
UAE exempts 222 citizens from $39mn in debts
The UAE's Defaulted Debts Settlement Fund has exempted 222 citizens from debts totalling more than AED 139.879 million, following directives from President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The initiative, which operates under the supervision of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, targets retirees and social support categories.
UAE waives citizens' debts
The Fund cleared debts exceeding AED 86.476 million for 132 retirees, whilst exempting 90 citizens under the social support category from debts totalling more than AED 53.403 million.
'The initiative reflects the wise leadership's vision to ease the lives of citizens and ensure them a dignified and stable standard of living,' the Emirates News Agency (WAM) said in a statement.
The programme contributes to social development by alleviating financial burdens, supporting retirees and social support beneficiaries, and fostering family stability, according to the statement.
The initiative aligns with the UAE's national strategy for sustainable development and demonstrates commitment to social cohesion and prosperity, with attention focused on those who served the country and the community's most vulnerable members.
The Fund emphasised that the programme embodies President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's commitment to alleviating financial burdens on citizens.
It highlights his vision to ensure a dignified life for Emiratis, promote their well-being, strengthen family and community stability, and uphold the values of cohesion and solidarity that characterise Emirati society.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
'Wish they could eat': Palestinian expats in UAE spend Eid praying for relatives, donating
Muslims across the UAE, like many others around the world, began their Eid Al Adha festivities on Friday, June 6, with early morning prayers in mosques and open prayer grounds. But for Palestinians expats, the celebration carries a complex and bittersweet weight. While the festivities unfold in the UAE, the place they now call home, many still carry the burden of loved ones living in Gaza, where destruction and hardship have cast a shadow over what should be a day of joy. For Jana A, a 24-year-old Dubai-based Palestinian, "celebrating Eid this year was bleak, marked by grotesque scenes of death, suffering and destruction aired on TV and our social media platforms. "It's impossible to go about celebrating Eid after seeing these images," she said. The young UAE resident said she has "not been to Palestine for 7 years mainly because of increasing settler violence in our village's area". A.H. (name withheld on request), a Dubai resident originally from Palestine, shared her thoughts on the matter. 'My parents and relatives are fine. But just because everyone at home is safe doesn't mean that we don't know what's happening in Gaza. It's hard, especially during Eid.' The 32-year-old copywriter, along with her brother, took part in a fundraiser to support those in Gaza who couldn't afford the festivities. 'It's one of the best experiences I've had,' she said, reflecting on the solidarity and connection she felt with those in need back home. For some Palestinians in the country, this Eid was not just about prayers and donations — it was a reminder of the resilience of their people, the hardships their loved ones face, and the deep connection that extends beyond borders, even in the darkest times. 'We've been living in Dubai for almost 10 years now, and it never gets easier seeing our brothers and sisters in Gaza, scraping by and barely having enough to eat," A.H.'s brother, M.A.H said. "Eid should be a time for celebration, but it's hard to feel that joy when you know what's happening back home. Still, we made the most of it, meeting with family here and donating to our friend's fundraiser. That's how we found some peace," the 36-year-old software engineer added. For Zain, a 23-year-old Palestinian from Sharjah, Eid in UAE starkly contrasts celebrations "back home." In Palestine, the festivities are never-ending; for 3 days, families go door-to-door, exchanging greetings with relatives. In UAE, the celebrations are shorter for Eid, as the number of relatives in the country are less, with most of her extended family staying in Palestine, Zain added. For this Eid, Zain's wish is heart-wrenchingly simple. She wishes her aunt in Palestine can eat. "I wish they can get food. It's not that they can't afford it, it's that there is simply nothing available." Jana fondly remembered the "tight-knit community" in Palestine; "the smell of soil, the taste of fruits that my family has planted and harvested for years, the warmth of the breeze traveling all the way from the Mediterranean." For Eid, her wish is to "go home; for all Palestinians to go home" and experience "the feeling of belonging [that] only lays in Palestine".


