Dressed as woman, man begs on streets

In a startling incident, Dubai police arrested a man as he was wearing an abaya — clothing Muslim women use to cover themselves — and begging near a mosque.

Gulf News, citing Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena in the General Department of Criminal Investigation of the Dubai Police, reported that the arrest was part of the “Combat Begging” campaign.

The police force has launched this campaign to ensure the United Arab Emirate’s (UAE) “civilised image” while at the same time, curbing begging.

The young man, whom the police arrested, said he chose to wear an abaya as women beggars are often given more sympathy compare to male counterparts.

“The arrest was facilitated by a community member’s alert to the General Department of Operations. It highlights the importance of public cooperation in these matters,” the publication reported.

Director of the Department Brigadier Ali Salem Al Shamsi explained that beggars would go to lengths to exploit people’s goodwill, especially during Ramadan — when Muslims give out more charity than usual.

Requesting the general public to remain aware of the manipulations of these criminals, the official noted that the stories narrated by beggars were usually far from the truth.

People in UAE can report beggars through the following ways: Contact centre (901), “Police Eye” service on Dubai Police’s smart App, and www.ecrime.ae.