Dubai authorities have held 69 beggars so far during the holy month of Ramadan.
The arrests were made as part of the anti-begging campaigns launched by Dubai Municipality. This campaign is launched alongside Dubai Police, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD).
Khalifa Hareb, director of the asset management department, said men working at the department’s social control division are chasing down individuals who take advantage of people’s compassion and sympathy, within the framework of ‘Fight Begging’ campaign.
He added, “Daily campaigns are being conducted across all regions of the emirate, especially in trade zones such as Al Ras and Bur Dubai, as well as popular areas in Deira.”
The director also highlighted a decree issued by the Head of State in 1995 which forbids panhandling, fundraising, selling goods, roaming vendors, and using car wash as a profession to earn money outside mosques, buildings, in residential streets and markets. He also mentioned an anti-begging local decree issued by Chairman of Dubai Municipality No. 43 of 1989 in Articles No. 1 and 2.
“Panhandling is one of the scourges that distorts the civilized face of a society; it’s a scam against individuals whereby deceitful means are used to attract their sympathy, and could lead to crime in all its forms as it is the start of delinquency,” he concluded.