41 Arrested for Begging on Tourist Visas in Dubai

In a significant operation, Dubai Police have apprehended 41 individuals linked to a begging syndicate, all of whom entered the UAE on tourist visas. Local news agencies report that these arrests were made during a special operation named Al-Misbah, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities in the region.The police recovered over 60,000 dirhams in cash from the suspects, shedding light on the organized nature of this illicit trade.The arrested individuals are reportedly all Arab nationals. the crackdown was initiated after a local citizen alerted authorities by calling the emergency number 901 to report the suspicious begging activities. Initially, 28 suspects were detained, followed by an additional 10. This incident underscores a troubling trend where some individuals exploit religious festivals and holidays to solicit sympathy and engage in professional begging, a practice that is punishable under UAE law.As Dubai continues to enhance its security measures, this operation serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance in maintaining the integrity of the city.