Almost 20 beggars have been arrested in Ras Al Khaimah in the two weeks since Ramadan began. Police said the 18 beggars were caught operating near markets, mosques and in residential areas. Brig Gen Abdullah Munkhas, Deputy Director of Operations at RAK Police, said the force increased patrols in areas typically frequented by beggars in response. He called on the public to report suspected begging cases by calling 050 766 9229 and asked those who want to donate money to contribute to licensed charities instead. Begging is illegal in the UAE and tends to increase during Ramadan, when people are more likely to be charitable. Last year, the Federal National Council agreed a draft law to punish people found to be running networks of beggars. The legislation includes a minimum jail term of six months and a fine of at least Dh100,000. Individual beggars will spend up to three months in jail and pay at least a Dh5,000 fine.