Mashable: The celebrations of Eid Al Adha have come early for some in the United Arab Emirates.

According to the Khaleej Times, UAE’s President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has pardoned inmates as well as promised to cover all fines and penalties imposed on them ahead of Eid Al Adha this year.

The #UAE_President pardons 1,138 inmates in correctional facilities ahead of Eid Al-Adha.#UAE_BARQ_EN pic.twitter.com/GwR5wAhqOq — UAE BARQ (@UAE_BARQ_EN) June 13, 2024

On Thursday, June 13, 2023, Sheikh Mohamed ordered the release of 1,138 inmates from correctional and penal facilities ahead of the Islamic festival of Eid Al Adha 2024.

The inmates, who are now pardoned have been sentenced in various cases, and the UAE leadership has ensured the payment of all the fines owed to them.

This practice is common for Rulers of each of the emirates in the United Arab Emirates to pardon prisoners during significant Islamic holidays or occasions.

Sheikh Mohamed’s pardon will allow the released prisoners to rethink their future. The humanitarian gesture is aimed at giving these individuals an opportunity to positively contribute to the service of their families as well as communities to lead a successful social and professional life.

Eid Al Adha 2024

Eid Al Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijja, the twelfth and final month in the Islamic calendar. Commonly translated as the Feast of Sacrifice, Eid Al Adha is the second of the two main Islamic holidays besides Eid Al Fitr.

We announce that 9 to 12 Dhu al Hijjah 1445 AH (15 June to 18 June) will be an official paid holiday for private sector employees in celebration of Day of Arafah and Eid Al Adha.

Eid Mubarak! 
#MoHRE #UAE pic.twitter.com/E6pkcgcsGF — وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) June 8, 2024

The UAE has granted four days of paid holiday for public as well as private sector employees from Saturday, June 15, until Tuesday, June 18, 2024, to observe the day of Arafah and Eid Al Adha.

Arafah Day is the holiest day in Islam. Marked on Dhul Hijjah 9, it falls on June 15, 2024. Meanwhile, the three days of the Eid Al Adha holiday (Dhul Hijjah 10 to 12) will officially fall on June 16 to June 18, 2024.