Dubai: Dubai-based businessman Firoz Merchant has received two awards from the Indian Business Professional Council (IBPC), for his business leadership and philanthropy.
The founder and chairman of Pure Gold Jewellers received the Business Excellence Award and the Philanthropic Icon Award, both presented by Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
Bindu S Chettur, president of IBPC, said: “Merchant is a true son of India. We are proud of the way he has helped Indians as well as members of other communities in the UAE in their times of crisis. He has not only proved himself a successful businessman but also a very kind community social worker. He is a man with a heart of gold.”
Merchant is the only Indian to be to be presented with a dual award by IBPC.
Since 2008, Merchant has spent Dh15 million to pay off debts and provide airfare for 10,940 prisoners in UAE jails,
He dedicated the award to all the Indian expatriates in the UAE, saying: “I am honoured to be recognised by IBPC, an organisation that has tirelessly worked to shine the spotlight on hard-working Indian professionals and entrepreneurs in the UAE.”
He added: “As an expatriate who has been blessed with success in this country, I consider it my solemn duty to give back to the community. This desire has motivated me to help people of all nationalities and religions in the UAE, especially those whose dreams were shattered when imprisoned for debts. These prisoners were not criminals but they were unable to pay back due to unfortunate circumstances. I will continue to help such people and others, in whatever way I can.”
