Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has ordered the release of 1,856 prisoners from Dubai’s jails in a special gesture to mark the beginning of Ramadan.
This annual act of compassion comes as the holy month, known for its values of forgiveness and community spirit, gets underway across the UAE. The mass pardon gives eligible inmates—of various nationalities—a chance to reunite with their families and start fresh.
Chancellor Essam Issa Al-Humaidan, Dubai’s Attorney General, highlighted that the move reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s ongoing commitment to bringing happiness to families and supporting second chances for those who have shown a willingness to change. “Such initiatives reinforce social stability, rehabilitation, and the values of mercy that define Ramadan,” he said.
Dubai’s Public Prosecution, working with Dubai Police, has already started the process of identifying and releasing those eligible, ensuring each case is handled carefully and in line with legal guidelines.
Pardoning prisoners during Ramadan is a longstanding tradition in the UAE, intended to reduce the social impact of imprisonment and strengthen family bonds at a time of reflection and renewal.
As the holy month begins, this decision brings hope and relief to hundreds of households across Dubai, offering a powerful reminder of the UAE’s commitment to compassion and rehabilitation.
