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UAE President orders release of 956 prisoners ahead of Eid Al Adha 2026
Sheikh Mohamed has also committed to settling the financial obligations resulting from those sentences ahead of the festival
- PUBLISHED: Wed 20 May 2026, 2:03 PM UPDATED: Mon 25 May 2026, 3:16 PM
- By:
- WAM
The UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has ordered the release of 956 inmates from penal and correctional facilities across the country ahead of Eid Al Adha, as a humanitarian gesture to promote compassion and social cohesion.
Inmates serving sentences in various cases will be released as part of the initiative. The President will pay the financial obligations they incurred during their sentences.
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The decision comes ahead of Eid Al Adha and reflects what officials described as a broader humanitarian approach focused on strengthening family bonds, supporting social stability, and reinforcing forgiveness and solidarity within society.
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The pardoning of prisoners is consistent with the UAE Rulers' tradition of issuing pardons and humanitarian gestures during major religious and national occasions, particularly those aimed at giving individuals a chance to re-integrate into society.
The move benefits hundreds of families across the country and beyond, allowing released inmates to return to their communities and resume normal life with fewer financial burdens. The initiatives enhance social harmony and reflect the leadership’s continued emphasis on rehabilitation and second chances within the justice system.
On the occasion of Eid Al Adha, Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has ordered the release of 836 inmates from Dubai's correctional and penal institutions, of various nationalities.
Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al-Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman has also ordered the release of 230 inmates ahead of the Islamic feast. In Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of the emirate, has directed the release of 227 prisoners.
Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, has ordered the release of a number of inmates on the occasion of Eid Al Adha, due to their proven good conduct and behavior during their time in prison.
In Ras Al Khaimah, the Ruler and Supreme Council Member Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi has ordered the release of 443 inmates from the Ras Al Khaimah Correctional and Punitive Institution. The inmates met the conditions for pardon, and were rehabilitated to reintegrate into society and contribute to its development, on the occasion of Eid Al Adha.
Fujairah Ruler has also pardoned 104 inmates from the emirate’s correctional and rehabilitation institution. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, ordered the release of prisoners who have proven their eligibility and good conduct.