Firoz Merchant is the first Indian expatriate to ever receive the prestigious award

Abu Dhabi, UAE; September 26, 2019:  H.E. Major General Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police awarded philanthropist Firoz Merchant, Founder and Chairman of Pure Gold Group; the Commander in Chief’s Excellence Award 2019.

The prestigious award is in recognition of Mr. Firoz Merchant’s service to the community through his ‘Forgotten Society’ initiative, established in 2008, to help release insolvent prisoners. He has spent approximately USD 5.5 million to free thousands of insolvent prisoners across the UAE and to help them go back to their native country. 

The ceremony was held at the Armed Forces Officers’ Club in Abu Dhabi, and it was attended by over a thousand police officers; as well as other Ministry of Interior officials.

Mr. Merchant is the first Indian expatriate to receive the ‘Commander in Chief’s Excellence Award’ making it a proud moment for India and its people. 
Receiving the award, Mr. Merchant said: “I am honoured to be recognized for humble efforts towards the betterment of society.

This award only reinvigorates me to do more for the unfortunate victims of financial downfall who end up in prison with no means to pay back their debts and air tickets to go back home. I would like to express my gratitude to His Excellency Major General Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, for felicitating me with this prestigious award and a certificate; and encouraging me to do more for the society.”