Dubai Police have teamed up with a car dealership to offer mechanics courses to prisoners as part of their rehabilitation.
The force partnered with Al Masaood Automobiles to train male inmates in an effort to equip them with the practical skills they need to get their lives back on track once they are freed.
Brig Marwan Julfar, director of the General Department of Correctional and Punitive Establishments, said such support was crucial to give prisoners a chance to make a meaningful contribution to society.
“Our programmes tackle various psychological and emotional problems and help to remove the barriers of fear and hesitation that may haunt the inmates after their release,” Brig Julfar said.
“They also aim to make it easier for the inmates to reintegrate back into mainstream society.”
He spoke of the importance of both mental health and financial support for inmates and their families.
Police host a number of skills-building courses and workshops under the initiative and also host social and sport events throughout the year.
UAE leaders typically offer pardons to hundreds of inmates each year on important occasions such as National Day, Ramadan and Eid.
Dubai inmates raise their children in prison — in pictures
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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. -
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. -
An inmate with her child at the nursery. Children aged over 2 live there. -
Ten children currently live 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. -
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.
