Meet Dubai-based Indian businessman who helped in release of 20,000 prisoners since 2008

Firoz Merchant, an Indian businessman and philanthropist based in Dubai, continues his long-standing humanitarian initiative to release insolvent inmates during the Holy Month of Ramadan, while expanding his charitable work to include providing financial assistance to cancer patients.

His charitable initiative has contributed to the release of more than 20,000 inmates in the UAE since 2008.

This Ramadan, as many as 497 inmates were released, with other cases currently under review for release during the holy month.

The programme is being implemented in co-ordination with the concerned authorities in the country and in partnership with the Khalifa Foundation to support inmates detained for financial reasons.

It covers several emirates including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah.

In 2025, the initiative contributed to the release of 2,972 inmates representing more than 50 nationalities and Dhs2.4 million were allocated to settle their outstanding debts.

Support also included purchasing return airfare to their home countries for eligible people.

While the programme to release insolvent inmates is a central focus of Merchant’s year-round charitable work, Ramadan typically sees a surge in philanthropic efforts, with aid being expanded to include support for cancer patients facing rising treatment costs.

On Feb.18, the first day of the Holy Month, Merchant met with officials from the Cancer Patient Care Society in Abu Dhabi to discuss ways to provide financial assistance to patients.

In 2025, Merchant donated Dhs1 million through Dubai Charity Association to cover the costs of dialysis and related medical expenses for 11 patients in need of financial support.

The Ramadan 2026 charity initiative reflects a dual focus encompassing debt relief and support for basic healthcare, reinforcing the ongoing philanthropy of the private sector in line with the UAE’s society welfare priorities.