The United Arab Emirates government has granted royal clemency to 115 Filipinos previously convicted of various offenses, amid the holy month of Ramadan and the coming Eid Al-Fitr, the Philippine Embassy in UAE said Saturday.

The embassy thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and the UAE government for the royal clemency grant.

"This act of generosity and compassion exemplifies the true spirit of mercy during the sacred occasion of Ramadan and the values of unity and goodwill,' the embassy said in a statement.

The embassy said the move strengthened the ties between the Philippines and the UAE. 

"The UAE’s steadfast dedication to humanitarian principles and its continued support for the Filipino community in the country are deeply valued," it said.

The embassy and the Philippine Consulate said they remain fully committed to ensuring the welfare of Filipino nationals in the Gulf state. 

"The Embassy and the Consulate stand ready to extend the necessary assistance to facilitate the safe and expeditious return of those granted clemency," it added.

There are around 700,000 Filipinos living in the UAE with majority living in Dubai, according to latest estimates.