UAE pardons 1,598 prisoners to mark Ramadan holiday DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 8 (UPI) -- Officials in the United Arab Emirates pardoned 1,598 prisoners as part of observing the Muslim Ramadan holiday. In Abu Dhabi, President Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan ordered 973 prisoners convicted of a variety of crimes released. In Dubai, Prime Minister Sheik Mohammad bin Rashid al-Maktoum similarly ordered 625 prisoners freed. The government said any debts and financial obligations the prisoners face will be settled, the Emirates news agency WAM reported Monday. Corrections officials told WAM the orders take effect immediately and all pardoned prisoners will be released in a timely manner.