Dubai inmates raise their children in prison – in pictures

  • A nanny teaches a boy in the nursery at Dubai Central Jail for Women in Al Aweer. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    A nanny teaches a boy in the nursery at Dubai Central Jail for Women in Al Aweer. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • The nursery has 10 nannies and four support staff. Mothers can visit their children daily.
    The nursery has 10 nannies and four support staff. Mothers can visit their children daily.
  • Col Jamila Al Zaabi, director of Dubai Central Jail for Women, says the goal of the nursery is to make the children of inmates feel no different to other children.
    Col Jamila Al Zaabi, director of Dubai Central Jail for Women, says the goal of the nursery is to make the children of inmates feel no different to other children.
  • Inmates spend time with their children at the nursery.
    Inmates spend time with their children at the nursery.
  • An inmate with her child at the nursery. Children aged over 2 live there.
    An inmate with her child at the nursery. Children aged over 2 live there.
  • Ten children currently live in the nursery.
    Ten children currently live in the nursery.
  • The prison has a playground for the children living in the nursery.
    The prison has a playground for the children living in the nursery.
  • Police officers in civilian clothing monitor the wellbeing of the children.
    Police officers in civilian clothing monitor the wellbeing of the children.
  • The prison offers inmates a number of skills development programmes, including in arts and crafts.
    The prison offers inmates a number of skills development programmes, including in arts and crafts.
  • An inmate creates a ceiling mural. The programme aims to develop talent and self-confidence, so the women can earn a living after leaving prison.
    An inmate creates a ceiling mural. The programme aims to develop talent and self-confidence, so the women can earn a living after leaving prison.