The Dubai Police noted that 99% of those arrested considered begging as a profession. Photo used for illustrative purpose.

The Dubai Police announced the launch of its annual “anti-begging campaign,” which continues throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan, revealing that 1,701 beggars were arrested during the past four years, including 499 during 2023, 318 during 2022, 458 during 2021, and 426 beggars in 2020.

The Dubai Police noted that 99% of those arrested considered begging as a profession.

This came during a press conference held by the General Department of Criminal Investigation at its headquarters in Dubai Police, where it was announced that several cases of visitors to the country had been arrested, including a foreign woman who entered the UAE on a tourist visa seeking a wealthy husband, while another woman who exploited her child to facilitate begging, was found in possession of Dhs30,000.

An Asian woman was also arrested in possession of Dhs60,000 which she reportedly collected from begging.