Dubai Ruler invites Emirati mocked on radio show to attend UAE Cabinet meeting

Meeting to review the Minister of Community Development’s action plan to support low income citizens

Ali Rashed Al Mazrouei, left, pictured with Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, the Ruler of Ajman. Courtesy: WAM

An Emirati who was mocked on air after speaking of his struggle to raise a family on Dh13,000 a month has now been invited to attend a UAE Cabinet meeting.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has asked Ali Al Mazrouei from Ras Al Khaimah to attend Sunday's meeting.

The meeting is set to review the Minister of Community Development’s action plan to support low income citizens.

The news was revealed in a tweet from Dubai Media Office on Saturday.

It caps an incredible few days for the Emirati whose plight has captivated the country.

Mr Al Mazrouei had spoken on Ajman Radio's live programme Al Rabia Wal Nas about his struggles to provide a decent home for himself and his nine children.

He had worked as a driver in RAK but had to retire on health grounds. He has diabetes and high blood pressure. The 56-year-old spoke of the rising cost of living and how hard it is to live on Dh13,000 in health benefits from the Government.

"This was the first time that I decided to raise this issue, because life was starting to close its doors in our faces. Instead of just worrying in vain every day I decided to take a proactive step," he told The National last week.

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Sacked Ajman Radio anchor says he was protecting the UAE's reputation

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When the radio jockey disputed his claims, the DJ was suspended and Sheikh Mohammed ordered authorities to provide him and his family with all their needs within 24 hours. Mr Al Mazrouei also met the Crown Prince and the Ruler of Ajman, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi.

Yaqoub Al Awadhi, the Emirati anchor, said he was trying to protect the country's reputation and did not mean any harm to Mr Al Mazrouei.

The meeting on Sunday comes as the UAE continues to improve services, build homes and increase wages. Last month, more than 400 homes were ordered to be built for Emirati families living in the Al Dhafra Region (Western Region by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra, to provide the families with decent living standards.

In February, Sheikh Mohammed approved a Dh7.2 billion housing plan for 7,270 homes to be delivered by 2021.

Last December, a increase in wages and a new minimum salary of Dh17,500 was announced by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah with Dh600 million allocated for the new pay structure and increased wages.

In November, the largest single new community in Abu Dhabi to date was announced. Housing 200,000 people, Riyadh City will be located between southern Shamkha and North Al Wathba and comprise 45 per cent of the capital's residential land.