UAE President Orders Release of 1,440 Prisoners for Ramadan 2026

The holy month of Ramadan is considered a time of mercy, compassion, and forgiveness in Islamic tradition.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is a long-standing tradition for the country’s leadership to issue pardons or release orders for select inmates as a gesture of goodwill and humanitarian support during Ramadan.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, issued the directive to release the prisoners.

A total of 1,440 inmates from correctional and penal institutions across the UAE were ordered to be released on the occasion of Ramadan 2026.

Financial Liabilities Settled
- The President has also committed to settling the financial penalties or obligations that these inmates incurred as part of their sentences.
- This means the released prisoners will not be burdened by fines or related costs once they leave prison.
Focus on Family and Stability
- The move aims to support family unity and provide relief and comfort to the families during the holy month.
- It’s meant to help reintegration into society and allow these individuals a chance to start anew.
Tradition and Values
- Such pardons reflect the UAE leadership’s emphasis on compassion, social harmony, and second chances—values deeply connected to the spirit of Ramadan.
- Judiciary and correctional authorities work quickly to implement these orders so the release happens smoothly.

In addition to the UAE President’s order, other rulers in the country also granted pardons:

Dubai:
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai) pardoned 1,856 prisoners of various nationalities.
Sharjah:
The Ruler of Sharjah pardoned 738 inmates who met conditions of good conduct.
Ras Al Khaimah:
The ruler of this emirate ordered the release of 407 prisoners.
Ajman:
The emirate’s ruler ordered the release of 134 inmates.
Other smaller pardon decisions were also made across different emirates, bringing the total number of released inmates in the UAE around 4,700 when all emirates’ orders are combined.

These releases are symbolic and humanitarian: they embody the spirit of forgiveness and compassion associated with Ramadan.
They offer opportunities for reformation and social reintegration for those released, while also bringing relief to families across the Emirates.