Dubai Police warn against Ramadan begging scams: How to spot and avoid fraud in the UAE
Local police have urged the public to report beggars and only support official charities
Dubai: If you encounter someone asking for money in public places, such as outside mosques or shopping malls, it is natural to feel compassionate and want to help. However, police authorities in the UAE have cautioned residents against so-called ‘professional beggars’ who exploit the charitable spirit of Ramadan to deceive people.
To tackle street and online begging scams, Dubai Police recently launched its annual ‘Combat Begging’ campaign. This initiative, themed ‘A Conscious Society, Free of Beggars,’ aims to:
Eradicate begging in public spaces and online platforms
Raise awareness about fraudulent begging tactics
Encourage donations through registered and official charities
How to spot fake beggars
According to Dubai Police, many beggars use deceptive tactics to gain sympathy and financial support. These include:
Pretending to collect funds for mosques or medical treatments
Using children, elderly individuals, or people with disabilities to elicit compassion
Approaching people outside mosques, shopping malls, or residential areas during Ramadan
Police urge the public not to give money to individuals begging on the streets and instead donate only through recognised charitable organisations.
How to support official charities in Ramadan
The UAE has numerous licensed charities running Ramadan donation campaigns, allowing residents to contribute in meaningful ways. These include:
Sponsoring iftar meals and iftar tents
Donating Ramadan food baskets
Providing financial aid
Sponsoring Hajj and Umrah trips for those in need
Official charities like Dubai Charity Association and Emirates Red Crescent are open for Ramadan contributions.
Volunteering opportunities
Residents can also volunteer to help distribute iftar meals and set up iftar tents by registering with licensed organisations. The UAE Volunteer Platform (volunteers.ae) allows individuals to sign up and assist with community initiatives.
Legal penalties for begging in the UAE
Under Federal Law by Decree No. 31 of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law, begging is strictly prohibited in the UAE. The penalties include:
Dh5,000 fine and up to three months’ imprisonment for individuals caught begging
Minimum six-month jail term and Dh100,000 fine for those operating organised begging gangs or bringing individuals into the country to beg
How to report begging in the UAE
Authorities encourage the public not to engage with beggars and to report any incidents immediately. Residents can contact police through the following channels:
Abu Dhabi: 999 or 8002626 (800Aman)
Dubai: 901 or use the ‘Police Eye’ service on the Dubai Police app
Sharjah: 901 or 80040
Ras Al Khaimah: 07-2053372
Ajman: 06-7034310
Umm Al Quwain: 999
Fujairah: 09-2051100 or 09-2224411
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