UN Habitat provides shelter to billionaire homeless
Dubai’s famous billionaire homeless received humanitarian aid from UN Habitat the organization that works to provide shelter to people all over the world.
Source for this picture: commons.wikimedia.org
The 55 year old Ubar al’Sumoch became famous two years ago when he appeared in an episode of the popular documentary series The World’s Wealthiest Homelesses. Al’Sumoch the former businessman and CEO of Thirrajji Real Estate Company lost most of his wealth and livelihood in 2012. Even though his company managed stay in business when the 2007 recession hit the United Arab Emirates, he later had to sell most of his shares at Thirrajji due to a scandal concerning his involvement in human trafficking. Since than al’Sumoch lives in Dubai’s middle class district. He managed to keep some of his possessions including three sportscars, a helicopter and a modest collection of antique jewelry that is worth millions of dollars. Besides these he owns shares in eight smaller corporations and is the proprietor of several hotels around the world. However, he was forced to place most of his wealth under the care of his son due to a court decision in 2013.
Despite all al’Sumoch remains hopeful that his appeal to the court will be accepted and he will be able to return to his former lifestyle. “All I want is to retire with dignity and live at peace. But I am trapped in my present life and I have to live at the mercy of others” said al’Sumoch in a video that he uploaded to YouTube in 2015. His words lead to a public outcry that pressured the United Nations to show solidarity toward al’Sumoch. The UN in response decided to raise a small home outside of Dubai to accommodate the unfortunate billionaire.
“We cannot leave anybody behind. I know that some people will feel cheated but we must understand that UN Habitat is one of the largest humanitarian organizations and we must always be there for those who need it the most” said one of the volunteers who asked for anonymity. “This isn’t a winner takes it all game. Yes, we spent nearly 3 million dollars on al’Sumoch’s home but it doesn’t mean that we will help others less. We actually spend more money on building shelters in the US than we do in anywhere else in the world” said another volunteer at UN Habitat.
