A decade-long struggle for Shifin Ummer Kummali, a 24-year-old delivery rider from Kerala, has finally brought some relief. Shifin was left paralysed after a hit-and-run accident in Al Ain on March 26, 2022, when a car collided with his bike, causing severe brain injuries. Despite extensive treatment in both the UAE and India, he remains dependent on his family for daily care.
In a landmark ruling, the Dubai Court awarded Shifin’s family Dh5 million (around ₹11 crore) in compensation, taking into account his permanent disabilities and future medical needs. The UAE Supreme Court upheld this decision in August 2023, and the funds were disbursed in seven instalments, along with an additional Dh73,000 for legal and medical expenses.
The compensation will help cover Shifin’s ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation, providing much-needed financial support for his family. While it cannot undo the trauma of the accident, the gesture reflects the UAE’s commitment to justice and its support for expatriate communities, arriving as a meaningful gift during the festive season of Onam.
