Editorial Note: This article refers to individuals accused of witchcraft and who may also be victims of persecution and violence. TWH uses the uppercase for practitioners of Witchcraft in modern Pagan religions or those who specifically identify as Witches.
DUBAI – Two disturbing international stories came to our attention from Dubai. Police arrested a woman begging while reportedly using a talisman to influence strangers to give her money. In an unrelated incident, authorities at Dubai International Airport arrested a traveler for allegedly trafficking items related to witchcraft and sorcery.
In the case of the woman begging for money, authorities in Dubai reported that they apprehended an Asian beggar who was discovered with witchcraft talismans. These talismans were allegedly imbued with the power to persuade people to give her money, as per the police statement. The woman was arrested on March 20, 2024.
Brigadier Ali Salem al-Shamsi, director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department in the General Department of Criminal Investigation, disclosed that the beggar was caught in a residential area with various paraphernalia, including “documents, tools, witchcraft talismans, and a magic veil.”
Dubai UAE [Photo credit: Caleb Whiting/dogbear869 – public domain dedication
The apprehension of the woman occurred during an anti-begging campaign initiated by Dubai Police in collaboration with other community partners. Begging constitutes a punishable offense in the UAE.
Al-Shamsi stressed the significance of remaining vigilant against beggars’ ploys designed to manipulate emotions, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. These tactics often involve fabricated tales and deceitful strategies, commonly observed near mosque entrances, clinics, hospitals, markets, and streets. Al-Shamsi further called upon the community to bolster the campaign by promptly reporting beggars via a UAE toll-free number or utilizing the ‘Police Eye’ service accessible on the Dubai Police smart app.
In an unrelated story, a traveler from an undisclosed “African country” was apprehended by customs officials for carrying items allegedly smuggled into the country for witchcraft purposes. The arrest took place on March 12, 2024.
“Inspectors found a snake inside a plastic bag that was wrapped and concealed between the clothes,” said Khalid Ahmed, senior manager of Terminal 1 at the passenger operations department at Dubai Customs. “Inspectors also found the hand of a monkey, a dead bird, eggs, pieces of paper, and talismans.”
Customs officials also found an animal skin with symbols and scraps of paper, which authorities said were components of a spell. The items were given to the UAE’s Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai for further examination. The agency is a governmental entity responsible for overseeing Islamic affairs, promoting Islamic values and culture, and regulating charitable activities within the emirate. The agency also trains customs officials to spot magical items.
Animal skin seized at Dubai airport via Dubai Customs
“Dubai Customs recognize the threat posed by these materials, which can manipulate and deceive individuals,” Customs stated.
“We are aware of the danger of using such items in black magic and fooling others,” Ahmed said. “Items that could be associated with sorcery or black magic are prohibited. All travelers’ bags go through X-ray.”
As TWH has noted previously, Islam heavily informs the United Arab Emirates’ legal system. Dubai is an absolute monarchy and one of the seven emirates comprising the UAE. The constitution of the UAE provides for religious freedom with significant restrictions. Conversion from Islam, for example, is illegal and apostates face death penalties. Witchcraft is illegal, as are items associated or presumed to be associated with its practice.
The practice of “black magic” or any attempt to smuggle magical or sorcery paraphernalia is illegal under Article 316 of the UAE’s Penal Code. People caught smuggling black magic objects are subject to prison or fines.
Witchcraft is not punishable by death in the UAE; however, accused practitioners can face a jail sentence and heavy fines for committing acts of witchcraft and sorcery. Travelers may also face instant deportation and lifetime travel bans.
Travelers are routinely searched for contraband, drugs, and items related to witchcraft.
In 2022, one woman was fined Dh50,000 (about USD13,500) and sentenced to three months in prison for practicing black magic when a salon owner found a piece of paper, green thread, and incense the accused had used in a bathroom.
In 2023, seven people were fined Dh50,000 (about USD13,500) plus judicial fees and six months in jail for practicing healing rituals. The defendants claimed they were chosen by Allah and empowered by Djinns, a sentient, powerful, and mischievous spirit in Islamic theology able to perform supernatural feats.
Travelers who practice witchcraft or other magical or spiritual practices must be cognizant of local laws whether they are visiting or transiting through some nations. Among the items Dubai officials have confiscated in the past include a range of objects such as amulets, prayer beads, poppets and effigy dolls, needles, rings, cotton rolls, dark threads, herbal teas and powders, as well as books, especially those detailing magical practices.
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