Dubai: People imprisoned in Dubai over bad debt due to failed businesses or inability to pay alimony in divorce settlements will be given a second chance at life through a new initiative called ‘Reunion’ launched on Monday.
‘Reunion’ aims to assist prisoners in Dubai who have been detained over default on loans or unpaid alimony. The move was initiated by Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, founding chairman, Al Habtoor Group, who aims to provide financial aid to settle the debt of certain prisoners so they can be released and secure a job to provide for their families.

The details of the initiative were unveiled in a meeting with Major-General Khalil Ebrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation at Dubai Police, at the Al Habtoor Group head office on Monday.
Al Habtoor said detention is not always the best solution. “A child needs a father at home. A wife relies on her husband to be a role model or to provide for the family. In cases of alimony, a father who is in prison due to lack of funds cannot provide for his family if he is in jail. He needs a job to earn a salary so he can meet his obligations,” Al Habtoor said.
“I am launching the ‘Reunion’ initiative because I believe people should be given a second chance so long as they are disciplined and are honest human beings with sound business practices. Decisions will be taken on a case-by-case basis,” he added.

Specific details as to how much financial aid will be released were not announced, however.
Al Habtoor said circumstances may not be conducive for a business to flourish that can result in the lack of liquidity and inability to pay what is owed.
He said learning from one’s failures as much as from successes is key in every business. Doing so makes one stronger and even more determined to succeed.
“So long as you run a company with transparency, honesty and ethics, then I believe you have given it all you can. Unfortunately, external factors come into play in some cases like the global financial crisis, or teaming up with the wrong partner, or hiring untrustworthy people. This is unavoidable at times,” he said.
“As human beings, we always see the good in people. Past failures should teach people to always be cautious. Don’t over-commit or over-borrow. You have to take risks in business, but only calculated risks.”
Al Habtoor emphasised that it is not only the defaulter who should learn from the past mistakes. “Banks also have to take their share of responsibility. It is imperative that banks do not over-lend. I urge them to conduct a thorough due diligence with every loan application to ensure that all necessary precautions are in place to permit the individual to repay their loans,” he cautioned.