UAE: Some beggars making 'more money' than you? Shocked residents vow to be more cautious
Many residents are driven by compassion, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, however, the recent arrest of a beggar who amassed Dh14,000 in just three days has raised concerns about the realities of begging and the complexities of charity. Authorities have been running campaigns to arrest beggars yet, many individuals unknowingly contribute to a cycle of exploitation.
Sudanese expat Mohamed O., who lives near a mosque, frequently encounters an elderly man pleading for help. The man often claims that his children are starving. "I always wonder why he doesn't seek assistance from official charity organisations," Mohamed recalled. Despite his concerns, he habitually gives small amounts of cash as he walks over to pray.
However, upon hearing the news about the recent arrest, he felt a wave of shock wash over him. "I had no idea that these individuals could be making more money through begging than I earn at my job," he admitted. This realisation has prompted him to rethink his charitable actions and consider more effective ways to help those genuinely in need.
On Friday, Dubai Police announced that 127 beggars have been arrested during the first half of Ramadan, and that the authority has seized more than Dh50,000 which was found in their possession.
Similarly, Sharjah Police arrested 107 individuals, seizing over Dh50,000 from them in a major crackdown on begging during the first half of Ramadan this year. The authorities stated that the accused comprised 87 men and 20 women.The arrest was carried out by the anti-begging team under the Special Tasks Department.
Law enforcement authorities across the UAE have been cracking down on this illegal activity since the beginning of Ramadan, conducting awareness programmes and making several arrests. Perpetrators have been warned of the consequences, including fines and jail terms.
Another Sharjah resident, Israa M., has always viewed giving as a moral obligation. "I see it as a way of doing good," she said. However, she recalls her father's wise words urging her to donate only through official channels. "He taught me that it's essential to ensure my contributions reach the right people — those who truly need help," she explained. After learning about the recent incidents involving beggars, Israa has started to reflect more critically on her giving habits. "I want to help, but I also want to ensure my generosity isn't exploited," she added.
Last year, Dubai Police arrested two women who had amassed Dh60,000 and Dh30,000 solely through begging. Authorities have noted that many beggars frequent mosques, markets, and other crowded areas during Ramadan, employing fabricated stories designed to tug at heartstrings. Moreover, a new trend has emerged where criminals exploit social media, posting false messages about fabricated tragedies to solicit donations. These deceitful tactics often include bank account numbers and links to fake donation pages, aiming to extract funds from unsuspecting individuals.
Azhari, a young resident, recently had an eye-opening experience that changed her perspective on charity. "Last week, I was walking with my friends when we spotted a woman sitting on the curb, asking for help," Azhari recalls. Without hesitation, she reached into her pocket and handed the woman some cash. Her friends followed suit, eager to contribute as well. Feeling good about her act of kindness, Azhari continued on her way.
However, a few days later, she stumbled upon news about a beggar who had been arrested for exploiting people's generosity, having collected a significant amount of money in a short time. "I was shocked to think that the woman I helped might have been part of that situation," she says.
This revelation left her feeling conflicted. "It's hard to believe that some people could take advantage of others' kindness like that," Azhari admits. Despite this newfound awareness, her compassion remains strong. "I still want to help, but now I'm more cautious about how I do it," she reflects.
In the UAE, begging is a crime punishable by a Dh5,000 fine and up to three months in prison. Those operating beggar gangs face even harsher penalties, including fines up to Dh100,000 and longer jail terms. The Dubai Police reported that 99 per cent of arrested beggars consider begging a "profession," highlighting the need for community awareness and vigilance. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities to authorities, ensuring that charitable contributions are directed to genuine causes and those truly in need.
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