Firoz Merchant has spent nearly two decades quietly funding the release of debt-ridden prisoners across the UAE. Since 2008, his humanitarian initiative has helped more than 20,000 inmates regain their freedom.
Now, the program continues into Ramadan 2026. So far this year, authorities have released 497 prisoners under the initiative, while additional cases remain under review.
Coordinated Effort With Authorities
The releases take place in coordination with UAE authorities and in partnership with the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, an Abu Dhabi-based humanitarian organization.
While Firoz Merchant runs the initiative year-round, Ramadan consistently brings renewed momentum and wider support.
In 2025 alone, authorities freed 2,972 prisoners from more than 50 nationalities across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. Merchant contributed Dh2.4 million to clear outstanding debts, and in many cases, he also covered airfare to help inmates return home.
Importantly, he emphasizes that most beneficiaries are not hardened criminals. Rather, they are individuals trapped in financial distress, unable to repay loans or settle liabilities.
Expanding Focus to Cancer Care
While prisoner releases remain central to his mission, Firoz Merchant is channeling additional resources into healthcare.
Last year, he donated Dh1 million through the Dubai Charity Association to fund dialysis and other medical treatments for 11 patients.
Now, in Ramadan 2026, he has shifted his focus to cancer patients facing rising treatment costs. On the first day of Ramadan, he met officials from the Cancer Care Society in Abu Dhabi to structure targeted financial support.
Accordingly, he plans to commit between Dh500,000 and Dh700,000 this year toward cancer care, with the flexibility to raise the contribution to Dh1 million if necessary.
His rationale is straightforward: cancer treatment can quickly drain family savings, particularly for elderly patients and children.
Building Mosques Across the UAE
Beyond social welfare and healthcare, Merchant is also funding mosque construction across all seven emirates.
A new mosque in Al Furjan, Dubai, has received permits and is set to begin construction. It will accommodate between 1,000 and 1,200 worshippers. Additional projects are underway in Fujairah’s Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Umm Al Quwain, where an older 1970s-era mosque is being replaced with a larger structure.
The objective is long-term community infrastructure rather than temporary relief.
From Jewelry Empire to Philanthropy
Firoz Merchant founded Pure Gold Jewellers, which now operates more than 150 stores across 12 countries. From modest beginnings in Mumbai, he built an international jewelry brand and, over time, shifted much of his attention toward structured philanthropy.
At the same time, he is documenting his life journey in a forthcoming book, where he reflects on entrepreneurship, faith, and responsibility.
Above all, the scale of his humanitarian work follows a clear operating principle: wealth carries obligation. Whether he clears debts, funds medical treatment, or supports places of worship, his approach remains consistent—identify need, act decisively, and enable second chances.
