Ramadan 2021: Sheikh Khalifa pardons 439 prisoners

Generous move aims to give the inmates a second chance in life

The President, Sheikh Khalifa, paid tribute to those serving, martyrs and Emirati women. Wam

The President, Sheikh Khalifa, ordered the release of 439 inmates ahead of Ramadan.

Sheikh Khalifa typically pardons a number of prisoners every year before the start of the holy month.

It allows those convicted of any crimes to use Ramadan to rethink their future and focus on what’s important.

The humanitarian gesture also falls under the UAE’s values of forgiveness and tolerance and it gives the inmates a second chance in life.

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, also released 206 prisoners on the eve of Ramadan.

Maj Gen Saif Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, thanked the Ruler for his humanitarian gesture.

Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, also ordered the release of 55 prisoners in the emirate before Ramadan.

All have demonstrated good conduct during their sentences.

The pardon is a gesture by Sheikh Humaid to give prisoners an opportunity to start a new life and alleviate their families' hardship.

Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, the Ruler of Umm Al Quwain also ordered the release of a number of prisoners from prisons and corrective institutions in the emirate on the advent of the holy month.

State news agency Wam said those released had shown good conduct.

Sheikh Saud expressed his sincere wishes to see the released prisoners take the opportunity to start a new life and become productive members of society.

Meanwhile, the UAE set out a plan to fund 100 million free meals in 20 countries.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said there were 52 million people living within a four-hour flight from the Emirates who were at risk of hunger.

A website set up for the campaign allows people to donate as little as Dh10 to fund 10 meals, rising to Dh500.

Abu Dhabi’s Ramadan decorations - in pictures

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  The streets of Abu Dhabi have been decorated with dazzling illuminations ahead of Ramadan. Victor Besa / The National

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  The decorative lights include beautiful Islamic designs inspired by the holy month. Victor Besa / The National

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  Hundreds of illuminated shapes have been hung throughout the capital, comprising thousands of colourful lights. Victor Besa / The National

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  The visually appealing, Ramadan-themed designs include crescent shapes and star-shaped pieces. Victor Besa / The National

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  There will also be illuminated lanterns hanging from trees and lamp posts. Victor Besa / The National

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  The decorations aim to provide a joyful setting that reflects the values of the holy month. Victor Besa / The National

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  The safety of pedestrians and the environment were taken into consideration before the decorations were hung. Victor Besa / The National

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  All cables have been safely secured and LED power-saving lights have been used. Victor Besa / The National

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  The lights will be turned on from Thursday, May 10, until the end of the Eid Al Fitr holiday. Victor Besa / The National