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Abu Dhabi Police arrest 118 beggars during Ramadan
Begging is a crime in the UAE punishable by a Dh5,000 fine and three-month imprisonment
- PUBLISHED: Fri 20 Mar 2026, 8:13 PM UPDATED: Fri 20 Mar 2026, 8:42 PM
Abu Dhabi Police have arrested 118 beggars during the holy month of Ramadan, the authority announced on Friday (March 20).
Authorities emphasised that some beggars use fraudulent tactics and misleading stories to solicit money, which is illegal and punishable under the law.
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The intensive campaigns form part of proactive measures to prevent such exploitation of the community’s compassion, particularly during Ramadan.
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Abu Dhabi Police urged residents not to provide direct assistance to beggars, as doing so may inadvertently encourage these behaviors. Instead, the public is encouraged to channel charitable donations and zakat through official and accredited organisations to ensure help reaches those who genuinely need it.
Community members are also advised to report any begging incidents through official channels such as calling 999, supporting security authorities in their mission to curb illegal begging and enhance overall community safety.
The crackdown is not limited to Abu Dhabi. Earlier this month, Dubai Police arrested 37 beggars during the second week of Ramadan, as part of the emirate’s An Aware Society Without Begging campaign. The initiative aims to raise public awareness and protect Dubai’s reputation as a safe and civilised city.
Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspicious Persons and Criminal Phenomena Department, said the campaign has successfully reduced begging over the years. “Thanks to firm legal action against those caught begging, the campaign has caused a steady yearly drop in begging cases, with 37 beggars of different nationalities arrested in the second week of Ramadan,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sharjah Police have apprehended 95 beggars and street vendors since the beginning of Ramadan under their “Begging Is a Crime and Giving Is a Responsibility” campaign, launched in cooperation with the Security Media Department. The initiative highlights the risks of begging and its negative impact on community safety and social order.
Ras Al Khaimah Police have also arrested 19 beggars on the first few days of Ramadan, including a man found in possession of Dh11,000, the authority announced on February 27. In a post on social media platform X, RAK Police said the arrests are part of their ongoing anti-begging drive aimed at combating begging and assisting those who truly deserve help.
Begging is a crime in the UAE punishable by a Dh5,000 fine and three-month imprisonment.
Those found operating a gang of beggars or recruiting people from outside the country to seek alms face a six-month jail term and a Dh100,000 fine. Raising funds without a permit is punishable by Dh500,000 fines.
