Dubai Police catch beggar who owns 3 luxury cars, officer tells Al Khaleej newspaper
Dubai Police have caught a beggar who owns three luxury cars and admitted to amassing a fortune through asking people for money, an officer told Al Khaleej newspaper, amid an intensive anti-begging crackdown in the emirate during the holy month of Ramadan.The apprehended man, who abused the public's sympathy, used to conclude his "begging shift" in broad daylight, shedding his exhausted persona for a different appearance before driving away behind the wheel of a high-end car.The defendant utilized calculated methods to manipulate the people's emotions, relying on fabricated stories and masterfully crafted humanitarian details, delivering a daily performance no less professional than any organized profit-driven enterprise, said Brigadier Ali Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department.Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.Brigadier Al Shamsi said that 90% of the apprehended beggars entered the country on visit visas, specifically choosing Ramadan to exploit the generosity of citizens and residents. Large sums of money, estimated in the thousands of dirhams, were found in the beggars' possession. The officer further noted that one individual had collected Dh25,000 and still continued to beg, despite the amount being sufficient to sustain him or fund his return home.PenaltiesAccording to Federal Law No. 9 of 2018, individual begging in the UAE is punishable by 3 months in prison and a fine of Dh5,000, while those managing organized begging rings or recruiting individuals from abroad for this purpose face 6 months in prison and a fine of up to Dh100,000.Ramadan Prayer Time Table Anti-begging crackdownDuring the first week of Ramadan alone, Dubai Police have arrested 26 beggars of various nationalities, as part of the “Combat Begging” campaign launched by the force.Held under the slogan “A Conscious Society, Free of Begging,” the campaign is being implemented in collaboration with strategic partners, including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, to raise awareness about preserving the country’s civilised image and preventing begging.Brigadier Al Shamsi urged residents to report beggars by calling the toll-free number 901 or through the “Police Eye” service available on the Dubai Police smart app. Cases of online begging can also be reported via the e-Crime platform, stressing that the campaign focuses on directing donations toward official charitable organizations.Ahead of Ramadan, Dubai Police have also issued a warning to residents against falling victim to online begging scams during the holy month, urging the public not to engage with suspicious donation appeals circulating on websites and social media platforms.The Anti-Cybercrime Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation said fraudsters and organised beggars exploit the spirit of compassion and generosity associated with Ramadan to obtain unlawful financial gains.Dubai Police arrest beggar with Dh20,000, targeting luxury car owners in RamadanDubai Police arrest 26 beggars in first week of Ramadan 2026Fake injuries, 'stranded family': Dubai Police warn of organised begging during Ramadan
Dubai Police have caught a beggar who owns three luxury cars and admitted to amassing a fortune through asking people for money, an officer told Al Khaleej newspaper, amid an intensive anti-begging crackdown in the emirate during the holy month of Ramadan.
The apprehended man, who abused the public's sympathy, used to conclude his "begging shift" in broad daylight, shedding his exhausted persona for a different appearance before driving away behind the wheel of a high-end car.
The defendant utilized calculated methods to manipulate the people's emotions, relying on fabricated stories and masterfully crafted humanitarian details, delivering a daily performance no less professional than any organized profit-driven enterprise, said Brigadier Ali Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Brigadier Al Shamsi said that 90% of the apprehended beggars entered the country on visit visas, specifically choosing Ramadan to exploit the generosity of citizens and residents.
Large sums of money, estimated in the thousands of dirhams, were found in the beggars' possession. The officer further noted that one individual had collected Dh25,000 and still continued to beg, despite the amount being sufficient to sustain him or fund his return home.
Penalties
According to Federal Law No. 9 of 2018, individual begging in the UAE is punishable by 3 months in prison and a fine of Dh5,000, while those managing organized begging rings or recruiting individuals from abroad for this purpose face 6 months in prison and a fine of up to Dh100,000.Ramadan Prayer Time Table
Anti-begging crackdown
During the first week of Ramadan alone, Dubai Police have arrested 26 beggars of various nationalities, as part of the “Combat Begging” campaign launched by the force.
Held under the slogan “A Conscious Society, Free of Begging,” the campaign is being implemented in collaboration with strategic partners, including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, to raise awareness about preserving the country’s civilised image and preventing begging.
Brigadier Al Shamsi urged residents to report beggars by calling the toll-free number 901 or through the “Police Eye” service available on the Dubai Police smart app. Cases of online begging can also be reported via the e-Crime platform, stressing that the campaign focuses on directing donations toward official charitable organizations.
Ahead of Ramadan, Dubai Police have also issued a warning to residents against falling victim to online begging scams during the holy month, urging the public not to engage with suspicious donation appeals circulating on websites and social media platforms.
The Anti-Cybercrime Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation said fraudsters and organised beggars exploit the spirit of compassion and generosity associated with Ramadan to obtain unlawful financial gains.
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