On the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has ordered the release of 1,025 inmates from prison.
This annual pardon aims to promote family cohesion and provide a second chance for those who have been incarcerated.
According to the state news agency WAM, Sheikh Mohamed hopes that the prisoners will be able to re-evaluate their future and lead a successful life after being released.
The tradition of pardoning prisoners during significant occasions such as National Day, Eid or Ramadan is common in the UAE.
Last year, on the 51st National Day of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed ordered the release of 1,530 prisoners and also promised to settle their financial obligations.
The moon-sighting committee, presided over by Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, the Minister of Justice, is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, March 21 (29th Sha’ban), after the Maghreb prayer at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, to confirm the beginning of Ramadan 2023.
The holy month will officially begin once the crescent moon is sighted, which is expected to be on either Wednesday, March 22 or Thursday, March 23.
