UAE rulers pardon 1,000 prisoners ahead of Eid Al Adha

Move to give inmates 'fresh start'

More than 500 prisoners from Dubai's jails are to be released after being pardoned by the Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, ordered the release of 543 people on Tuesday.

Dubai's Attorney General Essam Issa Al Humaidan said that the move "will bring happiness to their families, help the pardoned individuals get a fresh start in life and support them in reintegrating into the community".

He said public prosecution has commenced the legal procedures to implement Sheikh Mohammed’s order.

Also on Tuesday, 47 prisoners were released by the Fujairah Ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi.

And a further 305 were released from prison in Ras Al Khaimah by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. He will cover their financial costs and fines, state news agency Wam reported.

On Monday, the President, Sheikh Khalifa, ordered the release of 803 prisoners ahead of the religious holiday.

The pardoned inmates had serving jail terms for a variety of minor offences.

Every year ahead of religious holidays, the president and rulers of the emirates pardon prisoners and order the settling of debts, which prevent many from leaving prison.