Dubai: Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Criminal Phenomena Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation at Dubai Police, has warned against dealing with beggars and itinerant butchers who exploit circumstances, especially during holidays and special occasions. He noted that 50 beggars and itinerant butchers were arrested during Eid Al Adha last year (2025).
Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi said that Dubai Police, as part of its ongoing commitment to combating negative phenomena affecting society, continuously monitors the fraudulent methods used by beggars in order to develop plans and programmes to combat and reduce them. This ultimately leads to the arrest of those involved and the protection of society through the “Fight Begging” campaign implemented by Dubai Police in cooperation with its partners.
He explained that the campaign aims to combat all forms of begging, whether traditional — such as in places of worship, gatherings and markets — or non-traditional, including electronic begging, requests for donations to build mosques abroad, or claims of seeking assistance for humanitarian cases. The campaign seeks to achieve several objectives, most notably preserving the civilised image of society, protecting the public from crimes linked to both traditional and electronic begging, and preventing organised begging activities.
Exploiting emotions:
He pointed out that beggars often exploit the feelings of compassion and generosity that prevail during Ramadan and on religious occasions to achieve illegitimate gains. He warned against such practices, which take various forms, including the exploitation of children, the sick and people with disabilities to gain sympathy. Several cases involving women begging with children have been recorded.
Brigadier Ali Salem added that beggars attempt to gain people’s sympathy during religious occasions and holidays by engaging in fraudulent and organised begging, which is a criminal offence punishable by law.
He stressed that official channels for charitable work and assistance are available through recognised charitable organisations and institutions, ensuring that donations reach those who are genuinely in need. He urged the public to use these approved channels when donating.
Itinerant butchers:
Brigadier Ali Salem also warned the public against dealing with itinerant butchers, emphasising the risks associated with unsanitary slaughter practices. He explained that such practices pose a serious threat to public health, as hygiene standards are often incomplete or entirely absent.
He noted that itinerant butchers carry out slaughtering without adhering to proper health requirements and in unclean environments that are not sterilised. In addition, the tools they use are transported from one location to another without proper cleaning or disinfection, further increasing health risks.
Reporting channels:
Brigadier Ali Salem urged members of the public to report beggars or itinerant butchers by calling the toll-free number (901) or using the “Police Eye” service available on the Dubai Police smartphone app. Cases of electronic begging can also be reported through the “E-crime” platform.