Dubai: Dubai-based philanthropist Firoz Merchant has pledged Dh1 million for the health sector, it was announced on Sunday.
The announcement follows a meeting between Merchant, chairman of Pure Gold Group, and Humaid Al Qutami, director-general of the Dubai Health Authority.
Al Qutami and Merchant, who is an Indian national, discussed various issues related to serving society and the importance of the health sector. Merchant pledged to provide financial aid to the needy, regardless of nationality or religion, aiding in making necessary treatment accessible for those who can’t afford it.
His first donation of Dh500,000 will be followed by another donation in the coming year, totalling Dh1 million.
Merchant established himself as an entrepreneur in the UAE in 1989 after migrating from India, and has since grown Pure Gold Jewellers from one store in Dubai to over 150 across the Middle East and Asia.
Earlier this year, he was presented with the Community Service Medal in recognition of his services towards society by Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.
Over a number of years, including the 2017 Year of Giving, Merchant has donated over Dh17.5 million to clear the debts of the “forgotten Society” — prisoners who remain incarcerated despite completing their sentences. In the past decade, Merchant has enabled more than 12,600 people to reunite with their families.
