DUBAI: The ruler of the United Arab Emirates has ordered the release of 329 prisoners in a pardon that includes writing off more than 3 million dirhams ($816,800) of their debts, media reports said yesterday.
The decree by President Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan said the prisoners would be released for good behavior, Al-Bayan daily said.
Most of the UAE’s population of about 4.5 million are foreigners, mainly Asians, Arabs and Europeans, and the number of people facing investigation on debt-related charges has risen in the global financial crisis and a property market downturn.
Dozens of projects have been canceled and thousands of people have lost their jobs.
Dubai, a member of the UAE federation, experienced a property boom that propelled it into the international spotlight with projects such as the world’s tallest building. Under UAE law, people can go to jail for bouncing checks.
