Emirati with 4 wives, 21 children, could lose Hatta home to bank over debts

An Emirati from Hatta identified as SAAM was in debt overnight and was required by a bank order to repay his debts, otherwise, his home, which housed a family of 21 members including two children of determination and his four wives, would be seized.

Recounting his story, the man said, “I was a government employee with a good salary and my father insisted that I marry four wives so I would have many children who would be a source of comfort and support. Over the years, God blessed me with 12 sons and 9 daughters. I made sure to educate them all and take care of their health, especially my children of determination. I did my best to ensure they would never need anyone.”

“With my expenses on education, food and care mounting, I was forced to borrow money from the bank for the first time by mortgaging my home. As my children grew older, the costs of marriage also began to haunt me, and the debts became a heavy burden on me. I never expected the day I would retire, as my pension did not exceed Dhs7,400, which barely covered my living expenses,” he added.

“Today I found myself facing a court order: either pay or lose my only home that houses my large family," he continued with anguish.

“Therefore, I appeal to generous and charitable people in the country to help me pay off my debt before we lose our shelter and become homeless,” he added.