Hundreds of prisoners in the UAE are given a chance to rebuild their lives every year in the spirit of Ramadan.
On Sunday, President Sheikh Khalifa ordered the release of 439 inmates and pledged to clear their debts.
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, pardoned a further 206 prisoners, while Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, directed 55 inmates be freed.
The humanitarian gesture, also made during other religious festivals and national events, aims to reward prisoners who have sought rehabilitation and release a burden from the shoulders of their families.
But how are prisoner pardons organised and who is eligible? The National explains.
Pardon lists are compiled
This process requires co-operation between police and prosecution departments.
Proposed pardon lists comprising names of inmates whose crimes are less serious, often financial offences, are prepared by prisons in each emirate and shared with prosecutors.
Based on orders from the attorney general in each emirate, the lists are revised and compared with the case files of each inmate before being finalised.
After being approved by the attorney general, the list would then be forwarded to the respective ruler’s court, where a decision is issued on their release.
Who could be eligible?
Those eligible for pardon must have served a portion of their sentence – a specific period is not dictated – demonstrated good conduct, have not been covered by previous pardon decisions and have participated in rehabilitation and reform programmes carried out by the correctional institutions.
Prisoners whose debts are not settled as part of their release must first clear any financial obligations.
If they are incapable of paying the sum, their cases will be shared with approved charities to help pay off their debts and help them return to their families.
Inmates who were sentenced to deportation after completing their terms will be deported after a pardon.
Ramadan preparations in UAE
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
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Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
Reading List
Practitioners of mindful eating recommend the following books to get you started:
Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life by Thich Nhat Hanh and Dr Lilian Cheung
How to Eat by Thich Nhat Hanh
The Mindful Diet by Dr Ruth Wolever
Mindful Eating by Dr Jan Bays
How to Raise a Mindful Eaterby Maryann Jacobsen
If you go...
Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.
Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
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AIDA%20RETURNS
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The biog
Favourite hobby: taking his rescue dog, Sally, for long walks.
Favourite book: anything by Stephen King, although he said the films rarely match the quality of the books
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption stands out as his favourite movie, a classic King novella
Favourite music: “I have a wide and varied music taste, so it would be unfair to pick a single song from blues to rock as a favourite"
Profile
Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari
Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.
Number of employees: Over 50
Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised
Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital
Sector of operation: Transport
