Dubai Police have intensified warnings against beggars and itinerant butchers who exploit religious holidays and festive occasions to solicit money and bypass health regulations, after arresting 50 violators during Eid Al Adha last year.
Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Criminal Phenomena Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, said authorities are closely monitoring evolving tactics used by beggars as part of efforts to curb negative social behavior and protect the community.
He said the “Anti-Begging” campaign, launched with strategic partners, focuses on strengthening enforcement measures and apprehending individuals involved in begging operations.
The campaign targets both traditional and online forms of begging, including solicitation in mosques, markets, and gatherings, as well as electronic begging through social media platforms. Some individuals, he said, falsely claim to collect donations for humanitarian causes or overseas projects.
Authorities said the campaign aims to preserve the emirate’s public order and protect residents from organized and digital begging schemes.
Brig. Al Shamsi warned that such activities typically increase during Ramadan and religious holidays, when public generosity is at its peak. He also noted that some offenders use children and vulnerable individuals to solicit sympathy.
He stressed that begging in all its forms is a punishable offence under UAE law, adding that many cases involve organized fraud networks.
Residents were urged to donate only through licensed charitable institutions to ensure proper distribution of aid.
Dubai Police also renewed warnings against itinerant butchers during Eid Al Adha, citing public health risks linked to unregulated slaughter practices.
Officials said some operate without hygiene standards, repeatedly using unsterilized tools and increasing the risk of contamination and disease transmission.
Authorities advised the public to use approved slaughterhouses and authorized service providers instead.
Dubai Police encouraged residents to report violations through the 901 hotline, the “Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police app, and the “e-Crime” platform for online begging cases.
