As part of the country’s observance of the Eid holidays and in regard to the nation’s theme “Year of Tolerance,” His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has called for the release of 669 prisoners – serving various sentences. Also, Sheikh Khalifa has pledged to settle the financial obligations of the released inmates.
The decision was part of the country’s leadership’s commitment to provide prisoners with an opportunity to start a new life and alleviate their families’ hardships for the penalties they have already served.
UAE President Orders Release of 669 Prisoners for Eid
It has been part of the government’s commitment to promote national values to extend help to sectors of society who are in need of assistance in leading dignified and comfortable lives in the UAE, as shared in a report by the WAM.
Earlier this year, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa also authorized the release of 3,050 prisoners ahead of the Ramadan in the UAE.
As per the Federal Authority for Human Resources (FAHR), employees in the UAE will enjoy a 4-day break from work for the Eid Al Adha this year, which will be observed on the 10th, 11th, and 12th of the Islamic month. The same decision has been carried out by the Ministry of Human Resource and Emiratisation (MoHRE), following the observance of the circular issued by Nasser Bin Thani Al Hamli, the Minister of MoHRE.
It can be recalled that the circular issued in line with the UAE Cabinet’s decision earlier this year, grants the private sector the same number of holidays as the public sector.
The decision by His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa holds significant value to Muslims as the festival of Eid Al Adha marks the end of the important worship of Haj or pilgrimage to Makkah.
This also commemorates the sacrifices of the Prophet Abraham, by slaughtering an animal such as a camel, goat, or sheep.
The act of sharing the sacrificed meat to those who are more in need reflects the Islamic values of selflessness and tolerance of those who are less privileged, and in this case, separated from society because of the mistakes they have committed in the past, but have already paid for in serving jail time.
The UAE government has drawn respect and appreciation for giving social outcasts such as prisoners a second lease in life by offering them the opportunity to correct their mistakes and to contribute to society, as well.
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