The Ruler of Sharjah has paid off the debts of 99 Emiratis, it was announced on Sunday.
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi donated more than Dh51.9 million ($14.1m) to settle the debt cases "in various categories", Wam official news agency said.
Rashid Bin Al Sheikh, head of the Ruler's court, said the initiative comes as part of "the Ruler's keenness on providing a stable and decent life for nationals who have been struggling with paying off their debts".
The financial cases against the individuals can now be resolved.
This is the 20th occasion Sheikh Dr Sultan has helped local debtors.
In total, this has paid off debts of more than Dh786.8 million for 1,576 people.
In pictures: Sharjah ruler visits Kalba
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Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, at the Bait Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al Qasimi historic house in Kalba. Wam -

The first phase of a careful restoration of the historic building is complete. -

The building will open to the public once the work is complete. Wam -

The building's eastern section includes an outer majlis overlooking the shore. Wam -

The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, opens the new Kalba Corniche. Wam -

The new Kalba Corniche includes a jogging track. Wam -

More than 1,500 trees were planted along with additional picnicking spaces for visitors. Wam -

A flood drain network was also built as part of the project. Wam -

Construction on Kalba Corniche has been progressing for many years. Antonie Robertson / The National -

The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, also laid the cornerstone of Kalba's new Clock Tower Square. Wam -

The tower will soar 42 metres above the town. Wam -

The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, opened Khor Kalba Fort and also viewed plans for a new museum. Wam -

The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, opened Khor Kalba Fort and also viewed plans for a new museum. It is believed the fort was built about 1745. Wam -

The fort was added to in a second phase of building in 1820. Wam -

Inside the fort is a treasure trove of ancient artefacts. -

Dr Sheikh Sultan also laid the foundation stone for the new Souq Al Jubail. Wam -

Souq Al Jubail will be four times the area of the existing market. Wam -

The Ruler also visited the new Soor Kalba project. Wam -

The Dh180 million initiative involves the construction of 105 buildings including 420 apartments and 319 shops overlooking Kalba Corniche. Wam -

Kalba lake on a quiet morning. The enclave is known for its mountains, mangroves and historic buildings. Reem Mohammed / The National
Vaccine Progress in the Middle East
The biog
Favourite food: Tabbouleh, greek salad and sushi
Favourite TV show: That 70s Show
Favourite animal: Ferrets, they are smart, sensitive, playful and loving
Favourite holiday destination: Seychelles, my resolution for 2020 is to visit as many spiritual retreats and animal shelters across the world as I can
Name of first pet: Eddy, a Persian cat that showed up at our home
Favourite dog breed: I love them all - if I had to pick Yorkshire terrier for small dogs and St Bernard's for big
While you're here
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
8 traditional Jamaican dishes to try at Kingston 21
- Trench Town Rock: Jamaican-style curry goat served in a pastry basket with a carrot and potato garnish
- Rock Steady Jerk Chicken: chicken marinated for 24 hours and slow-cooked on the grill
- Mento Oxtail: flavoured oxtail stewed for five hours with herbs
- Ackee and salt fish: the national dish of Jamaica makes for a hearty breakfast
- Jamaican porridge: another breakfast favourite, can be made with peanut, cornmeal, banana and plantain
- Jamaican beef patty: a pastry with ground beef filling
- Hellshire Pon di Beach: Fresh fish with pickles
- Out of Many: traditional sweet potato pudding


