President Sheikh Mohamed has ordered the release of 2,937 prisoners ahead of Eid Al Etihad, the UAE's 54th National Day.
Sheikh Mohamed will also cover the cost of fines incurred by the inmates as part of their sentencing.
The humanitarian gesture is intended to give offenders a chance to start a new life and reintegrate into their families and communities.
“The initiative is part of the President’s broader efforts to promote stability, social cohesion and opportunities for rehabilitation,” state news agency Wam reported.
The UAE leaders free thousands of prisoners every year in a show of compassion to mark public holidays and events such as Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also released prisoners ahead of UAE National Day. It was announced on Thursday that the Ruler of Dubai had pardoned 2,025 prisoners to mark the occasion.
Sheikh Mohammed's order to pardon the prisoners reflects his keenness to bring happiness to their families and give them an opportunity to start a new life and reintegrate themselves into society, said Essam Al Humaidan, Attorney General of Dubai, reported the emirate's government media office.
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, also released 366 prisoners before Eid Al Etihad, for “good conduct and behaviour”, the Sharjah Government Media Bureau reported.
Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, released 225 inmates in honour of the occasion. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, pardoned 129 prisoners.
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, ordered the release of 854 prisoners.
