President Sheikh Mohamed waives Dh140m in debt for Emiratis

President Sheikh Mohamed on Wednesday waived the debts of 222 Emiratis, amounting to more than Dh139.8 million, before Eid Al Adha.

The relief has been extended through the Defaulted Debts Settlement Fund, with beneficiaries including retirees and social support recipients.

The move is part of efforts to promote social welfare and development by easing financial burdens, state news agency Wam reported.

Debts of about Dh86.4 million will be waived for 132 retirees, while 90 citizens will be exempted under the social support category from repaying debts amounting to Dh53.4 million.

The move follows a similar decision announced before the UAE’s 53rd National Day last year. At the time, debts worth Dh401 million were cleared for 1,277 Emiratis.

Mortgages written off

In Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, waived Dh101 million in mortgage debt for 303 Emiratis.

The initiative aimed to support citizens and improve their quality of life, Dubai Media Office reported.

Wicked: For Good

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater

Rating: 4/5

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat

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The studios taking part (so far)

Punch
Vogue Fitness
Sweat
Bodytree Studio
The Hot House
The Room
Inspire Sports (Ladies Only)
Cryo

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.