Every year during Ramadan, hundreds of prisoners in the United Arab Emirates are freed after paying off their debts. Behind many of these releases is Dubai-based Indian businessman Firoz Merchant, whose long-standing initiative to help destitute prisoners has now expanded to include direct financial support for cancer patients suffering from high medical costs.This year’s campaign reflects a broader humanitarian approach, combining debt relief and health care assistance during the holy month.
Who is Fayrouz Al-Tajer?
Firoz Merchant is an Indian billionaire businessman and philanthropist based in Dubai. He founded the Pure Gold Group in 1989, turning it into a major jewelery retail chain with more than 170 stores in 13 countries.Beyond business, Merchant has maintained a sustained record of charitable activity, with a particular focus on prisoner debt settlement and humanitarian issues in the UAE.
Releasing insolvent prisoners throughout the country
The Merchant Charitable Programme, launched in 2008, has facilitated the release of more than 20,000 prisoners held for financial reasons across the UAE. The initiative is being implemented in coordination with the concerned authorities and in partnership with the Khalifa Humanitarian Foundation.It covers several emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah.During Ramadan 2026, 497 prisoners have already been released, while additional cases are being reviewed for possible release during the holy month.
The scale of the initiative became particularly clear in 2025, when 2,972 prisoners representing more than 50 nationalities will be released. A total amount of 2.4 million dirhams has been allocated to settle the outstanding debts. The support extends beyond debt settlement, as a round-trip air ticket is purchased for eligible individuals to enable them to return to their home countries.While the issuance program continues throughout the year, the month of Ramadan usually sees a significant increase in activity.
Expanding aid to cancer patients
Besides debt relief, this year’s Ramadan initiative also focuses on supporting healthcare.On February 18, the first day of the holy month, Merchant met with officials from the Abu Dhabi Cancer Care Society to explore mechanisms for providing financial assistance to patients facing increasing treatment costs.In 2025, he donated an amount of one million dirhams through the Dubai Charity Association to cover the costs of dialysis and related medical expenses for 11 patients in need of financial support.Thus, the 2026 campaign combines two branches of assistance: assistance to individuals detained due to unpaid financial obligations and support for patients who cannot afford basic medical care.His Ramadan 2026 initiative, which focuses on prisoner releases and healthcare assistance, reinforces the role of private sector philanthropy in supporting social welfare priorities across the country.
