UAE leaders order release of more than 3,000 prisoners for Eid Al Adha

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed on Tuesday ordered the release of 963 prisoners ahead of Eid Al Adha.

He also pledged to pay the inmates' fines, state news agency Wam reported.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, ordered the release of 985 inmates of various nationalities.

Pardons are typically offered throughout the year in keeping with the generous spirit of occasions such as Ramadan and Eid Al Adha.

In February, Sheikh Mohamed also ordered the release of 1,295 of prisoners to mark Ramadan.

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, later agreed to free 112 prisoners in the emirate.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah ordered the release of 411 inmates, while Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah pardoned 439 prisoners. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, order the release of 225 inmates.

What is Eid Al Adha?

Eid Al Adha – which means “festival of the sacrifice” – is the latter of the two Eid holidays celebrated across the Arab world, coming after Eid Al Fitr. Eid Al Adha commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim being asked by God in a dream to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as a test of his faith.

As with other religious holidays in the Emirates, it is a time for friends and family to gather, often over meals, and reflect on their lives and faith. It is customary for families who have the means to slaughter a goat or sheep and share the meat with relatives and the less privileged.

Employees in the public and private sectors are to be granted leave from Thursday, June 5, to Sunday, June 8, to mark the holiday, with work resuming on Monday, June 9.