Firoz Merchant expands Ramadan 2026 humanitarian drive with prisoner releases and medical aid in UAE

Indian philanthropist Firoz Merchant, founder of Pure Gold Group, is continuing his extensive humanitarian initiatives across the UAE during Ramadan 2026, with a renewed focus on prisoner releases and critical medical assistance.

Prisoner release programme gains momentum

Through his flagship ‘Forgotten Society’ initiative, launched in 2008, Merchant has facilitated the release of more than 20,000 inmates by settling their financial liabilities.

As of February 2026, 497 inmates have already been released under the Ramadan drive, with additional cases currently under review. The initiative primarily assists prisoners jailed for minor financial offenses by clearing outstanding debts and fines.

In 2025 alone, the program secured the release of 2,972 prisoners representing over 50 nationalities, allocating approximately Dhs2.4 million to settle dues. Beyond financial settlements, the initiative often covers return airfare, enabling released individuals to reunite with their families in their home countries.

Merchant's efforts are carried out in close coordination with local authorities and the Khalifa Foundation, as well as UAE police departments, to ensure proper verification and legal compliance.

Expanding into healthcare support

In addition to prisoner welfare, Merchant has expanded his humanitarian outreach to address mounting medical costs faced by vulnerable patients.

On February 18, 2026, he met with representatives of the Cancer Patient Care Society in Abu Dhabi to establish mechanisms for financial assistance to cancer patients struggling with treatment expenses.

His healthcare philanthropy also includes kidney care. In 2025, he donated Dhs1 million to the Dubai Charity Association to support dialysis treatment and other essential medical services for patients in need.

Community and religious contributions

Beyond social and medical initiatives, Merchant continues to invest in community development projects, including the construction of mosques across all seven emirates of the UAE.

His Ramadan 2026 humanitarian campaign underscores a long-standing commitment to social responsibility, focusing on restoring dignity, supporting families, and strengthening community welfare across the country.