What to do when confronted by beggar in UAE

Lieutenant Colonel Muzeed Fahd Al Otaibi, Chief of the Tourism Police Section at Abu Dhabi Police, stressed the commitment of all police entities in the country to fight negative phenomena and social scourges such as beggary.

He also noted that the Tourism Police endeavour to promote crime prevention efforts and to spread security awareness and education within their jurisdiction.

Furthermore, Lieutenant Colonel Al Otaibi urged tourists and community members to not hesitate to report beggars by calling the police operations room on the emergency number 999 or the Aman service on 8002626.

This falls in line with the awareness campaign carried out by the Security Media Department at the General Secretariat of the Office of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, under the slogan ‘No to Begging’.

Lieutenant Colonel Al Otaibi noted a decrease in the numbers of beggars at the various tourist attractions thanks to the efforts exerted by police teams, in support of the Ministry of Interior’s measures in this regard.

He also emphasised the valuable prevention role undertaken by the Tourism Police in spreading and promoting security education amongst the public and tourists, through a variety of awareness-raising activities, and distribution of brochures and leaflets that lay out guidelines in the different main languages to all citizens, residents and visitors to the UAE.

Adding further, Lieutenant Colonel Al Otaibi said: “In support of the foot patrols that aim at ensuring security within the community, the Tourism Police Section operates several offices at various key locations, such as the Abu Dhabi Corniche; Al Bateen Corniche; Yas Mall; Ferrari World; Yas Water World; Galleria Mall; and Al Maryah Island, in addition to the offices in the new and revamped Mushrif Central Park.”

He also reiterated the police’s commitment to firmly curb any beggary attempts, which cast a bad impression upon the civilised image of the UAE and undermine its tourism industry.

Lieutenant Colonel Al Otaibi also noted that the fight against the scourge of begging is a part of the tourism police’s efforts to provide an appropriate and safe atmosphere for tourists.

“The Tourism Police works diligently to ensure that tourists enjoy a safe visit to the UAE by providing the highest levels of security and stability; preserving the safety of tourists; endeavoring to curb the occurrence of accidents that tourists may encounter; and ensuring that they are not exploited or subjected to scams,” he continued.

He also stressed the police’s keenness to eradicate any kind of phenomena that may tarnish the bright and civilised image of the UAE.

In conclusion, Lieutenant Colonel Al Otaibi invited tourists not to hesitate to ask the Tourism Police officers for help, in cases of harassment by beggars. He also urged them to report any beggars who enter the country on tourist visa; stressing the readiness of police staff members to act and provide services as quickly as possible, in a way that reflects the bright image of the country.

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