In a significant humanitarian gesture marking the holy month of Ramadan, UAE rulers have authorized the release of hundreds of prisoners across multiple emirates. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has ordered the liberation of 738 inmates from the Sharjah Correctional and Rehabilitation Institution who demonstrated exemplary conduct and met specific pardon criteria.
This compassionate decision follows similar initiatives by other UAE leaders. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan previously ordered the release of 1,440 inmates from correctional facilities nationwide, personally undertaking to settle their financial obligations. Simultaneously, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, authorized the pardon of 134 prisoners within his emirate’s penal system.
The coordinated prisoner releases represent a traditional Ramadan practice across the UAE, reflecting Islamic principles of mercy, forgiveness, and rehabilitation. The initiative specifically targets non-violent offenders who have exhibited positive behavioral transformation during their incarceration.
Correctional authorities have implemented rigorous evaluation processes to identify qualifying inmates based on rehabilitation progress, good conduct, and the nature of their offenses. This annual tradition underscores the UAE’s commitment to restorative justice and social reintegration, allowing pardoned individuals to reunite with families during the spiritually significant month of Ramadan.