Abu Abdullah never expected his life to change so suddenly. After years of working hard to secure a stable life for his small family, he found himself caught between illness, debt, and relentless daily responsibilities. In a short time, he became unable to work as he once did after a serious heart condition imposed difficult health limitations.

Speaking to the “Hotline” section of Emarat Al Youm, Abu Abdullah said his ordeal began several years ago when he suffered a severe heart problem that required surgery to implant a pacemaker to regulate his heartbeat. Since then, his life has changed dramatically. He is no longer able to exert physical effort as before; even walking short distances can leave him extremely weak and sometimes lead to fainting.

He explained that his condition prevented him from continuing his work duties, which significantly affected his income and his ability to meet his family’s needs. “I have two children and many responsibilities. I always tried to provide them with a decent life, but the illness made things much harder,” he said. At one stage, he had no choice but to borrow money to cover essential living expenses, including rent and basic household needs. Over time, the debts accumulated to AED 300,000, eventually turning into a financial case when he became unable to repay due to his deteriorating health and irregular ability to work.

Abu Abdullah added that the psychological pressure grew heavier each day, as he lived in constant anxiety over the financial case, in addition to his ongoing fear that his health might worsen.

“Sometimes I felt that every door was closed in front of me, especially since I was no longer capable of working long hours as I used to,” he said. He spent much of his time worrying about the future of his two children and how he could secure their needs amid these difficult circumstances. What hurt him most, he noted, was the feeling of helplessness in providing for his family as he wished.

As the crisis intensified, Abu Abdullah turned to the Emarat Al Youm Hotline to share his story, hoping someone might extend a helping hand and help him overcome his ordeal. “I was searching for a glimmer of hope to ease this heavy burden,” he said.

Before long, the news arrived that restored his hope. His name was included among the beneficiaries of the seventh season of the “Yaq Al-Aoun” initiative, launched by Emarat Al Youm in cooperation with Dubai Courts and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai. The initiative aims to secure the release of financially distressed Emiratis who are facing legal cases due to accumulated debts resulting from challenging life circumstances.

Abu Abdullah described hearing the news as a turning point in his life, saying it felt like the beginning of the end of years of hardship.

“When I learned that my name had been included among the beneficiaries of the ‘Yaq Al-Aoun’ initiative, I felt an indescribable relief—as if a mountain had been lifted off my chest,” he said.

He emphasized that the humanitarian initiative goes beyond simply settling debts; it offers those facing financial cases a new opportunity to start over, free from the pressures that have burdened them for years. The initiative, he said, has restored his hope of living a more stable life with his family and focusing on improving his health while caring for his two children.

Abu Abdullah added that the “Yaq Al-Aoun” initiative reflects the spirit of solidarity and compassion that characterizes Emirati society, noting that such humanitarian efforts play a vital role in easing the suffering of families going through difficult circumstances. He expressed his deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to the initiative—whether the organizing entities or the benefactors who supported its humanitarian goals.

“I feel immense gratitude to everyone who stood by me during this difficult time. I pray that God rewards them abundantly for this noble act,” he said. He concluded by saying that the initiative has restored his hope for the future and that he looks forward to turning a new page in his life, free from the anxiety and pressure that marked the past years.

“What happened to me proves that humanitarian work can truly transform lives and restore hope—especially when someone listens to your hardship and extends a helping hand at the right moment.”