Khaleej Times

Student rescues 9-yr-old, his granny after their eviction

- Amira Agarib

dubai — A Syrian doctoral student rescued an elderly woman aged 71, and her nine-year-old grandson, after their real estate office kicked them out of their apartment.

The elderly woman was unable to pay her rent, after which the real estate office asked them to vacate their flat.

The student rented a hotel room for them and contacted the authoritie­s concerned to solve their problem. As appreciati­on for her humanitari­an gesture, MajorGener­al Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, commander-in-chief of the Dubai Police, honoured Zaina Abdelkarim Ahmed.

The elderly woman’s daughter was detained by the police in connection with a financial case.

The student said that she met the nine-year-old Ahmed and his grandmothe­r on the streets. She rented a hotel room for them for 10 days and provided them with food and clothing at her own expense. She also sought help from the authoritie­s to resolve Ahmed’s mother’s case.

She has done a humanitari­an duty that is a responsibi­lity for everyone who lives in the UAE and enjoys its security and stability.” Maj-Gen Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, commander-in-chief, Dubai Police

The Ministry of the Interior (MoI) intervened — and in cooperatio­n with the General Directorat­e of Residency and Foreign Affairs (DNRD) and Ajman Police — offered relief to the family. It emerged that Ahmed and his mother had been living on in the country for eight years in violation of residency laws. The grandmothe­r had been living illegally for four years. The DNRD waived off their fines.

Ahmed has now been reunited with his mother, thanks to Zaina’s timely interventi­on and the response of the authoritie­s concerned.

Maj-Gen Al Marri praised Zaina and said she had done a humanitari­an duty that is the “responsibi­lity of everyone who lives in the UAE and enjoys its security and stability”.

amira@khaleejtim­es.com

 ?? Supplied photo ?? Zaina Abdelkarim Ahmed receives a certificat­e of appreciati­on from Major-General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri. —
Supplied photo Zaina Abdelkarim Ahmed receives a certificat­e of appreciati­on from Major-General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri. —

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