100-year-old Emirati who treated patients for free dies after decades of service

Dubai - Sheikh Mohamed pays tribute to Aqeeda Ali Al Muhairi, who served his community for 80 years.

An Emirati, who dedicated his life serving patients with his expertise in traditional medicine, has died at the age of 100.

Tributes are pouring in for Aqeeda Ali Al Muhairi, who had served his community for over 80 years.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, led the tributes on Saturday.

"Aqeeda Ali Al Muhairi was a loyal and honourable son of the UAE, who served his country with distinction for decades. My heartfelt condolences go to his family and relatives. May God have mercy on him," Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed tweeted.

Born in Al Ain in 1920, Al Muhairi was the recipient of an Abu Dhabi Award.

He continued treating his patients well into his 90s, sharing his experience with researchers and doctors of mainstream modern medicine.

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

"In the past, without the option of hospitals and general healthcare, even the simplest diseases were capable of destroying people’s lives. At that time, the need for traditional folk medicine was of paramount importance," the website said.

He always offered his services for free, only accepting donations from those who could afford to do so.

"Over the years, Aqeeda formed an intimate knowledge of treatments for more than 50 different diseases, and he has cared for thousands patients in that time," the website added.

Al Muhairi had a wide knowledge of the sciences, culture and society. In particular, he was well recognised for his knowledge of the familial and tribal roots of the Emirates and the geography of the land of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai.

"Entrusted by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Aqeeda also did a great deal to support the discovery and maintenance of the local Falajs, providing a reliable source of water for communities and for irrigation in Al Ain," said the website.

sahim@khaleejtimes.com