Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to free 430 prisoners to mark Eid Al Adha

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid ordered the release of 430 Dubai prisoners in the spirit of the holiday season.

The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai pardoned the inmates, of various nationalities, ahead of the start of Eid Al Adha.

Essam Humaidan, Dubai's attorney-general, said Sheikh Mohammed's gesture will give inmates a new start in life and afford them the opportunity to reintegrate themselves into society.

The emirate's public prosecution is working with Dubai Police to implement the directive.

The announcement on Monday came soon after the Ruler of Ajman, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, agreed to free 70 prisoners from their sentences in the emirate.

Brig Abdullah Al Hamrani, deputy commander-in-chief of Ajman Police, praised the "noble gesture which aims to bring happiness and ensure social cohesion".

On Sunday, President Sheikh Khalifa ordered the release of 669 prisoners — serving various sentences — on the occasion of Eid Al Adha.

Sheikh Khalifa has also pledged to settle the financial obligations of the inmates.

The gesture will "provide prisoners with an opportunity to start a new life and alleviate their families' hardship", state news agency Wam reported.

Rulers of the Emirates typically pardon hundreds of prisoners during religious holidays held throughout the year.

More than 4,000 prisoners were released during the Holy Month this year.

Public and private sector workers will have four days of holiday for Eid Al Adha this year.

Employees across the country will be given a break from Saturday, August 10, until Tuesday, August 13.