Each Ramadan, hundreds of inmates walk free in the UAE after their debts are cleared. Behind many of those releases is Dubai-based Indian businessman Firoz Merchant, whose long-running initiative to assist insolvent prisoners has now grown to include direct financial support for cancer patients struggling with rising medical costs.This year’s campaign reflects a broader humanitarian approach, combining debt relief with healthcare assistance during the Holy Month.Firoz Merchant is an Indian billionaire businessman and philanthropist based in Dubai. He founded the Pure Gold Group in 1989, building it into a major jewellery retail chain with more than 170 stores across 13 countries.Beyond business, Merchant has maintained a sustained record of philanthropic activity, particularly focused on debt settlement for prisoners and humanitarian causes in the UAE.
Releasing insolvent inmates across the UAE
Merchant’s charitable programme, launched in 2008, has facilitated the release of more than 20,000 inmates detained for financial reasons across the UAE. The initiative is implemented in co-ordination with the concerned authorities and in partnership with the Khalifa Foundation.It covers multiple emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah.During Ramadan 2026, 497 inmates have already been released, while additional cases are under review for potential release during the holy month.The scale of the initiative was particularly evident in 2025, when 2,972 inmates representing more than 50 nationalities were released. A total of Dhs2.4 million was allocated to settle outstanding debts. Support extended beyond debt clearance, with return airfare purchased for eligible individuals to enable them to travel back to their home countries.While the release programme runs throughout the year, Ramadan typically sees a marked increase in activity.
Expanding aid to cancer patients
Alongside debt relief, this year’s Ramadan initiative also places emphasis on healthcare support.On 18 February, the first day of the Holy Month, Merchant met officials from the Cancer Patient Care Society in Abu Dhabi to explore mechanisms for providing financial assistance to patients facing mounting treatment costs.In 2025, he donated Dhs1 million through Dubai Charity Association to cover dialysis and related medical expenses for 11 patients requiring financial support.The 2026 campaign therefore combines two strands of assistance: helping individuals detained due to unpaid financial obligations and supporting patients who cannot afford essential medical care.His Ramadan 2026 initiative, centred on both inmate release and healthcare assistance, reinforces the role of private sector philanthropy in supporting social welfare priorities across the country.
