The United Arab Emirates has handed over a list of more than 900 Indian nationals to the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi who are slated for release from Emirati correctional facilities as part of a humanitarian pardon issued by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The directive, announced on 27 November 2025, coincided with the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad (National Day on 2 December), a period marked by national unity and compassion. In total, 2,937 inmates among them hundreds of Indians are being freed under this order, with the UAE leadership also pledging to cover financial penalties such as fines and compensation attached to their sentences.
Indian officials and families of the inmates have welcomed the move as a rare blend of diplomatic cooperation and human empathy, illustrating the strength of India–UAE ties.
Humanitarian Pardon and Official Details
On 27 November 2025, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, directed the release of 2,937 inmates from correctional institutions across the country ahead of the Eid Al Etihad celebrations. This annual national occasion commemorates the 1971 unification of the seven emirates and is traditionally marked by acts of clemency and social goodwill.
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi confirmed the receipt of a detailed list of over 900 Indian nationals included in this release. Diplomatic sources described the effort as “a gesture of goodwill reflecting the UAE’s commitment to humanitarian values as well as its close cooperation with India.”
Under the terms of the directive, the UAE government will settle fines and other financial penalties imposed on the released inmates, effectively removing a significant burden that might otherwise have trapped families in debt and uncertainty.
Emirati officials emphasised that the measure is intended to “offer those released an opportunity for a new beginning, ease the burden on their families, and bring relief to their loved ones,” signalling a rehabilitative rather than purely punitive approach to justice during festive periods.
Tradition of Release and Reintegration
This humanitarian act is part of a broader tradition in the UAE of pardoning and releasing prisoners during major cultural and national moments. In previous years, similar directives have been issued ahead of Ramadan and other Eid celebrations. For example, in March 2025, the UAE pardoned 1,295 inmates ahead of Ramadan, with over 500 Indian nationals among those freed, reflecting consistency in diplomatic and compassionate practices.
Across the emirates, rulers and leaders have periodically issued clemency orders tied to significant occasions, often emphasising principles of forgiveness, second chances and social cohesion. The Dubai Ruler, Vice-President and Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also ordered the release of 2,025 inmates ahead of the 54th National Day, described as “the largest in the emirate’s history” in terms of the number of people pardoned.
Rulers of other emirates such as Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah similarly granted pardons to inmates who demonstrated good conduct. These gestures aim not only to support the released individuals but to ease emotional and financial stresses on their families and communities.
According to diplomatic analysts, such acts also send a diplomatic signal about the UAE’s broader foreign relations strategy. By integrating humanitarian releases with national celebrations, the UAE reinforces its image as a nation that values stability, tolerance and rehabilitation, while strengthening bonds with major partner countries like India.
Indian Diplomatic Efforts and Human Impact
India’s diplomatic missions in the UAE have played an active role in securing the welfare of its citizens abroad. Over the past decade, Indian missions have facilitated the release of thousands of its nationals detained overseas through negotiations, legal assistance, and consular support. Between 2022 and 2025, hundreds of Indian prisoners were freed in the UAE alone across various pardons and amnesty programmes, demonstrating sustained engagement on this front.
Families of those set to be released have expressed immense relief at the news, particularly as many had faced long periods of emotional stress and financial hardship due to fines and legal fees. For many NRI families, such announcements mark a rare moment of joy after protracted periods of waiting and uncertainty.
Beyond government action, civil society groups and philanthropists in the Gulf have also been involved in supporting prisoner welfare. In earlier years, UAE-based Indian philanthropists donated significant sums to assist the release of inmates by covering bail requirements and arranging travel home, illustrating how community efforts can complement official initiatives.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At a time when narratives around justice are often dominated by retribution and punishment, the UAE’s decision to release hundreds of inmates including a large group of Indian nationals ahead of Eid Al Etihad reflects the power of empathy, reconciliation, and humane governance.
These gestures remind us that justice and compassion need not be mutually exclusive. Policies that prioritise second chances, rehabilitation, and family reunification contribute not only to individual well-being but to stronger social fabrics that embrace forgiveness alongside accountability.
