Dubai Police made 127 arrests in the first two weeks of an annual anti-begging crackdown launched at the start of Ramadan.
The force said those apprehended had more than Dh50,000 in their possession. Begging typically increases during Ramadan as offenders exploit the generous spirit on show during the holy month.
Police have targeted begging hotspots across the city to protect the public from begging, which they say is often linked to criminal activity.
Begging is illegal in the UAE and is punishable by up to three months in jail and fines of Dh5,000.
“Many beggars exploit people’s generosity with deceptive tactics such as using children or people of determination to elicit sympathy. It’s a crime forbidden by the law,” said Brig Ali Al Shamsi, director of the antisocial crimes department at Dubai Police.
Brig Al Shamsi said police officers are stationed across the emirate, particularly near mosques and markets, to enforce the campaign throughout the holy month. “There is a traditional way of begging which is near mosques, residential and market areas, and there is the digital begging, including online scams for fake medical emergencies and fraudulent charity projects such as donations to build a mosque outside the country,” he said.
“Criminals seek to take advantage of the generosity of UAE residents during Ramadan.”
Brig Al Shamsi said the force arrested 384 beggars last year, and 499 in 2023. About 2,085 beggars have been arrested over the past five years in Dubai, according to official figures. “The anti-begging campaign reduced the number of beggars over the years,” he said.
The campaign is a joint operation between police and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and Al Ameen service.
Dubai Police encourage the public to report any suspicious activity related to begging through the 901 hotline, the Police Eye service on the Dubai Police app, or the e-crime platform for online scams.
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The specs
Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now
Brief scores:
Day 1
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South Africa (1st innings) 123-2: Markram 78; Masood 1-4
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Essentials
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Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Delhi from about Dh950 return including taxes.
The hotels
Double rooms at Tijara Fort-Palace cost from 6,670 rupees (Dh377), including breakfast.
Doubles at Fort Bishangarh cost from 29,030 rupees (Dh1,641), including breakfast. Doubles at Narendra Bhawan cost from 15,360 rupees (Dh869). Doubles at Chanoud Garh cost from 19,840 rupees (Dh1,122), full board. Doubles at Fort Begu cost from 10,000 rupees (Dh565), including breakfast.
The tours
Amar Grover travelled with Wild Frontiers. A tailor-made, nine-day itinerary via New Delhi, with one night in Tijara and two nights in each of the remaining properties, including car/driver, costs from £1,445 (Dh6,968) per person.
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THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
Tomorrow 2021
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Environmental Development and Sustainability: Raya Ani (Iraq)
Humanitarian and Civic Services: Women’s Programs Association (Lebanon)
Humanitarian and Civic Services: Osamah Al Thini (Libya)
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Outstanding Arab Woman: Balghis Badri (Sudan)
Scientific and Technological Achievement: Mohamed Slim Alouini (KSA)
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
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NEW%20PRICING%20SCHEME%20FOR%20APPLE%20MUSIC%2C%20TV%2B%20AND%20ONE
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- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
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Name: Rain Management
Year started: 2017
Based: Bahrain
Employees: 100-120
Amount raised: $2.5m from BitMex Ventures and Blockwater. Another $6m raised from MEVP, Coinbase, Vision Ventures, CMT, Jimco and DIFC Fintech Fund
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Thursday December 27
Men's quarter-finals
Kevin Anderson v Hyeon Chung 4pm
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Serena Williams v Venus Williams 8pm
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BRAZIL SQUAD
Alisson (Liverpool), Daniel Fuzato (Roma), Ederson (Man City); Alex Sandro (Juventus), Danilo (Juventus), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Emerson (Real Betis), Felipe (Atletico Madrid), Marquinhos (PSG), Renan Lodi (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Silva (PSG); Arthur (Barcelona), Casemiro (Real Madrid), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Fabinho (Liverpool), Lucas Paqueta (AC Milan), Philippe Coutinho (Bayern Munich); David Neres (Ajax), Gabriel Jesus (Man City), Richarlison (Everton), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Willian (Chelsea).
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
MATCH INFO
Manchester City 3 (Silva 8' &15, Foden 33')
Birmginahm City 0
Man of the match Bernado Silva (Manchester City)
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