Dubai: United Arab Emirates authorities on Thursday ordered release of a number of prisoners from punitive and reformative institutions ahead of the Eid-ul-Adha which falls on September 12 in the gulf region.
On the occasion of the festival, UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan pardoned 442 prisoners.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai who also serves as Vice President and Prime Minister, ordered the release of 488 inmates in the city.
The ruler of Ajman, Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al-Nuaimi, also ordered the release of 110 prisoners.
Another 122 inmates to be released on orders issued by Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al-Qasimi, Emir of the Ras Al-Khaima sheikhdom.
The inmates will be released after they meet the terms of amnesty.
Sheikh Saud bin Rashid al-Mualla expressed hope that the pardoned prisoners would turn good citizens and join their families for Eid.
–IANS