More than 3,000 prisoners released ahead of Ramadan

Sheikh Khalifa also pledged to settle the prisoners' debts

Emirati President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan and France's President Francois Hollande (unseen) take part in a meeting at the Al-Mushrif presidential palace in Abu Dhabi on January 15, 2013. French President Francois Hollande, defended his country's intervention in Mali, saying it had prevented the African country from being overrun by "terrorists". AFP PHOTO/BERTRAND LANGLOIS / AFP PHOTO / BERTRAND LANGLOIS
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Sheikh Khalifa has ordered the release of more than 3,000 prisoners ahead of Ramadan.

The President of the UAE also pledged to settle the debts of the inmates, allowing them and their families the chance of a fresh start.

Sheikh Khalifa traditionally announces the release of hundreds of prisoners at this time of year. Last year, close to 1,000 men and women, jailed for a variety of offences, were also pardoned.

On Thursday, Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, also announced the release of 377 prisoners from the emirate.