The National
7 hours ago
- The National
Syria receives major wave of investments in six months since Assad's fall
Syria has attracted growing international investment and aid commitments in the six months since the fall of the regime of former president Bashar Al Assad, as the country seeks to rebuild its shattered economy. This rapid influx of investment marks a stark contrast to the years of economic decline and isolation that defined the country's post-2011 era. Since Mr Al Assad's departure last December, investors from across the region and beyond have started to take a stake in Syria's post-conflict recovery. Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE were among the first nations to endorse the country's new leadership, with President Ahmad Al Shara invited to visit all three countries a handful of times since he took office in a bid to secure economic support. Major commitments include a $7 billion energy infrastructure deal led by Qatar's UCC Holding, a $6.5 billion aid pledge from international donors and an $800 million port development agreement with Dubai-based DP World. Half a century of recovery Despite the momentum, Syria's reconstruction needs range between $400 billion, according to the World Bank, and $1 trillion, as estimated by Mohammad Al-Shaar, Syria's Minister of Economy and Industry, last month. In February 2025, the UNDP published a report in which it estimated that Syria's economy could take half a century to recover to prewar levels. Before the 2011 uprising, Syria's economy was valued at $67.5 billion, ranking 68th globally and comparable to economies like Paraguay and Slovenia according to the World Bank. By 2023, however, years of conflict and sanctions had reduced the country's gross domestic product by 85 per cent to just $9 billion, placing it 129th in the global rankings. Between 2000 and 2010, Syria enjoyed steady economic growth averaging 4.5 per cent annually, with inflation below 5 per cent. At its peak, nominal GDP reached $60 billion, and the average income per member of the population approached $3,000. People power Despite the investments and interest, a key challenge will be getting the country workforce-ready. The prolonged war in Syria has displaced millions, with more than 6.2 million Syrians registered as refugees, and an additional 7.2 million internally displaced. This mass displacement has resulted in a substantial reduction in the available labour force, particularly in critical sectors such as construction and health care. A significant portion of the population has also experienced disruptions in education and vocational training, leading to a skills gap that hampers reconstruction efforts. To address these challenges, new initiatives like cash-for-work programmes have been introduced. These programmes aim to provide immediate employment opportunities while simultaneously rebuilding essential infrastructure. They also offer on-the-job training, helping to bridge the skills gap and empower communities to participate actively in the nation's recovery.


Al Etihad
8 hours ago
- Al Etihad
FNC discusses cooperation with Brazilian, Belarusian parliaments
7 June 2025 14:10 BRASÍLIA (WAM)Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Committee on Defence, Interior, and Foreign Affairs in the UAE Federal National Council (FNC), met with Senator Davi Alcolumbre, President of the Senate of the Federative Republic of Brazil, on the sidelines of the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum held at the National Congress in Brasí meeting was attended by Sara Falaknaz, FNC member, and Saleh Ahmed Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Alcolumbre praised the active participation of the UAE parliamentary delegation in the forum, and stressed the importance of strengthening parliamentary ties, which serve as a vital channel for broadening avenues of expressed appreciation for the UAE's role in promoting transparency and advancing economic development at both regional and international Al Nuaimi affirmed the depth of bilateral relations between the UAE and Brazil, noting the UAE considers Brazil a strategic partner across various sectors. He emphasised the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation in development projects that benefit both countries and their two sides explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation, highlighting promising opportunities in key sectors such as advanced technology, energy and economic investment, all contributing to broader and more sustainable strategic the meeting, Dr. Al Nuaimi delivered an official letter from Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, addressed to the President of the Brazilian Senate, extending a formal invitation to visit the a separate meeting, Dr. Al Nuaimi also held talks with Sergei Rachkov, Chairman of the Standing Commission for Foreign Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of parties affirmed the strength of UAE-Belarus relations and stressed the importance of enhancing parliamentary cooperation, maintaining ongoing dialogue and coordination on matters of mutual interest to strengthen shared strategic objectives and mutual the meeting, attended by FNC member Sara Falkanaz, Dr. Al Nuaimi highlighted the rapid growth of UAE-Belarus relations, noting the significant opportunities for further collaboration across sectors, and stressing that current global challenges require the establishment of effective partnerships and the adoption of flexible and innovative models for international cooperation.