Over 900 Indian nationals are set for release from UAE prisons as part of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s directive that freed 2,937 inmates ahead of Eid Al Etihad. The UAE government will cover all financial penalties associated with their sentences.
UAE Presidential Order: 900+ Indians Among 2,937 Inmates Released
The UAE handed over the list of Indian nationals to the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi following a presidential order issued on November 27, 2025. This directive ordered the release of 2,937 inmates from correctional institutions across the UAE.
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s official statement confirmed: “His Highness has also pledged to cover the financial penalties incurred by the inmates as part of their sentences.”
Release details:
- 900+ Indian nationals included in release list
- Part of 2,937 total inmates pardoned
- Financial penalties covered by UAE government
- List provided to Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi
Eid Al Etihad Connection: Why the Release Happened
The mass release coincided with the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations on December 2. Eid Al Etihad is the UAE’s national celebration marking the moment in 1971 when the emirates united under one flag.
The presidential statement emphasized the directive “reflects His Highness’ commitment to giving the released inmates a fresh start in life, easing the burden on their families, and bringing joy to their loved ones.”
The initiative forms part of the President’s broader efforts to promote stability, social cohesion, and opportunities for rehabilitation.
The prisoner release occurs amid strengthening bilateral ties between India and the UAE. UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid an official visit to India on Monday, January 20, 2026, at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation.
Recent India-UAE developments:
- Al Nahyan’s fifth visit to India in last 10 years
- Third official visit as UAE President
- Visit duration: less than two hours
- Signing of Letter of Intent for Strategic Defence Partnership
- UAE support for India’s BRICS Chairmanship in 2026
The two leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. They underlined their shared interest in regional peace, security, and stability, noting excellent cooperation and mutual support at multilateral and plurilateral forums.
Strategic Defence Partnership Agreement
Al Nahyan’s visit to India saw the signing of a Letter of Intent towards the conclusion of a Strategic Defence Partnership between the two nations. This agreement marks another milestone in the evolving India-UAE relationship.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi gifted the UAE President a hand-carved wooden jhula (swing) from Gujarat, demonstrating the personal warmth characterizing bilateral relations.
2026 UN Water Conference Cooperation
India conveyed its support for the 2026 UN Water Conference, to be co-hosted by the UAE at the end of 2026. The conference will focus on accelerating the implementation of SDG 6, ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement.
The UAE side conveyed its full support for the success of India’s BRICS Chairmanship in 2026, demonstrating mutual diplomatic backing on international platforms.
For families of the 900+ Indian nationals set for release, the presidential pardon represents significant news. The UAE government’s decision to cover financial penalties removes a major barrier preventing released inmates from leaving detention facilities.
Key benefits:
- Financial penalties waived by UAE government
- Fresh start opportunities for released individuals
- Reduced burden on families
- Coordination through Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi
Families seeking information about loved ones potentially included in the release list should contact the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, which now holds the official list provided by UAE authorities.
Presidential Commitment to Rehabilitation
The November 2025 order reflects the UAE leadership’s commitment to rehabilitation. The presidential statement specifically mentioned the initiative as part of broader efforts to promote stability, social cohesion, and opportunities for rehabilitation within UAE society.
This approach aligns with the UAE’s evolving philosophy emphasizing second chances and productive reintegration into society for released inmates.
The UAE’s decision to release over 900 Indian nationals as part of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s broader 2,937-inmate pardon marks a significant development in India-UAE relations. The presidential order, issued on November 27, 2025, ahead of Eid Al Etihad celebrations, demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to rehabilitation while strengthening bilateral ties with India. Affected families should contact the Indian Embassy in
