Abu Dhabi, Nov 30 (IANS/WAM) Two emirates of the UAE Wednesday ordered the release of 64 prisoners of various nationalities in a humanitarian gesture ahead of the country’s national day Dec 2.
Umm Al Quwain ruler Sheikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla ordered the release of nine prisoners, while Ras Al Khaimah ruler Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi released 55 prisoners serving various terms in the penitentiaries in the emirate.
The decisions were part of a gesture to mark the 40th anniversary of the formation of the United Arab Emirates. The day is celebrated as National Day in UAE.
The prisoners will soon join their families, officials said.
The National Day, celebrated Dec 2, marks the UAE’s formal independence from Britain and the eventual unification of the seven emirates in 1971.
