Sharjah police have issued a warning about organized begging groups that flood the streets, particularly during Ramadan, earning significant amounts of money.
A report from a UAE publication revealed that an experiment by Sharjah Police found beggars in the city can collect as much as AED 367 per hour.
To demonstrate how begging has become a well-paid activity, an officer disguised as a beggar went out on the streets and managed to collect this amount in just one hour.
The experiment highlighted how individuals exploit people’s generosity, especially during the holy month, to earn large sums without any real need.
A video shared online showed witnesses handing money to the disguised officer, supporting the scale of the issue.
In response, Sharjah police have urged residents to avoid giving money to beggars and instead guide them toward job opportunities.
Dubai police have also intensified their crackdown on begging, arresting over two dozen individuals of different nationalities in the first ten days of Ramadan.
For those unaware, begging is a criminal offense in the UAE, with penalties of up to 5,000 dirhams in fines and three months in jail.
Organizing or recruiting beggars carries even harsher punishments, including six months in prison and fines reaching 100,000 dirhams.