Pure Gold Jewellers Chairman commits regular donation to Faraj Fund for prisoner repatriation

The annual contribution of AED 480,000 from Firoz Merchant will be used to fund air tickets for travel back to their home countriesfor inmates identified by the fund

Dubai: Firoz Merchant, Chairman of Pure Gold Jewellers, has entered into an agreement with the UAE-based Faraj Fund to support the repatriation of expatriate prisoners. Under the arrangement, Merchant will contribute AED 40,000 ($10,899) every month to fund return air tickets for inmates who have completed their sentences and lack the means to travel back to their home countries.

The contribution amounts to AED 4,80,000 ($130,790) annually. The Faraj Fund will identify eligible beneficiaries and manage the allocation of support. The initiative is aimed at assisting prisoners regardless of nationality or religion, ensuring access to travel after release.

The Faraj Fund was established in 2009 by the UAE Ministry of Social Affairs to provide assistance to inmates facing financial hardship and to support their families. The organization works with authorities to extend aid in cases where individuals are unable to meet basic requirements following their release.

A spokesperson from Pure Gold Jewellers stated that the monthly contribution forms part of the UAE’s ‘Year of Giving’ framework. The funds will be used specifically to cover the cost of return tickets for released prisoners, enabling them to return to their home countries.

In addition to this initiative, Merchant has extended financial assistance to Ajman Police for the medical treatment of an officer diagnosed with a neurological disorder. An amount of AED 60,000 ($16,300) has been provided to support treatment involving acupuncture in Jordan.

Merchant has been involved in humanitarian initiatives linked to expatriate prisoners since 2008. Through this programme, he has also contributed funds to assist individuals detained in the UAE due to unpaid debts. In January this year, Merchant stated that he is willing to exceed a previously pledged amount of $1 million (AED 3.67 million) to support such cases.

To date, his contributions towards this cause have exceeded $4 million (AED 14.68 million). The ongoing initiative continues to focus on providing financial support to facilitate the release and repatriation of expatriates held in detention due to financial liabilities.

The partnership with the Faraj Fund formalizes a long-standing effort to assist prisoners and expands the reach of support through a structured collaboration with a government-backed entity. The initiative links private sector contribution with institutional support to address the needs of individuals following their release from custody.

Pure Gold Jewellers is a leading, award-winning international jewellery brand. Founded in Dubai in 1989 by Firoz G. Merchant, it is renowned for its handcrafted fine jewellery and conflict-free precious stones. The brand has over 170 retail stores across the Middle East (UAE, Oman, Qatar) and India.

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