Surprised to see beggars on the streets of the UAE
Poverty and hunger can compel people to do almost anything for a living.
The sight of people begging on the streets or selling roasted peanuts and other accessories is quite common in many Asian countries.
However, I was astonished to see something similar on the roads of Sharjah. On more than one occasion, I have come across men begging and some even selling roasted peanuts at the signals especially in the industrial areas.
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The other day, I was returning home with my father when a lean man knocked our car’s window.
My father rolled down the window thinking the man might have lost his way and wanted to ask for directions. Instead, the man for money saying he hasn’t had a meal since the last two days. My father helped as much as he could.
This was not only heart-wrenching but also disturbing. Even in this part of the world, where begging is considered an offence and is punishable by law, some people are forced to beg or sell items for survival.
This indicates there is a lack of jobs and that living in the UAE has become as difficult for some as in other parts of the globe. The situation has gone from bad to worse in recent years. I wish survival on earth would become a little easier for all of us.
Fatima Suhail
Sharjah
Comments
by davewheels2000
Tuesday, July 24 2012, 6:08PM
“If i had a dirham for every time I was approached by 'the guy with the open wounds begging for money to attend a medical centre." i would have 7 dirhams.. ok not much but its a different guy every time and last time was in Abu dhabi last year. Previous to that mainly Dubai.”
by shadowpawn
Monday, July 23 2012, 11:32AM
“I havent seen in a few years the guy with the open wounds begging for money to attend a medical centre.”
by Suidkus
Saturday, July 21 2012, 4:04PM
“How is that beggars enter the UAE? It was a arduous process for us to enter the UAE just to work here.”
by davewheels2000
Thursday, July 19 2012, 5:15PM
“My concern is that there are some people who come to the Middle East especially during Ramadan specifically to beg and profiteer from the generosity of others. During the holy month people are perhaps more likely to give and it is unfair that some people who may not be that badly off beg for money for profit.
i am sure there are some people who genuinely are desperate and others who are impoverished some of whom are workers let down by their companies. But there are also a lot of people who just want your money and will lower themselves to begging to get it.
Technically if anyone here has no job they are not allowed here or are a visitor or tourist.. before giving look at their clothes and see if they are well dressed or wearing rags but have fine watches etc, i have seen a few of these in my time in Dubai.
It is hard to believe there are actually MORE beggars or needy people in Dubai during Ramadan isnt it? surely the level of needy people would remain about the same as the previous and next month..
i do give to the genuinely needy, but i have seen different guys with the same "fake wound" on their arm begging so many times now that i choose carefully to whom i give.”