ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Dubai Police have intensified their crackdown on organised begging rings with the arrest of 41 individuals of Arab nationality operating from a hotel in the city, authorities confirmed.
Operation “Al-Misbah” Targets Begging Network
The arrests took place during a focused security campaign named *“Al-Misbah”* (Arabic for “prayer bead”), led by the Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena within the General Department of Criminal Investigation. Police discovered the gang using the hotel as a base, seizing over *AED 60,000* in cash from their possession.
Details of the Crackdown
The operation was triggered by a tip received through the Dubai Police’s toll-free hotline *901*, reporting individuals soliciting money under the guise of selling prayer beads and related accessories. Surveillance by the Monitoring and Analysis Section identified three suspects who were arrested at the scene.
Upon questioning, these individuals admitted involvement in an organised begging ring. Subsequent coordination with the hotel management resulted in the arrest of 28 more suspects of the same nationality. The following day, police apprehended an additional 10 individuals attempting to leave the premises.
All arrested parties have been referred to the relevant authorities for prosecution.
Ongoing Campaign to Combat Begging
Dubai Police highlighted that this action forms part of their *annual “Combat Begging” campaign, operating under the slogan *“A Conscious Society, Free of Begging.”** The campaign collaborates with strategic partners to raise awareness about the harms of organised begging and protect the UAE’s image by preventing such illicit practices.
Authorities urge the public to support charitable causes exclusively through licensed organisations and official channels to ensure aid reaches those genuinely in need.
Public Cooperation and Reporting
Police continue to encourage community involvement by reporting any suspicious begging activity through multiple channels:
Toll-free hotline: *901*
“Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police smart app
Online complaints via the *E-Crime platform*
Legal Warnings and Enforcement
Dubai Police cautioned that beggars frequently exploit religious holidays and other occasions to gain sympathy using deceptive methods. Such acts are considered criminal offences under UAE law, with strict enforcement measures in place.
The force’s comprehensive security plan also includes increased patrols in areas known for begging activities, contributing to a consistent year-on-year decline in reported cases.
