The move aims to give them a fresh start in life…

Ahead of the 48th UAE National Day, His Highness UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has pardoned 662 prisoners. The prisoners were serving various sentences and the leader also pledged to settle any outstanding debts owed by the inmates.

The release of the inmates aims to provided the prisoners with an opportunity to start a new life and alleviating their families’ hardship, as well as giving them the opportunity to reintegrate themselves into society.

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Rulers of the UAE often pardon prisoners around religious holidays as a sign of forgiveness, with more than 4,000 prisoners released during Ramadan this year.

The inmates selected have all shown signs of good behaviour, and are considered safe to be placed back into society. Many include those who have been jailed for financial crimes or debts.

The National Day public holiday will mean a five-day weekend at the start of December, with Commemoration Day being marked on Sunday December 1, and the 48th UAE National Day public holiday running over Monday December 2 and Tuesday December 3. Work will then resume on Wednesday December 4.

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Image: Getty