Ras Al Khaimah: An Emirati man who was treated rudely while he was live on a call-in Ajman radio station, sparking a national outrage, on Monday said his hope in humanity has been restored following a compassionate response by the country’s leaders.
In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Ali Mohammad Al Mazroui reflected on a whirlwind of activity following his fateful call to the radio station to speak about the impact of inflation, price hikes and their impact on Emiratis.
Al Mazroui spoke of his struggle to get by on a relatively low salary and a large family.
- Ali Al Mazroui | Emirati
He said he witnessed a justice of sorts when the radio anchor was suspended and his plight was heard in person by the leaders of the country.
The 57-year-old Ali Al Mazroui is a resident of Al Dhait area in Ras Al Khaimah and is father of six girls and three boys.
Al Mazroui on Sunday was hosted by the UAE Cabinet, was hired as a social researcher at the Ministry of Community Development and will get a house to help him raise his large family.
Al Mazroui told Gulf News that he was grateful to the UAE leaders for relieving his pain and providing him with his all his needs and granting him with a decent life through a new government job.
“I thanked His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for the leaders’ support. I pray to Almighty Allah to bless him and all our leadership with health and happiness,” Al Mazroui said.
monthly benefit payments Ali Mohammad Al Mazroui received from the government. He used to work as a driver for the environment ministry, but had to resign due to health problems
“On Sunday, attending the UAE cabinet meeting was a big honour for me. It’s a badge on my chest, at that time I felt I am the happiest person in the world. The gladness fills my heart to see all leaders listen to your problems and solve it,” he recounted. “Our leaders are generous and help anyone in need either inside the country or outside. God bless them.”
"The future is looking bright for me and my family", he said.
“Shaikh Mohammad gave me a house in Dubai and appointed me as a social researcher at the Ministry of Community Development. Today [On Monday], I received a call from Ministry of Community Development asking me whether I would like to work in Ras Al Khaimah or other emirate. I will start working in Ras Al Khaimah for time being, and after shifting to my new house in Dubai I will work there,” Al Mazroui said.
“I will work hard and spend all my efforts and time serving the community to the satisfaction of Allah and his Messenger and help everyone who needs help and assistance.”
- His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum | Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai
Al Mazroui said he is fully aware of responsibility that comes with such a generosity from the leaders and will endeavour to do his personal best to give something back to his community.
“I will do my best to not to disappoint the UAE government who put their trust in me and serve the community.”
Al Mazroui has previously worked as a driver for the environment ministry but has to resign due to health problems stemming from diabetes and high blood pressure.
He was receiving Dh13,000 per month in benefit payments from the government but said he had to struggle hard to make both ends meet.
- Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash | Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
Al Mazroui said the benefit payments barely covered food, utility bills and other household expenses. "I have also to pay for my children’s tuition fees, who are studying in university, college and school. Three of my children are married.”
How a citizen’s life changed overnight
On Thursday March 29, Al Mazroui contacted Ajman Radio Live Programme Al Rabiaa Wal Nas to complain about price increases and their impact on the standard of living of citizens.
The broadcaster interrupted him during his call saying it was not true and made fun of him with rude answers.
As the phone call went viral on social media on April 2, Shaikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, ordered the suspension of radio broadcaster Yaqoub Al Awadhi from working at Ajman FM Radio station.
Later the same day, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai intervened personally in the case and ordered to meet all the requirements for a decent living of the caller and his family within the next 24 hours, and to submit an urgent report to his office.
He also instructed Hessa Bint Eisa Bu Humaid, Minister of Community Development, to present a detailed and urgent report to the next Cabinet meeting on all the needs of citizens with low incomes.
Shaikh Mohammad underlined the importance of utilising national media in serving the nation and citizens and performing its mission in ensuring stability and a dignified life for everyone in the UAE.
