UAE pardons 2,796 inmates before Eid Al-Adha holiday begins

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UAE pardons over 2,796 inmates before Eid Al-Adha holiday begins: state media

May 20, 2026

UAE pardons 1,413 inmates before Eid Al-Adha holiday begins — A prison in Sharjah’s Al Ramsa area, UAE, 2017. Photo: Screengrab/video/Khaleej Times/YT/via DubaiDiplomacy.com

DUBAI,— UAE rulers pardoned a combined 2,796 inmates ahead of the Eid Al-Adha holiday, the state news agency reported Wednesday.

UAE President and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan MBZ ordered the release of 956 prisoners from correctional facilities across the country. The president also agreed to settle any outstanding financial obligations resulting from the inmates’ sentences, the agency said.

The move was described as a humanitarian gesture reflecting the president’s commitment to compassion and social solidarity in support of family and community stability.

In Sharjah, Supreme Council Member and Ruler Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi ordered the release of 227 inmates from the Sharjah Punishment and Correctional Institution.

The pardon was granted to prisoners who met conditions for release based on good conduct and behavior, according to the state news agency WAM.

Ajman Supreme Council Member and Ruler Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi ordered the release of 230 inmates who demonstrated good conduct during their time in the emirate’s punitive and corrective institutions, also in observance of Eid Al-Adha.

Major General Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of Ajman Police, thanked the Ajman ruler and said the pardons would give released prisoners the opportunity to reunite with their families and contribute positively to society. He said release procedures would begin immediately.

Dubai Ruler, Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum ordered on Thursday the release of 836 prisoners of various nationalities from Dubai correctional and punitive facilities ahead of Eid Al-Adha.

Dubai Attorney General Chancellor Essam Issa Al-Humaidan said Dubai Public Prosecution, working with Dubai Police, began legal procedures to carry out the order.

Ras Al Khaimah Supreme Council Member and Ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi ordered on Thursday the release of 443 inmates from the emirate’s correctional and punitive facilities. Those freed had been convicted in various cases and met pardon conditions following rehabilitation, officials said.

Fujairah Ruler Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi ordered the release of 104 prisoners ahead of Eid Al Adha on Monday. The inmates, of various nationalities, were selected based on good conduct.

The ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain and Supreme Council member Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla has ordered on Thursday the release of an unspecified number of inmates from the prisons and correctional facilities in honor of Eid Al Adha.

So in total, pardons were granted to more than 2,796 inmates across all emirates.

In early February, UAE leaders collectively freed 4,700 prisoners to mark the start of the holy month of Ramadan.

This article was updated on May 25, 2026.

(With files from WAM, Government of Dubai Media Office )