22 UAE prisoners jailed over rent dispute to be freed for Eid Al Adha

Dubai: A young Emirati businessman Abdullah Ahmed Al Ansari donated money to cover a large proportion of claims that were issued by the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) against prisoners of different nationalities, as a result of which Dubai Land Department (DLD) was able to facilitate the release of 22 prisoners serving sentences in rental cases in Dubai and ensure they are home for the Eid Al Adha holiday.

A new initiative under the slogan ‘’Eid in Your Home’, in cooperation with the Rental Disputes Centre (RDC), was announced by Sultan Butti Bin Mejren, director-general of the DLD, Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, assistant commander-in-chief for Criminal Investigation Department and judge Abdul Qader Musa, RDC chairman.

Bin Mejren said: “This generous initiative is considered the first of its kind in Dubai and is increasingly important for its total compatibility with the pillars of the Year of Tolerance, as declared by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with the aim to highlight the UAE as a global capital for tolerance.

“DLD will cooperate with Dubai Police to complete the release procedures of the prisoners after the payments have been settled,” he added.

Justice Musa said the RDC is welcoming donations from benefactors to relieve those held in difficult financial conditions and a dedicated team will “study all cases and set priorities to ensure the aid reaches its beneficiaries”.

“This charitable move will bring happiness to the hearts of these prisoners and their families, granting them a second chance to work hard and serve their families and the UAE with dedication,” added Al Mansouri.

Emirati businessman Al Ansari said that his donation is an expression of the spirit of humanity that characterises Dubai and its citizens. He said he believes prisoners of rent-related cases are not criminals, but are ordinary people who suffer from circumstances that lead to crises.