A video chat programme that allows inmates at Sharjah penal institutions to speak to their children was launched by the Department of Social Services on Monday.
Dedicated computers have been installed in nine locations throughout the emirate whereby people with family members that have been imprisoned can book time to speak to them.
The project — named Roya — will encourage good behaviour among the inmates and help them integrate into family life more easily upon their release, said Col Ahmed Suhail, Director of Sharjah Punitive and Correctional Establishment.
"It also aims to bring joy to the hearts of both children and inmates, and to maintain prisoners' emotional stability as well as strengthen family ties during the time parents are away from their children.
"The prisoners' happiness is our duty, that's why we have allocated a room equipped with the latest communication systems to enable the largest number of inmates to be in touch with their children, taking into account the privacy of each one," he said.
Roya launched in co-operation with Sharjah Police and the Family Court.
