UAE: The United Arab Emirates has shared an official list of more than 900 Indian nationals with the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, confirming their release under a special presidential order announced in November. This move is part of a broader humanitarian initiative undertaken by the UAE leadership, aimed at providing relief to inmates and their families while reinforcing the country’s commitment to social harmony and rehabilitation.
The release of inmates follows an official directive issued by the UAE President ahead of Eid Al Etihad, the country’s National Day celebrated on December 2. Eid Al Etihad commemorates the historic moment in 1971 when the seven emirates united to form the United Arab Emirates. As part of this national celebration, a total of 2,937 inmates from correctional institutions across the UAE were granted release.
According to the official announcement, the presidential order also included a commitment to cover the financial penalties associated with the inmates’ sentences. This measure was designed to ease the reintegration process for those released and reduce the financial and emotional burden on their families.
The initiative reflects a broader vision focused on rehabilitation, social cohesion, and second chances. By facilitating the release of inmates and settling their financial liabilities, the UAE leadership emphasized the importance of giving individuals an opportunity to rebuild their lives. The move was also described as an effort to promote stability within society and encourage positive contributions from those granted freedom.
Officials noted that such humanitarian gestures have become a consistent feature of national and religious occasions in the UAE. These actions are widely seen as reinforcing values of compassion, tolerance, and social responsibility within the country’s justice framework.
A significant number of those released under the amnesty order are Indian nationals. The list of over 900 names was formally handed over to the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, enabling coordination for documentation, communication with families, and any necessary follow-up procedures. For many families in India, the announcement has brought immense relief and renewed hope.
India remains one of the largest expatriate communities in the UAE, with millions of Indian citizens living and working across various sectors. Developments affecting Indian nationals in the Gulf region often draw close attention due to their social and economic impact.
The inmate release comes against the backdrop of strong and steadily growing relations between India and the UAE. The two countries share long-standing ties rooted in trade, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections. In recent years, cooperation has expanded significantly into strategic, economic, and defense domains.
Earlier this week, the UAE President undertook an official visit to India at the invitation of the Indian Prime Minister. This visit marked his fifth trip to India in the past decade and his third official visit since assuming office as President. High-level discussions during the visit underscored the depth of bilateral engagement between the two nations.
During the visit, both sides signed a Letter of Intent aimed at advancing a Strategic Defence Partnership. The leaders also exchanged views on key regional and global developments, highlighting their shared interest in peace, security, and stability. Cooperation at multilateral and plurilateral platforms was acknowledged as particularly strong.
The UAE expressed full support for India’s upcoming BRICS Chairmanship in 2026, while India conveyed its backing for the UN Water Conference scheduled to be co-hosted by the UAE in the same year. The conference will focus on accelerating progress toward global water and sanitation goals, reflecting shared priorities in sustainable development.
The release of Indian nationals under the UAE’s amnesty order goes beyond a legal or administrative decision. It stands as a humanitarian gesture that reinforces mutual trust and goodwill between the two countries. For those released and their families, it represents a chance for renewal and reintegration, while at the diplomatic level, it highlights the people-centric nature of India–UAE relations.
As both nations continue to deepen their partnership across multiple sectors, such initiatives serve as reminders of the strong human connections that underpin their strategic cooperation.
