UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has paid tribute to Judge Hamid Al Ali of the Umm Al Quwain Federal Court of First Instance for a compassionate decision that captured the essence of Emirati values.
The recognition came after Judge Al Ali recounted a deeply moving case from years ago, involving an Afghani man who overstayed his residency in the UAE along with his wife and four children. The man had failed to renew their visas for five years due to personal circumstances.
During the hearing, Judge Al Ali inquired about the man’s reason for overstaying. The man explained that his Emirati sponsor had been diagnosed with cancer, and he chose to stay by his side at the hospital, prioritizing care over paperwork.
What unfolded next left a lasting impact. Judge Al Ali noticed the man’s young son standing silently in court and asked for his name. The answer moved him — the boy was named Zayed.
In an emotional gesture, Judge Al Ali removed the UAE flag scarf from his shoulders and wrapped it around the boy, saying, “Zayed is not fined but honoured.” He then proceeded to cancel the Dh60,000 fine.