MAKKAH, 27 November 2003 — Despite the Kingdom’s massive campaign against beggary, Saudi Arabia’s beggars appear to be getting bolder in their attempts to win the hearts of their clients and fill their coffers. The holy city, crowded with millions of pilgrims during Ramadan, was a major attraction for these enterprising individuals. Here, many would come and sit in restaurants and, after eating their fill, beg other customers to pay their bill, according to Al-Madinah Arabic daily. Others, often-veiled women, would follow families into their homes after prayers and help themselves to food. By the time their hosts confronted them, it was usually too late.
