During Ramadan, people in Dubai fast, pray, and think deeply. But there’s a problem during this special time – begging. As people prepare for Ramadan 2024, Dubai’s leaders are working harder to stop begging with a new plan.
Let’s explore how Dubai is addressing the issue of begging during this significant period and what measures are being taken to address it.
Addressing Begging During Ramadan in Dubai
During Ramadan in Dubai, begging becomes more common. Some people beg because they face money problems, while others encourage helping those in need. But begging isn’t a good thing. It makes people depend on others and takes advantage of kind people.
A Crack Down on Social Media Begging
Begging is turning into a real job for some people. The police have caught and punished over 1,700 beggars between 2020 and 2023. Most of them were men, but there were almost 500 women too.
Dubai police are seeing more people using social media to ask for money, pretending it’s for charity. They’re cracking down on this. If you’re caught using social media to ask for money without permission, you could get fined a lot – from Dh250,000 to Dh500,000. That’s serious money!
Moreover, Dubai police are telling people not to give money to beggars. Instead, they should donate through official channels to make sure it goes to real charities and helps those in need.
Dubai Police Caught Two Female Professional Beggars
The Dubai police find some professional or paid beggars, using sad stories to get money from people. They also caught two women beggars with a lot of money – one had Dh60,000 and the other had Dh30,000. One of them even used her child to make people feel sorry for her.
The police are taking this seriously and are giving begging fines of up to Dh5,000 and jail time to beggars. Moreover, they’re asking everyone to be careful and report any beggars who seem suspicious.
Hefty Fines for Organized Begging
In the UAE, running an organized begging operation could lead to a minimum Dh100,000 fine and six months in jail if caught. Moreover, this rule is part of Article 476 of the UAE Penal Code. Even people who take part in organized begging can face begging fines of Dh5,000 and up to three months in jail.
Additionally, it also applies to those who beg for money offline or online. These rules, under Federal Decree Law No 31 of 2021, aim to stop organized begging and maintain order.
Dubai Police Arrest Beggar with Dh300,000 Hidden in Fake Legs
Dubai Police caught a beggar pretending to be an amputee, who had Dh300,000 hidden in his fake legs. He was begging near mosques and homes. Surprisingly, he managed to collect such a large amount while begging.
The man came to Dubai on a visit visa and is now facing action from Dubai Public Prosecution. This incident shows how some beggars use deceitful methods to get money. Thus, it’s a reminder to stay alert, and for authorities to keep enforcing the rules.
Government Measures to Combat Begging
To stop this, the Dubai government is doing a few things. They have a campaign against begging that will end on April 13, 2024. If caught begging, individuals may face a minimum begging fine of Dh5,000 and a potential jail term of up to three months. Colonel Saeed Al Qemzi, the head of the Wanted Persons Department, says they are working hard to stop begging.
Colonel Al Qemzi says begging takes advantage of people’s kindness during Ramadan and is bad for society’s safety. People who organize begging or bring beggars from other places can get in even more trouble. They might have to go to jail for at least six months and pay a begging fine of at least Dh100,000.
Dubai Police Seek Community Help to Stop Begging
Dubai police want people to help by reporting beggars they see around their neighborhood or shops. You can do this using the Dubai Police app or by calling 901. They’re also spreading the word in different ways, like putting up signs and using screens in supermarkets.
The End Line
All in all, Ramadan is a time for spiritual growth and togetherness. But begging in Dubai shows we need to address social problems while still being kind. Dubai is taking steps to ensure everyone feels respected and empowered during Ramadan, with begging fines, government efforts, and help for those in need. Lastly, their goal is to make Ramadan a time of unity and respect for all.
