The Phenomenon of Electronic Begging

Dr. Ghassan Arnous
Legal Advisor at Zayed Al Shamsi Advocates and Legal Consultants.

The phenomenon of begging increases during the blessed month of Ramadan, as some individuals exploit the spiritual state of fasting individuals to ask for financial assistance, using various excuses and reasons to appeal to the generosity of the wealthy and urge them to provide money.

In fact, beggars have developed their methods and mechanisms. They no longer rely solely on traditional begging methods but have instead invented ways that align with the spirit of the modern age, dominated by the use of information technology in all areas of life. This has led to what is known as “electronic begging.” Although this term might sound new, it now represents a serious crime that threatens society and deprives real needy individuals of the charitable contributions of the generous and the funds allocated by charitable organizations to help the poor.

The UAE legislator has recognized this emerging criminal phenomenon, which is inconsistent with the nature and ethics of Emirati society. As a result, it has been penalized under Article 51 of Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021 on Combating Rumors and Cybercrimes as follows:
“Anyone who commits the crime of begging using information technology means, whether through solicitation or in any other form or method, shall be punished with imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months and a fine of no less than 10,000 dirhams, or with one of these penalties.
The same penalty shall apply to anyone who uses information technology to request assistance from federal or local government bodies or their officials in an abusive manner or in contradiction with the truth.”

Finally, it is important to emphasize that society members must be aware and avoid giving their donations or money to anyone who claims to be needy. Instead, they should limit their charitable acts to licensed entities to help combat this abhorrent phenomenon.