Newsnomics AJAY ANGELINA reporter |

Firoz merchant, a UAE-based Indian businessman and philanthropist has donated ₹2.25 Crores (AED 1 million) to ensure the release of 900 Indian prisoners from jails across the Gulf nation showcase the message of humility, humanity, forgiveness, and kindness in a pre-Ramadan gesture.

"Prominent Dubai-based Indian businessman and philanthropist Firoz Merchant of Pure Gold has donated close to ₹2.25 Crores (AED 1 million) to ensure the release of 900 prisoners from jails across the Arabian nation," said a statement from his office.

Firoz merchant, 66 is well-known industrialist in the Middle East and ranked No.26 on the Forbes Middle East List of Indian Owners 2014. He is doing a business of pure gold jewelry, presented this amount as a payment for the fines imposed on prisoners due to various reasons.

 Mr. Firoz gets their debt and donates funds for prisoner’s air tickets to fly back to their home country.

Under the guardianship of The Forgotten Society initiative founded in 2008, Firoz Merchant has already been contributory in obtaining the release of 900 prisoners across the UAE since the beginning of year 2024. The release includes 495 prisoners from Ajman, 170 prisoners from Fujairah, 121 prisoners from Dubai, 69 prisoners from Umm Al Quwain and 28 from Ras Al Khaimah.

Over 20,000 prisoners that belong to the wide range of denominations, nationalities, and religions has successfully been released over the years by the progressive efforts of Firoz merchant in conjunction with the Director Generals of Police at the Central Jails across the UAE.

Mr. Firoz is aiming to facilitate the release of more than 3,000 prisoners in 2024. 

According to Firoz merchant, “he began this mission keeping in mind the priority the UAE gives to tolerance to give a second chance for them to be reunited with their families.”

"I am very fortunate to affiliate with the government authorities. The Forgotten Society initiative is based on the premise that humanity transcends borders. We work together to provide them with the possibility to reconcile with their family in their home country and society," Merchant said.

His contribution of prisoner’s release has been recognized by the rulers, also his kindness, forgiveness and generosity have earned him accolades from senior government officials across the UAE.

Colonel Mohammed Yusuf Al-Matrooshi, Deputy Director of the General Administration of Punitive and Correctional Establishments, Ajman, said “it is rare to see such commitment and concern towards the rehabilitation of prisoners by giving them a helping hand.”

“So many thousands owe him a debt of gratitude and what makes it so impressive is the quiet and discreet manner in which he sets about doing so much good work and providing genuine hope to those who might be languishing behind bars because they cannot pay their fines," said Al-Matrooshi.