Dubai Police Caution Residents Not to Give Money to Beggars Exploiting Compassion

08/03/2026

DUBAI, March 8: Dubai Police has urged the public not to sympathize with beggars or give them money, warning that many use deceptive tactics and fabricated stories to exploit people’s compassion outside mosques, clinics, hospitals, markets, and public streets for illicit financial gain.

Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspicious Persons and Criminal Phenomena Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, said the force continues its “Combat Begging” campaign under the slogan “An Aware Society, Free of Begging.” The campaign is conducted in cooperation with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai.

He explained that the initiative aims to raise public awareness, protect community values, and preserve Dubai’s civilized image by combating begging in all forms.

Al Shamsi revealed that Dubai Police recently arrested a gang of 13 Asian nationals involved in organized begging, led by a ringleader operating from abroad. “The gang used various methods to exploit community members’ emotions, pretending to be stranded and in need of assistance,” he said.

He urged residents not to respond to beggars and to report any such activities through the Dubai Police contact centre at 901, the “Police Eye” service on the Dubai Police smart app, or the e‑Crime platform.

Al Shamsi also reminded the public to donate only through approved charitable organizations to ensure aid reaches those truly in need. “Dubai Police remains committed to combating the scourge of begging, which tarnishes the nation’s civilized image and conceals fraud behind deceptive acts,” he added.