DUBAI, March 4: For almost four years, several men have been incarcerated in UAE prisons for debts ranging from Dh1,100 to Dh15,000, dating back to 2019. However, a beacon of hope has emerged for these individuals. Dubai-based Indian businessman and philanthropist Firoz Merchant, founder of Pure Gold Jewellers, has pledged Dh1.5 million to secure the release of these men, along with 900 other prisoners, in a heartfelt pre-Ramadan gesture. In an interview with Khaleej Times, Merchant highlighted the importance of considering those imprisoned due to financial difficulties, stating, "These individuals aren't hardened criminals but rather victims of misfortune, unable to fulfill financial obligations due to circumstances beyond their control." Through his Forgotten Society initiative, established in 2008, Merchant not only aims to settle the debts of these prisoners but also provide them with airfare to return home and reunite with their families.

Merchant's philanthropic efforts have led to the release of over 20,000 prisoners over the past 16 years, collaborating closely with police directors at central jails nationwide. Reflecting on a poignant case, Merchant recalled a laborer who accidentally caused the death of another person and was unable to pay the blood money. "I cleared the man's debts and told him he was going home. He couldn't believe me when I met him in jail," said Merchant. Originally from Mumbai, Firoz's journey from poverty to success began when he married Rosina and started a jewelry business in Dubai in 1989. Today, Pure Gold Jewellery boasts over 150 stores across 12 countries. Merchant expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with UAE government authorities, emphasizing his indebtedness to Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan for entrusting him with this important work.

Recently, Ma'an, Abu Dhabi Government's platform for receiving social contributions, received a donation of Dh600,000 from Merchant to support their Inmates' Humanitarian Cases Project. Fatema Al Marzooqi, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Volunteering at Ma'an, expressed gratitude for Merchant's contribution, highlighting how it aligns with their objectives and the spirit of the Holy Month. Merchant's inspiration throughout the years has been his late parents and their values and support for society. "The Forgotten Society initiative strives to reunite individuals with their families and communities in their home countries," he explained, "regardless of the prisoner's gender, nationality, or religion, because we believe in the inherent worth of every human being."