UAE releases over 1,000 prisoners on occasion of major Musli

DUBAI, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Several leaders of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have ordered the release of a total of 1,122 inmates on the occasion of the Islamic feast of sacrifice, or "Eid al-Adha," state news agency WAM reported Thursday.

The leaders include the UAE president and the rulers of Dubai, Ajman and Ras Al-Khaima, three of the UAE's seven sheikhdoms.

The Muslim world will observe the "Eid al-Adha" holiday this coming Sunday and Monday.

On the occasion of the feast, UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan pardoned 442 prisoners, reported Gulf News.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai who also serves as UAE vice president and prime minister, ordered the release of 488 inmates in Dubai, WAM said.

Gulf News added that the ruler of Ajman, Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al-Nuaimi, ordered the release of 110 prisoners.

Another 122 inmates were released according to an order issued by Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al-Qasimi, emir of the Ras Al-Khaima sheikhdom, WAM reported.