Two dozen Dubai prisoners jailed over rent disputes to be freed before Eid

An Emirati businessman donates funds to clear penalties of residents convicted in rent cases

The 22 prisoners will be released before the Eid holidays. Stephen Lock / The National

Two dozen prisoners sent to jail for failing to pay rent or bills will be released after an Emirati businessman offered to pay their financial penalties.

UAE citizen Abdullah Ahmed Al Ansari said he believes prisoners in rental cases have not committed a crime but found themselves on the wrong side of the law in difficult circumstances.

Rental disputes between home owners and tenants are often taken to the court in the UAE on grounds of non-payment of bills, overdue fees and damage to property. The 22 inmates, of different nationalities, were all jailed in such circumstances.

Dubai Land Department said it aimed to ensure the inmates were released and home before the Eid Al Adha holidays.

The amounts involved have not been disclosed.

Officials said they are open to more residents coming forward with funds to help free people convicted in rental cases.

“We have worked with many public and private sectors to launch similar projects to underscore the values of tolerance that are an extension of the approach established by the founding father Sheikh Zayed," said Sultan Butti bin Mejren, director general of the Dubai Land Department.

Once the payments owed by the prisoners were settled, the land department would work with the Dubai Police to complete the release procedures.

Judge Abdul Qader Musa, chairman of Rental Dispute Centre, welcomed donations “to relieve insolvents with difficult financial conditions.” A committee within the centre would study all cases and ensure the aid reached the needy.

Officials said one prisoner had prepared a 200-page book describing his experience in jail.

The Dubai Land Department is a government authority that develops legislation and regulation of the real estate sector in the emirate.