President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered the release of 1,102 prisoners on the occasion of the UAE's 45th National Day.

The move comes as part of President Khalifa’s keenness to give pardoned inmates an opportunity to start a new life and ease the suffering of their families.

Commenting on the occasion, the Attorney-General of Abu Dhabi, Ali Mohammed Al Balushi, said that the Public Prosecution in the emirate has begun the necessary release process, and expressed gratitude to President Khalifa for his decision, which he said was welcomed by all people in the country, locals and residents alike.

He also pointed out that this gesture will provide pardoned prisoners with an opportunity for a new lease of life, and called for other prisoners to demonstrate good behaviour while incarcerated to be given a chance of amnesty in the future.