Children orphaned by Sunday’s fatal collision on Emirates Road will have part of their education funded under a relief plan unveiled by one of the UAE’s wealthiest businessmen, who has set aside money specifically to shield young dependents from the financial fallout of losing a parent.
Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, who chairs Burjeel Holdings, is putting AED 1 million toward families affected by the crash, which killed seven workers and left nine others hurt. Khaleej Times reported that the breakdown of the fund directs AED 50,000 to the schooling of children left behind, while a separate AED 70,000 covers the travel and lodging costs that relatives face when reaching the UAE in the aftermath.
The largest share, AED 700,000, goes to the bereaved households, with each of the seven families receiving AED 100,000. Survivors have been allocated AED 180,000 to meet medical and rehabilitation expenses as they recover.
Vayalil framed the gesture as a response to the human cost behind the figures. “These were workers who came here with hopes, responsibilities and dreams for their loved ones. No financial support can replace the lives lost, but we hope this assistance will bring some relief to the grieving families and help the injured during their recovery. We stand with every affected family in this difficult time,” he said.
The chairman was clear that nationality would not determine who benefits. “While we are coordinating with the Indian Consulate regarding affected Indian families, support will extend to all individuals impacted by this tragedy, in recognition of our shared humanity,” he said.
Households with young dependent children have been singled out for additional attention, given how heavily the loss of a primary earner falls on families left without an income.
Of those who died, six were Indian nationals and one was Sri Lankan. The Indian victims came from Uttar Pradesh and Telangana, three from each state. Some of the injured have since left hospital, though others remain under care at facilities around the country.
The collision happened when a minibus transporting staff of a Dubai-based firm struck the back of a truck that had halted on the carriageway after a mechanical fault. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy that has affected families across countries,” Vayalil said, describing the accident as one that crossed borders in its impact.
