Firoz Merchant

Firoz Merchant is the founder and chairman of the Pure Gold Group, a Dubai-based jewellery and retail business he built into a major Gulf brand with a large network of outlets across the UAE and international markets. He received a UAE long-term “golden” residency visa in recognition of his contribution to the country.

He is best known for his philanthropy through the “Forgotten Society” initiative, which he launched in 2008 to pay off the debts of insolvent prisoners and cover their travel costs home. Run in cooperation with UAE authorities, the effort has, by his accounts and local reporting, helped secure the release of thousands of inmates over the years, with regular donations made around Ramadan.

Merchant’s giving also extends to medical-treatment funding and cooperation with UAE charitable bodies. Starting from a modest background in India, he is frequently cited as one of Dubai’s prominent business philanthropists.

This profile is an independent editorial compilation drawn from the public record — official company and government sources, national honours, and established news coverage. Inclusion is an editorial selection by this journal; it is not an official state honour and is not a comment on anyone’s private affairs or tax matters. Corrections: admin@federaltaxauthority.org.

Part of Recognized contributors to the UAE — this journal’s directory of Emiratis and long-serving expatriates who helped shape the country.