Dubai Joins Cairo, Riyadh, and Istanbul in the Shocking Truth Behind Travel Scams– Are You At Risk?

Published on December 4, 2025

The Middle East has become a major tourism hub, with Gulf cities luring pilgrims, holidaymakers and business travellers alike. This surge in visitors has attracted unscrupulous operators who exploit people seeking religious journeys, leisure packages or visas. Governments across the region have responded with targeted crackdowns, public awareness campaigns and stricter regulations. The following report explores key scams reported by official sources between January 2021 and November 2025, outlining how authorities uncovered each scheme and what lessons travellers can draw from these incidents.

Pilgrimage and Religious Travel Frauds

The annual Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages generate significant demand for travel services. Criminals have capitalised on this by selling fake visas or tours, often through social media or unlicensed agencies. In March 2025 Dubai Police arrested a gang advertising fraudulent Umrah and Hajj visas on social networks. The group lured residents with promises of quick visa processing and deceptively low prices. Once victims transferred funds, the scammers blocked their numbers and disappeared. Authorities urged the public to obtain visas only through licensed channels and emphasised that pilgrimage packages must be purchased from authorised providers.

Saudi Arabia also increased enforcement against fake Hajj campaigns. In April 2025 police in Mecca arrested two individuals who used social media to promote illegal Hajj packages. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reiterated that the official Nusuk platform is the only legitimate channel for international pilgrims and warned that fraudulent campaigns not only steal money but endanger pilgrims by violating safety regulations. Investigators said the suspects promised accommodation and transport within holy sites and used low-cost packages to lure victims. The ministry advised pilgrims to rely exclusively on authorised agents and to report suspicious adverts.

A more elaborate fraud emerged when investigators exposed the Sharjah-based Baitul Ateeq travel agency. By 2023 the agency had collected millions of dirhams from around 150 residents who hoped to perform Hajj. Customers paid in full but were left stranded with no visas or flights; the owner blamed visa delays and offered only partial refunds. As complaints mounted, the Dubai Police arrested the agency’s director. Victims later revealed that similar incidents dated back to 2020 when pilgrims were promised Hajj packages despite pandemic restrictions. The case underscored the importance of verifying a company’s licences and track record before making large payments.

Street Begging and Charity Scams

Some scams prey on visitors’ generosity rather than their travel plans. In Dubai, police launched the Combat Begging initiative, an annual Ramadan campaign designed to curb organised begging networks. Officials explained that these gangs often station women, children or disabled people near mosques and markets to tug at tourists’ heartstrings, yet the proceeds support criminal syndicates. Police statistics showed that 458 beggars were arrested in 2021, 318 in 2022, 499 in 2023 and 384 in 2024. Authorities warned that many beggars carry forged medical certificates, claim to be stranded tourists or pretend to collect donations for disaster relief. To safeguard the public, Dubai Police urged residents and visitors to contribute only to registered charities and to report street beggars via the police call centre or the e-crime platform.

The 2025 campaign also resulted in the arrest of 41 members of an Arab-based gang who operated from a Dubai hotel. Police said the group entered the country on visit visas and coordinated their begging operations using messaging apps, collecting more than AED 60,000 from unsuspecting donors. Organisers face up to two years in jail and heavy fines under the UAE’s anti-begging law, while participants risk up to three months’ imprisonment. The crackdown highlights how begging rings exploit charitable impulses and why travellers should avoid giving cash on the street.

Ticketing and Package Frauds

Ticket scams have also plagued travellers. In May 2025 an Omani court convicted the owner of a travel and tourism office in Al Buraimi for forging airline tickets and operating an unlicensed business. A customer had transferred funds to the agency for flight tickets only to be told later that the booking had been cancelled. When she contacted the airline directly, she discovered the tickets were fake. Oman’s Consumer Protection Department investigated, referred the case to prosecutors and secured a verdict that included imprisonment, fines and closure of the fraudulent office. The court noted that the defendant had forged private documents and failed to provide services as promised.

Holiday club and timeshare schemes represent another form of fraud. In the UAE, authorities warned about travel firms that invite people to prize draws and claim they’ve won luxury holidays. Victims are then pressured into purchasing memberships or packages that promise unlimited travel at reduced rates. Many customers later found they could not redeem the packages or were offered inferior accommodation. Reports described how some companies opened lines of credit without clients’ knowledge and used high-pressure sales tactics. Dubai Police advised victims to pursue civil action but acknowledged that many hesitated due to legal costs. Such scams illustrate the need for travellers to research a company’s credentials and to avoid on-the-spot purchases.

Authorities in Bahrain pursued a similar case in October 2024. A 31‑year‑old travel agency owner was arrested after the Northern Governorate Police Directorate received numerous complaints. The man allegedly enticed customers with overseas travel offers, collected payments and then failed to provide holidays. The Ministry of Interior said the suspect had been handed to the Public Prosecution and that the investigation followed proper procedures. This case shows that even small agencies can run fraudulent operations and that customers should insist on documentation and receipts.

