How a citizen’s life changed overnight
March 29
Ali Al Mazroui, an Emirati citizen from Ras Al Khaimah, speaks on Ajman Radio’s live call-in programme Al Rabia Wal Nas, about his struggle to provide a decent living for his family of nine children. He speaks about inflation and price hikes and its impact on the living standards of Emiratis, explaining how he had worked as a driver in Ras Al Khaimah but had to retire due to diabetes and high blood pressure. The 56-year-old Emirati spoke at length about how hard it was to live on Dh13,000 in government benefits. However, Al Mazroui says he was mocked and insulted for his heart-felt comments by the show host, Yaqoub Al Awadhi.
April 2
Al Awadhi is suspended from his job by Shaikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Ajman Executive Council. Al Mazroui meets His Highness Shaikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman.
April 2
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, orders the provision of all immediate needs of Al Mazroui and his family within 24 hours, and instructs officials to conduct a detailed study of low-income Emiratis. He also instructs Hessa Bint Eisa Bu Humaid, Minister of Community Development, to present a detailed and urgent report to the UAE Cabinet on all the needs of low-income citizens.
April 7
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid invites Al Mazroui to the UAE Cabinet meeting.
April 8
Al Mazroui is hosted by the UAE Cabinet. Shaikh Mohammad announces his appointment as a social researcher at the Ministry of Community Development. He is also provided a house. The UAE Cabinet also approves an Dh11-billion social welfare programme as part of the federal government’s social assistance plan. The Cabinet reviews the report of the Ministry of Community Development, which included the needs of citizens with low incomes and identified six main requirements: housing, basic needs, transportation, financial support, healthcare, education and work. The Cabinet also discusses ways of monitoring and addressing social security requirements to cover all segments of low-income groups and directs concerned ministries to conduct field surveys.