Dubai arrests 26 people for begging during first week of Ramadan

Dubai Police have arrested 26 people in the first week of an annual anti-begging crackdown during the holy month of Ramadan.

Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi of Dubai Police said the suspects exploit people's generosity during the holy month and use deceptive tactics like using children, the sick and individuals with disabilities, to gain sympathy.

According to the UAE federal law, anyone found guilty of begging will be jailed for up to three months and fined at least 5,000 AED.

Dubai Police encouraged residents to donate though official charitable entities and institutions and report such illegal activities by calling 901, using the “Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police smart app.