Dubai Police Arrest 22 Men in Begging Gang That Posed as Stranded Travellers

The short version: Dubai Police have arrested 22 men accused of running an organised begging network that targeted motorists across the city. The gang allegedly posed as stranded travellers, flagging down drivers on major roads — including Al Khor Street, Ras Al Khor, Bu Kadra Bridge and the Dubai–Al Ain Road bridge — to ask for fare money. The arrests were announced on 28 September 2026 after a tip-off submitted through the “Police Eye” reporting service on the Dubai Police app.

According to reports of the police announcement, officers began tracking one suspect’s movements after the tip-off, which led them to the wider network and the eventual raid. Further coverage notes the men worked busy road points where drivers are most likely to stop.

How the scam worked

The approach was simple and deliberately sympathetic. Men would stand near busy roads and bridges and flag down passing motorists, claiming to be stranded travellers who needed cash for a fare home. Drivers who stopped out of kindness were pressured for money on the spot.

It’s a pattern visitors should know: genuine breakdowns on Dubai’s roads are handled through roadside assistance and the police, not by strangers asking for cash at the roadside. If someone flags you down on a major road, the safest response is to keep driving and report what you saw. Our Dubai safety tips for tourists cover exactly these kinds of street-level situations.

The law treats organised begging as a serious offence

This wasn’t a case of a few individuals asking for help. Police described the group as an organised network, and UAE law reflects that distinction: organised begging can carry up to six months in jail and a fine of up to AED 100,000. The penalties exist precisely because these operations exploit public generosity — and, as this case shows, they can scale into coordinated scams.

Dubai runs regular anti-begging campaigns, and the message from police stays consistent: don’t hand cash to street beggars, however convincing the story sounds.

How to give safely — and how to report

If you want to help people in need in Dubai, police urge residents and visitors to donate only through official, licensed charities. That way the money reaches genuine cases and doesn’t fund organised operations. If you come across aggressive or suspicious begging:

• Report it through the Police Eye service in the Dubai Police app — the same channel that led to these arrests.
• Call the police non-emergency line on 901.
• Don’t stop your car or engage on busy roads; your safety comes first.

Most visitors get around Dubai by taxi and ride-hailing or the Metro rather than driving — but the same rule applies everywhere: channel generosity through proper charities, not roadside encounters. And if you’re still budgeting the essentials, our Dubai trip cost guide breaks down what a day in the city really costs.

Frequently asked questions

Is begging illegal in Dubai?

Yes. Begging is prohibited under UAE law, and organised begging — running it as a coordinated operation — carries heavier penalties of up to six months’ imprisonment and fines of up to AED 100,000.

What is the Police Eye service?

Police Eye is a reporting feature inside the Dubai Police app that lets members of the public submit tip-offs about suspicious activity, including photos and locations. A tip-off through this service is what led police to the 22-man network.

What number should I call to report begging in Dubai?

For non-emergencies, call 901. Use 999 only for genuine emergencies. You can also report through the Police Eye service on the Dubai Police app.

Can tourists donate to charity in Dubai?

Yes — through licensed charities and official donation channels. Police advise against giving cash directly to street beggars, since organised groups exploit exactly that generosity.