A total of 177 beggars were arrested by Dubai Police since the beginning of Ramadan.
According to Colonel Ali Salem, Director of the Department of infiltrators at Dubai Police, the beggars are also posing as thieves and pickpocketers.
“Begging poses a serious threat to the safety and security of our society,” Col Salem said.
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“There are people who attempt to justify their illegal behavior with their financial desperation,” he furthered.
Begging under the UAE Law is illegal, according to the police officer.
Anyone caught begging will be slapped with an AED 5,000 fine and three-month jail.
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“Those operating professional gangs of beggars or recruiting people from outside the country to work as beggars face a jail term of not less than six months and a minimum fine of Dh100,000,” the police officer warned.
Col. Salem also called on citizens and residents not to fall for the stories made up by beggars and donate to official charities instead.
The police official also asked the public to report beggars through toll-free number 901 or via Dubai Police App. (RA)
