Dubai: Dubai Police has warned the public against sympathising with beggars or giving them money, urging people not to be deceived by their tactics — fabricated stories and tricks used to exploit compassion outside mosques, clinics, hospitals, markets, and on streets — for illicit financial gain.

Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspicious Persons and Criminal Phenomena Department of the General Department of Criminal Investigation, confirmed that Dubai Police continues its ‘Combat Begging’ campaign under the slogan "An Aware Society, Free of Begging," in partnership with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai. He pointed out that the campaign aims to raise awareness and preserve the nation's civilized image by combating begging.

Al Shamsi revealed that Dubai Police had arrested a gang of 13 Asian individuals, led by their ringleader operating from abroad. “The gang used various methods to exploit community members' emotions, claiming to be stranded in the country and in need of help,” he continued.

Al Shamsi stressed the importance of not responding to such beggars and urged the public to report any beggars immediately via the contact centre at 901, the ‘Police Eye’ service on the Dubai Police smart app, or the e‑Crime platform.

He also noted that official charitable channels are available to ensure donations reach those truly in need, encouraging the public to give through these trusted platforms.

"Dubai Police remains committed to fighting the scourge of begging, which tarnishes the nation's civilized image and hides fraud behind deceptive tactics," Al Shamsi concluded.