai resulted in the arrest of more than 40 individuals suspected of using the location as a base for organised begging operations. Authorities seized significant amounts of cash in that raid, underlining the scale at which these networks can operate.
Police have also encountered extraordinary cases of concealed money, including amounts hidden under prayer mats or even inside artificial limbs tactics that suggest premeditation and a willingness to deceitfully manipulate public empathy for financial gain.
Another concerning trend is the emergence of so-called “salaried beggars”, individuals who are allegedly brought into the UAE and paid to solicit donations on behalf of organised groups. These individuals may pose as homeless, injured, or destitute, yet are not genuinely in need. Such practices exploit both local residents and expatriates, especially during Ramadan, when charitable impulses are heightened.
In addition to physical street begging, authorities have noted an increase in online solicitation schemes, in which fraudsters use social media platforms, messaging apps, and fake fundraising pages to solicit contributions from unsuspecting users. Data from police reports last year showed that around 1,200 online begging cases were detected across the UAE, indicating the prevalence of digital attempts to exploit compassion, particularly during the holy month.
Under UAE federal law, engaging in online begging or using digital platforms to solicit funds without proper licensing is considered a criminal offence. Penalties may include fines beginning at Dh10,000 and possible jail terms, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities view these activities.
Dubai Police have been actively encouraging residents to stay alert and make use of the tools available to report suspicious activities. The force has promoted the use of the Police Eye feature on the Dubai Police mobile application, as well as the toll-free number 901, where members of the public can report instances of suspected begging or fraud.
These reporting mechanisms allow law enforcement to respond quickly to potential incidents, ensuring that enforcement efforts are timely and effective. Police say that community cooperation plays a crucial role in disrupting organised begging networks and preventing fraud, especially during a month when generosity and kindness are particularly prominent.
Authorities emphasise that Ramadan is a period of reflection, empathy, and charity values that are deeply ingrained in UAE society. However, they also stress that these virtues should not be exploited by individuals using deceitful practices to solicit money for personal gain. By reporting suspicious activity and directing donations through authorised channels, residents can help ensure that their generosity makes a real difference in the lives of those who truly need support.
The Combating Begging campaign, coordinated with strategic partners and reinforced through community engagement, highlights the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding both public generosity and social order. As Ramadan unfolds, police and law-enforcement partners remain vigilant in their efforts to preserve the country’s reputation as a safe, respectful, and compassionate society.
