In a significant display of compassion, Judge Hamid Al Ali of the Umm Al Quwain Federal Court of First Instance recently canceled a Dh60,000 fine levied against a Pakistani man for failure to renew residency visas for himself, his wife, and their four children.

The cancellation was celebrated by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during an honoring ceremony recognizing acts of kindness.

The visa violation initially stemmed from the father’s prolonged care for his Emirati sponsor, who had been diagnosed with cancer, inadvertently resulting in the family's overstayed residency status over a five-year period.

During the court proceedings, the father shared his personal circumstances that led to this oversight, highlighting the emotional toll it had taken on his family.

A pivotal moment occurred during the hearing when Judge Al Ali noticed the father’s young son standing beside him, dressed in traditional attire.

Upon asking the child’s name and learning it was 'Zayed,' a homage to the UAE's founding father, the judge was inspired to act.

He removed the UAE flag scarf he was wearing and draped it over the child, declaring, “Zayed is not fined.

Zayed is honored,” subsequently nullifying the fine.

This decision aligned with Zayed Humanitarian Work Day, a national observance that echoes the values associated with the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The act not only resolved a legal matter but also underscored the UAE's commitment to humanitarian principles in the context of its legal system.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed subsequently recognized the judge for his empathetic decision in a public gathering, emphasizing the importance of mercy and humanity in justice.

The judge's actions have garnered widespread attention and commendation across the UAE, reflecting a societal ethos where compassion informs legal proceedings.

In a previous case from 2019, a similar instance occurred when a judge in the Emirates canceled a Dh60,000 fine for another overstay involving an Afghan family.

In that case, the judge was moved by the family’s deep respect for the UAE, particularly as the son was named ‘Zayed’ as a tribute to the nation’s founder.

Following the judge's intervention, all legal penalties against the family were dismissed, again illustrating a commitment to justice infused with compassion.

These incidents have sparked national discussions about the balance between law enforcement and humanitarian considerations in the UAE, reinforcing the narrative of a society keen on upholding principles of dignity and respect even within legal frameworks.