UPDATE: Struggling Emirati caller finds his voice heard after mocking on live radio
An Ajman radio show host who ridiculed an Emirati on air has been suspended from work, while the caller will now have all his needs met.
Ali Rashed Al Mazrouei, from Deqdaqah in Ras Al Khaimah, called in to Ajman Radio's live programme Al Rabia Wal Nas last Thursday to plead for a decent home for himself and his nine children.
Mr Al Mazrouei told The National he was a regular caller of the show, and usually spoke to the other host. However, this time the other host answered and "offended me".
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, answered the caller's plea by ordering authorities to provide him and his family with all their needs within 24 hours, to guarantee them a decent life.
Mr Al Mazrouei told Al Bayan newspaper he called Ajman Radio to speak about his difficult financial situation. As he has diabetes, high blood pressure and many other health complications, he was unable to work and relied completely on a salary given to him by social affairs, which was no longer enough to meet the needs of his household.
He said he was shocked by the host’s reaction, who had repeatedly denied everything he said. As a result, the Crown Prince of Ajman, Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, ordered the suspension of the show’s host, Yaqoub Al Awadi.
Mr Al Mazrouei said he called the show to highlight the needs of Emiratis with limited income, since media channels are a platform for all locals to deliver their concerns to the leaders.
Sheikh Mohammed also ordered Hessa Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, to provide the Cabinet, in its coming meeting, with a detailed report about the requirements of the UAE people with limited income alongside a plan to address this issue.