Dubai Police Arrest Beggar With 3 Luxury Cars During Ramadan Anti-Begging Crackdown
Dubai, UAE — In a striking case that has captured public attention in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai Police have arrested a man who was reportedly begging on the streets during the holy month of Ramadan while secretly owning not one but three luxury cars, exposing the elaborate deception used to exploit public generosity. The incident highlights growing concerns about the exploitation of public generosity and the efforts by authorities to combat deceptive begging practices during a period traditionally associated with increased charitable giving.
A Well-Paid Beggar in a Luxury Lifestyle
The suspect, described by police as a beggar, was apprehended after investigators discovered that he possessed three high-end vehicles, despite presenting a destitute image to passersby as he solicited money in public spaces. According to Brigadier Ali Al Shamsi, Director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department at Dubai Police, the man confessed to making substantial income from begging by intentionally manipulating the sentiments of well-meaning members of the public.
In police statements, the man would conduct his begging routines during daylight hours — adopting a ragged appearance, wearing worn-out clothes, and telling elaborate sob stories designed to evoke pity — only to change his look later and leave sessions in one of his luxury cars, driving away from the areas where he had played the role of the needy. This deliberate contrast between his public persona and private lifestyle shocked many observers and raised questions about the scale of deception involved.
How the Deception Worked
Investigators explained that the suspect employed calculated tactics to elicit sympathy, often fabricating tragic narratives about family emergencies, medical crises, or other urgent needs to convince people to hand over cash. These were not spontaneous appeals but carefully crafted routines, with the individual selecting locations strategically, timing his appearances during peak generosity hours, and even tailoring his demeanour to maximise sympathy and financial gain.
The suspect would target areas with high foot traffic, including mosque entrances during prayer times, shopping districts, and traffic intersections where motorists are more likely to give. His professional approach to deception allowed him to accumulate significant wealth while maintaining the appearance of poverty.
Dubai Police have noted that such organised begging schemes tend to spike during Ramadan, a time when charitable giving and generosity are particularly high among residents and visitors alike, making the exploitation even more reprehensible. Authorities say many individuals involved in these operations enter the UAE on short-term visit visas, specifically to capitalise on the heightened spirit of giving typical of the holy month, then leave with their ill-gotten gains.
The Broader “Combat Begging” Campaign
The arrest is part of the broader “Combat Begging” campaign, carried out annually in collaboration with strategic partners, which aims to protect the emirate’s reputation and preserve public order by discouraging begging and related scams. In the first week of Ramadan alone, police had already arrested 26 suspected beggars of various nationalities as part of this intensified enforcement effort, demonstrating the scale of the problem.
When authorities detained this particular beggar, they also found large sums of cash in his possession, consistent with other arrests. One previous arrest linked to the police campaign involved an individual found with more than Dh25,000 — a significant amount that raised further questions about the true financial situations of people posing as needy.
Money Found and Imposed Laws
Under Federal Law No. 9 of 2018, begging is a punishable offence in the UAE, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities view this crime. Individuals found begging can face up to three months in prison and a fine of up to Dh5,000, while those who organise begging operations, recruit individuals for these activities, or operate begging rings from abroad can face harsher sentences — including up to six months’ imprisonment and fines of up to Dh100,000.
The penalties are designed to deter both individual beggars and organised networks that exploit public generosity, with tougher sanctions for those who operate at scale.
Police Message to the Public
Brigadier Al Shamsi has urged the public to be wary of giving money directly to people who solicit on the streets, particularly during Ramadan when scams and fraudulent appeals are more frequent. He emphasised that the case of the luxury car-owning beggar demonstrates how appearances can be deceiving and that charitable impulses can be exploited.
Residents are encouraged to instead donate through licensed charitable organisations and official channels, ensuring that their contributions reach individuals and causes that genuinely need support, with proper oversight and distribution. This approach ensures that charity achieves its intended purpose.
Authorities also stressed the importance of public cooperation in identifying and reporting suspicious activity. Dubai Police have made it easy for residents to report cases through hotline 901, the “Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police app, or via online platforms that deal with cybercrime when begging scams occur digitally.
Ongoing Begging Enforcement Efforts
This extreme case of a beggar owning multiple luxury cars reflects a broader pattern of deceptive begging practices that law enforcement in the UAE is striving to dismantle through sustained effort. Officers say that many of those arrested for begging in recent years were not in genuine need but were instead part of organised operations designed to profit from the charitable impulses of the public.
By cracking down on these practices, Dubai Police aim not only to enforce the law but also to reinforce a culture where generosity is exercised responsibly — and where the empathy inspired by Ramadan is not exploited for illegitimate financial gain.
Also Read: Dubai Rental Market 2026: Landlords Offer Better Deals, Flexible Leases as Supply Rises
Conclusion
The arrest of a luxury car-owning beggar during Ramadan sends a clear message: Dubai’s authorities are watching, and those who exploit public generosity will face consequences. For residents, the lesson is to give wisely through official channels where donations truly help those in need.
Beggar with three luxury cars. Arrested in Dubai. Another Ramadan scam exposed.
