Dubai-based Indian businessman Firoz Merchant, owner of Pure Gold Jewellers, has donated ₹2.25 crore to release 900 prisoners locked up in jails across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He wishes to help over 3,000 prisoners go free this year.

Merchant, 66, moved to Dubai from India in 1986. He has been involved in philanthropic activities since then. He founded The Forgotten Society initiative in 2008, which believes in humanity beyond borders. The initiative has over the years helped more than 20,000 prisoners reunite with their families. Regardless of religion and nationality, the prisoners are set free even as Merchant has their debt paid in full. He provides funds for their air tickets to ensure they fly back to their home country for a brand new beginning.

Merchant received UAE’s prestigious community service medal in 2017 from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed. He became the first expatriate to get the recognition, at which time he had said he would continue to serve – “for the love of the UAE and India”. Merchant had also signed a memorandum of understanding with the UAE’s charity initiative Faraj Fund, which promotes the welfare of prisoners in the Gulf nation.

In 2018, Merchant ranked 25 in the Forbes Middle East Top 100 Indian Business owners in the Arab world. The next year he was granted the permanent residency status, known as the Golden Card. The honor was also for his wife, two children and extended family.

The UAE Ministry of Education has awarded Merchant with a certificate for his contribution towards the education of 300 expatriate students every year. The UAE Ministry of Health has also recognized his contribution to the health sector.

With one man’s noble gesture, thousands of prisoners stuck in jails can hope for a new lease of life.