Rulers of the seven emirates of the UAE have ordered the release of more than 3,000 prisoners ahead of Ramadan 2023.
It is not uncommon for UAE royal family members to issue a pardon and release prisoners ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
Rulers and royals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain all ordered the release of prisoners in their respective emirates. In total more than 3,000 prisoners were set free.
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan ordered the release of 1,025 prisoners serving various sentences in the UAE.
The move was part of President Mohamed’s humanitarian initiatives and is reflective of the values of forgiveness and tolerance to give pardoned inmates an opportunity to start a new life and ease the suffering of their families.
Sheikh Mohamed’s annual pardon ahead of the month of Ramadan aims to enhance family cohesion, brings about happiness to mothers and children and provides released prisoners with an opportunity to re-think their future and return to the righteous path that allows them to lead a successful social and professional life.
Meanwhile, in Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, ordered the release of 971 prisoners of different nationalities from Dubai’s correctional and punitive establishments.
Attorney General of Dubai Chancellor Essam Issa Al Humaidan said the pardon reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s keenness to reunite the pardoned individuals with their families during the Holy Month.
The pardon gives the released prisoners an opportunity to get a fresh start in life and reintegrate into the community, he added.
Dubai Public Prosecution, in collaboration with Dubai Police, has already commenced the legal procedures to implement the order.
Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, ordered the release of 399 prisoners of different nationalities from Sharjah’s correctional and punitive establishments.
On this occasion, Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, extended his deepest gratitude to the Ruler of Sharjah for the generous pardon.
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, ordered the release of 338 prisoners and pledged to settle their financial liabilities on the advent of Ramadan.
The prisoners’ release comes as part of Shaikh Saud’s keenness to give pardoned inmates an opportunity to start a new life and bring about stability to their families.
The Attorney-General of Ras Al Khaimah, Hasan Saeed Mehaimed, said that this gesture of Sheikh Saud reflects his keenness to give the inmates the opportunity to reintegrate into society and bring happiness to their families and loved ones in this holy month.
Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, ordered the release of 151 prisoners.
The pardon was given to the prisoners who have a proven track record of good conduct.
Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member, and Ruler of Ajman, issued an order for the release of 135 prisoners who have demonstrated good conduct during their incarceration in Ajman’s correctional and punitive facilities.
This act of clemency by the Ruler of Ajman is a compassionate gesture aimed at providing prisoners with a chance to begin anew and ease the difficulties faced by their families.
Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, ordered the release of an unspecified number of prisoners from the punitive and corrective institutions in the Emirate.
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.