Visa and Residency Scams

Residency and work permits have also become targets for fraudsters. In Kuwait, the Ministry of Interior uncovered a gang of Syrian nationals who created fake companies to sell residency visas. The group charged up to 500 Kuwaiti dinars for internal transfers and 2,000 dinars for recruiting workers. Investigators found forged documents and seized funds from the operation. Officials stressed that trafficking in residency permits is a serious crime and vowed to prosecute both intermediaries and beneficiaries. Travellers and job seekers were reminded to apply only through authorised government portals.

Dubai Police have similarly warned about fake Hajj visa services and emphasised that visas cannot be purchased via social media or unlicensed intermediaries. In addition, Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism issued a warning in November 2025 about unlicensed tourist accommodations being promoted on social media. The ministry noted that Clause 13 of Article 9 of the Regulations Governing Marketing and Promotion Activities prohibits promoting services requiring prior approval from the competent authority. Officials pledged legal action against unlicensed promoters, underscoring the government’s commitment to protecting tourists and maintaining standards in the tourism sector.

Digital and Cyber Scams

As more travel transactions occur online, scammers have turned to digital fraud. In August 2025 Abu Dhabi Police alerted the public to a phishing scam that used the force’s logo and claimed recipients had traffic violations. The fake link redirected users to a fraudulent website designed to collect personal and financial data. Police urged people to verify the source of any email or text and to report suspicious links through the Aman service or official channels. They emphasised that legitimate traffic fine notices are issued through government portals and never request confidential information via generic links.

Other cybercrimes have targeted travellers directly. In July 2025 the Royal Oman Police arrested a Chinese tourist who participated in a sophisticated fraud operation coordinated by an international criminal network. The suspect allegedly infiltrated local residential networks and broadcast deceptive messages to nearby mobile devices, attempting to manipulate users and carry out fraudulent activities. Authorities highlighted the incident to remind the public that digital awareness is the first line of defence.

Entertainment and Theme Park Scams

Scams have not spared entertainment venues. Ahead of Dubai’s Global Village Season 30 (2025‑26), police warned of fake websites and social media ads selling VIP packs and entry tickets. The fraudsters replicated official logos and created identical websites to mislead buyers. Authorities reiterated that Global Village tickets can only be purchased through the official website, the dedicated mobile app or authorised outlets. They advised residents to report fake links via the e‑crime platform and to confirm website addresses before entering payment details. These warnings came as part of a broader campaign to protect visitors from counterfeit tickets and highlight the importance of using official channels.

Conclusion and Safety Advice

Travel and tourism scams in Middle Eastern cities between 2021 and late 2025 reveal a pattern: fraudsters exploit religious aspirations, generosity, digital naivety and the desire for bargains. Governments have responded by arresting scammers, shutting down fraudulent agencies, issuing public warnings and tightening regulations. However, travellers can also take proactive steps:

1. Use Official Channels: Purchase pilgrimage visas, theme park tickets and travel packages only through government portals or licensed operators. Verify company credentials before transferring funds.
2. Beware of Social Media Ads: Treat unsolicited offers, prize draws or discounts with caution. Fraudsters often use professional‑looking websites and logos to create trust.
3. Avoid Street Donations: Support registered charities rather than giving money to street beggars. Begging rings often finance organised crime.
4. Stay Digitally Vigilant: Do not click on suspicious links or provide personal information via unverified websites. Report phishing attempts to local authorities.
5. Report Scams: Use official hotlines or e‑crime portals to report suspicious activities. Early reporting helps authorities dismantle criminal networks.

By adhering to these guidelines and staying informed about official advisories, visitors can enjoy the Middle East’s rich cultural and religious heritage while minimising the risk of falling victim to scams.

Reference List

1. Gulf News, “Combat Begging initiative statistics and warning about organised begging”[1].
2. Arabian Business, “Dubai Police arrest 41-member begging gang during Ramadan campaign”[2].
3. Times of India, “Dubai Police warn about fake Global Village VIP pack scams”[3].
4. Gulf News, “Saudi Ministry warns against fake Hajj ads and emphasises the Nusuk platform”[4].
5. Cybernews, “Saudi authorities arrest Hajj scammers and uncover 400 fake agencies”[5].
6. Gulf News, “Abu Dhabi Police warn residents about fake traffic fine link”[6].
7. Khaleej Times, “Holiday firm scams and victims’ experiences with timeshare travel packages”[7][8].
8. Khaleej Times, “Dubai Police arrest gang offering fake Umrah and Hajj visas”[9][10].
9. Oman Observer, “Fake travel agency uncovered and court verdict in Al Buraimi”[11].
10. Gulf News, “Saudi Arabia arrests two over fake Hajj campaigns targeting pilgrims online”[12].
11. Zawya, “Sharjah tour operator arrested for Haj pilgrimage racket scamming 150 residents”[13][14].
12. News of Bahrain, “Travel agent caught in holiday scam in Bahrain”[15].
13. Kuwait Ministry of Interior crackdown on fake residency visa gang (summary from Khaleej Times)[16].
14. Muscat Daily, “Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism warns against unlicensed tourist promotions on social media”[17].
15. Times of Oman, “Royal Oman Police arrest Chinese tourist in cyber fraud operation”[18].