Today was supposed to be the day Aysha Fousul and her 15-year-old daughter Mariam would be evicted from their Barsha Heights apartment in Dubai. With unpaid rent piling up and their electricity disconnected, the mother and daughter had prepared themselves for the worst.

But everything changed within 24 hours of their story being published in Khaleej Times. A groundswell of generosity from readers across the UAE not only restored their electricity but also settled the pending rent, giving the family a lifeline they never expected.

“I am still in disbelief,” Aysha told Khaleej Times. “Just two days ago, I was sitting in darkness, not knowing where to turn. I can’t thank the people of this country enough. It feels like a miracle.”

Residents have as of now collected a total of Dh50,000 to help the mother and daughter cover their bills.

Her daughter Mariam, who had earlier reached out to Khaleej Times, was equally moved. “I can finally study without worrying if we’ll be out on the streets. I feel like I can breathe again.”

Aysha, who embraced Islam in 2008, moved to the UAE with hopes of building a new life. But after a failed marriage and a travel ban linked to unpaid debts, she found herself struggling to make ends meet. “

The outpouring of support came from all corners of the UAE. Residents from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and even Ras Al Khaimah reached out to offer help. One Dubai resident, who asked to remain anonymous, settled the outstanding utility bills entirely. The bills stood at Dh7,000.

“I saw the story and couldn’t sit still,” he said.

With the immediate crisis averted, Aysha now hopes to rebuild her life. ““I want to make sure this never happens to us again,” she said. “My daughter deserves a better future. This second chance means everything, and I won’t waste it.”