Dubai: Shoppers will have the chance to buy products made by jail inmates in some shopping malls in the emirate, Dubai Police said on Wednesday.
Brigadier Ali Al Shamali, director of the Correctional and Punitive Establishments Department at Dubai Police, opened a fair in Mercato Mall in Jumeirah that will display products crafted by inmates such as souvenirs and decorated storage boxes.
“Inmates of Dubai Central Jail are welcome to learn skills through our workshops. This fair is to help inmates sell their products, giving them with motivation as they see people buying their products,” Brig Al Shamali said.
Dubai Police give five per cent of the value of the product to the inmate. “We are keen to support the inmates and always communicate with them to know of their problems and what they want to do during their time inside the jail such as wanting to learn a skill or craft,” Brig Al Shamali added.
The fair will be open for five days in Mercato Mall. This follows a three-day fair held at Dubai Festival City in September. Another fair will be held in Town Centre Jumeirah next week.
“The fair is a chance for society to see the products and learn how these inmates can become productive people in society. It also helps the prisoners to find a proper job after leaving jail,” Brig Al Shamali said.
Last year, inmates made 6,990 products which fetched Dh1.1 million.
In 2016, Dubai Police held 371 workshops for inmates to learn crafts and skills.
Police thanked the malls for giving them the space to display the products. To buy them online, buyers can log on to the Dubai Police website or police smart application to check products and prices.
