Residents mourn 100-year-old Emirati who treated patients for free

UAE residents have paid rich tributes to Aqeeda Ali Al Muhairi, who passed away recently aged 100. The veteran Emirati had dedicated his life to serving patients with his expertise in traditional medicine.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, had mourned his death, calling Al Muhairi “a loyal and honourable son of the UAE, who served his country with distinction for decades”.

Al Muhairi had served his community for over 80 years, offering his services for free. He only accepted donations from those who could afford to do so.

Hassan Mohammed, 65, an Al Ain resident, said Al Muhairi was a great man who had dedicated his life to helping people. “He always treated patients without charging them anything. His expertise will be missed.

“Al Muhairi believed in sharing knowledge. He provided information related to traditional medicines and treatment to researchers, students and scholars from a modern scientific perspective. Many people in the country and abroad have benefited from his experience.”

Another resident, Khalid Hamed, said the Emirati will always be remembered for his diligence in treating people and providing knowledge. “He taught everyone who went to him asking for knowledge about traditional medicines. His expertise didn’t stop with him, but he transferred the knowledge and experience to his grandson Essa,” said Hamed.

According to the award’s website, Al Muhairi learnt traditional medicine from his grandmother at the age of 20.