In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, there have been severe repercussions on the economy, with many across the globe and in the UAE.
Some 200 expats from Ghana were left homeless as they were let go from jobs or unable to secure work in Dubai.
This resulted in them being left stranded and forced to sleep in a park in Satwa for over a month.
However, after a photo of the group was posted on social media by journalist David Tusing, an anonymous Emirati man offered to house them in temporary accommodation in Jebel Ali.
I CAN’T WAIT TO ANNOUNCE THIS! The homeless #Ghanaians that I posted about earlier have all found a place to stay, thanks to a generous Emirati (still trying to find out his name) who’s offered them a place in Jebel Ali. pic.twitter.com/AKfeZwxGU8
— David Tusing (@DavidTusing) June 1, 2020
Now, the Ghanians have a safe place to stay while they wait for their papers to be sorted and for flights home, Tusing said on Twitter.
“What a beautiful UAE story!” he added. “Thank you for the community who came together. I am overwhelmed.”
Thanks to the nameless man (for now), they all have a temporary home while they wait for their papers to be sorted and flights arranged. What a beautiful UAE story! Thank you for the community who came together. I am overwhelmed. I will keep you posted.
— David Tusing (@DavidTusing) June 1, 2020
In a Twitter thread, Tusing also noted how it was now of the upmost importance they all return home safely, to which someone responded with incredible news.
Muna Easa Al Gurg, a businesswoman and philanthropist from Dubai, told Tusing she was in the process of helping to get plane tickets sorted to help the stranded expats to return home.
“I’m helping by sponsoring tickets to help them get home, if you know anyone who would like to contribute let me know,” she said, adding that each ticket would be costing around Dhs1,600.
Responding to Al Gurg’s selfless act, Tusing admitted he was “in tears”.
I’m in tears!!! https://t.co/YSPrai55A2 https://t.co/Uc4xAQ4zIs
— David Tusing (@DavidTusing) June 2, 2020
This is just one of many situations where it shows how much good social media can do to spread awareness.
