Ramadan 2021: how prisoners are pardoned in the UAE

Each year, hundreds of inmates are freed to mark the holy month

Prison staff monitor inmates from a control room at Dubai Central Prison in these images from July 2020. A recent legal overhaul changes the way detention suspects are processed and treated, with police legally required to provide an able translator. Reem Mohammed / The National

Investigating officers must ensure charges are clearly communicated to a suspect and his translator. Both judges and defence lawyers said the long-awaited changes were a major development. Reem Mohammed / The National

A prison staff officer sits behind glass at the main visitor reception. Suspects have the right to remain silent without the presumption that doing so is a sign of guilt. Reem Mohammed / The National

Two inmates play table tennis in the prison's recreation area, in this series of photos shot in July 2020 to look at how the pandemic affected prison life. Reem Mohammed / The National

The large plant nursery in the prison compound is part of the recreation facilities. Reem Mohammed / The National

Gym equipment is sanitised between uses. Reem Mohammed / The National

Inmates read at the prison library. Reem Mohammed / The National

A new medical centre was constructed on the prison grounds to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. Reem Mohammed / The National

The large facility is fully staffed with doctors and nurses, ensuring inmates do not have to leave the prison for treatment or tests. Reem Mohammed / The National

Staff at the eye clinic speak to an inmate. Reem Mohammed / The National

Nurses wheel medication between buildings in the prison compound. Reem Mohammed / The National

Bayan Kimamao, a nursing supervisor, gives The National a tour of the new clinic. Reem Mohammed / The National

Regular classes are held for inmates. Reem Mohammed / The National

An inmate speaks to his wife via a video call. Reem Mohammed / The National

Hundreds of prisoners in the UAE are given a chance to rebuild their lives every year in the spirit of Ramadan.

On Sunday, President Sheikh Khalifa ordered the release of 439 inmates and pledged to clear their debts.

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, pardoned a further 206 prisoners, while Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, directed 55 inmates be freed.

The humanitarian gesture, also made during other religious festivals and national events, aims to reward prisoners who have sought rehabilitation and release a burden from the shoulders of their families.

But how are prisoner pardons organised and who is eligible? The National explains.

Pardon lists are compiled

This process requires co-operation between police and prosecution departments.

Proposed pardon lists comprising names of inmates whose crimes are less serious, often financial offences, are prepared by prisons in each emirate and shared with prosecutors.

Based on orders from the attorney general in each emirate, the lists are revised and compared with the case files of each inmate before being finalised.

After being approved by the attorney general, the list would then be forwarded to the respective ruler’s court, where a decision is issued on their release.

Who could be eligible?

Those eligible for pardon must have served a portion of their sentence – a specific period is not dictated – demonstrated good conduct, have not been covered by previous pardon decisions and have participated in rehabilitation and reform programmes carried out by the correctional institutions.

Prisoners whose debts are not settled as part of their release must first clear any financial obligations.

If they are incapable of paying the sum, their cases will be shared with approved charities to help pay off their debts and help them return to their families.

Inmates who were sentenced to deportation after completing their terms will be deported after a pardon.

Ramadan preparations in UAE