Sharjah Police have arrested 107 beggars and seized more than Dh50,000 in a major crackdown during the first half of Ramadan. The arrests included 87 men and 20 women.
This operation is part of the campaign “Begging is a crime and giving is a responsibility.” Authorities launched it to stop the exploitation of public sympathy. The goal is to ensure donations reach those in real need.
Community Cooperation Helps Sharjah Police
General Omar Al Ghazal, Director of the Special Tasks Department, praised residents for reporting beggars. Many used the hotlines 901 and 80040. Their help played a big role in identifying and arresting offenders.
He also stressed the importance of raising awareness. The public must understand the risks of giving money to street beggars. Instead, he urged donations through official charities and institutions.
Sharjah Police Experiments
To expose begging tactics, Sharjah Police conducted a real-life experiment. They assigned a man to pose as a beggar on the street.
In just one hour, he collected Dh367 from people passing by. Police shared the video on Facebook, showing how easily beggars exploit emotions. The experiment proved that some beggars make a fortune, especially during Ramadan.
Authorities continue to warn residents. Instead of giving money directly, they should support official charity organizations.
Dubai Police Also Target Begging During Ramadan
Meanwhile, Dubai Police intensified their efforts. During the first 10 days of Ramadan, officers arrested 33 beggars of various nationalities. Their campaign, “A Conscious Society, Free of Beggars,” aims to eliminate this illegal practice.
Begging is illegal in the UAE. Offenders face a Dh5,000 fine and up to three months in prison.
Those who organize begging rings or bring individuals from abroad to beg face tougher penalties. They could be jailed for six months and fined Dh100,000 Raising funds
