UAE National Day: Tycoon pays Dh1 million for release of 700 prisoners

In celebration of 48th UAE National Day and the Year of Tolerance.

As the UAE prepares to celebrate the 48th UAE National Day, philanthropist Firoz Merchant, Founder, and Chairman of Pure Gold Group have contributed to the release of 700 insolvent prisoners across the UAE.

Aligning with the spirit of tolerance, the various insolvent prisoners are from different nationalities and backgrounds and, this year they will get to celebrate the UAE National Day with their families in their country.

The total amount being spent to help these insolvent prisoners is approximately Dh1 million, and this will go towards various expenses like paying off their debts or airfare and transport to their homes in their countries of origin.

About 150 insolvent inmates are being released from Ajman Central Jail alone, and they belong to various nationalities including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Cameron, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordon, Morocco, Oman, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam, Yemen and others.

Major General Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of Ajman Police, said: "I am very appreciative of this gesture from Pure Gold Group, for their sense of social responsibility towards those in our correctional institution, and their generous support to secure their return to their country."

Other insolvent prisoners being released are from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah prisons, adding up to a total of 700 insolvent prisoners - 160 prisoners from various nationalities were released from Fujairah correctional facility.

Firoz Merchant said: "700 insolvent prisoners of more than 30 different nationalities will join in the spirit of the UAE National Day and the Year of Tolerance and they will celebrate the great occasion peacefully and happily back in their home country, reunited with their families. I am inspired by the message of tolerance initiated and led by the UAE amongst the world nations."

The initiative is part of Pure Gold Group's 'Forgotten Society' program established in 2008 by philanthropist Firoz Merchant to help prisoners of debt. Since its inception, the initiative has helped thousands of insolvent prisoners.