Dubai’s ruler to release 625 prisoners ahead of UAE National Day

Dubai’s ruler and UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued the release of 625 prisoners from Dubai’s correctional and punitive establishments ahead of this year’s National day.

Those released will be of different nationalities from the establishments, a statement said.

Dubai’s public prosecution has started coordinating with the Dubai Police to help implement the order.

Dubai’s attorney general Essam Eisa Al Humaidan said the move is part of the government’s efforts to “promote happiness among all sections of society and offer the pardoned inmates a chance to reintegrate into society”.

It is also hoped to “bring happiness to the families of the released inmates”.

Al Humaidan called on the released prisoners to follow a “righteous life so that they can enjoy a better future”.

Earlier this week, UAE’s President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan also ordered the release of 785 prisoners across the country ahead of the 47th National Day celebrations.

The prisoners – sentenced for various crimes – will also have their debts and fines paid-off.

Read more: UAE President pardons 785 prisoners ahead of National Day

The UAE National Day, which falls on December 2, celebrates the unification of the seven emirates as a federation in 1971. There were only six emirates at the time of unification and in February 1972, Ras al Khaimah also joined the federation.

To mark the occasion this year, the UAE has declared two days of public holiday for the public and private sectors on Sunday and Monday (December 2 and 3), making it a four-day weekend for many workers.