Dubai: Inmates working at the Dubai Police’s Punitive and Correctional Establishments workshops said working here gives them a sense of normality while serving their sentences.
Filipino R.J., 34, who was convicted on drug-related charges, has worked in the workshop for four years.
“I wanted to work in the workshop because many of my countrymen work here, plus it helps pass the time. It also gives me a sense of normality, because normal people have jobs, so for those few hours that I am working I feel normal, and I get money so I am independent and don’t burden my family,” he said.
R.J. used to work in advertising as a graphic designer, and so he does computer-aided design at the workshop.
“Most of the software we have is up to date, which helps me keep my skills. They also give me creative freedom; they let me do my own designs and ideas and if they can sell it and people like it, they let me make more of it.” R.J. said.
He said he wishes to go back to his family, especially his wife and 17-year-old daughter.
R.A.H., 50, from Syria who was also imprisoned on drug related charges, said he has gained new experiences.
“I heard about the workshop and applied to work in it. I started in the paints department for a year and learnt the trade fully, but the paints were making my allergies worse so I asked to be transferred. They put me in carpentry, and I learnt from a Syrian man who had previous experiences.” R.A.H said.
Egyptian I.A.M., 37, who is also serving a sentence for drugs, works at the tailoring and sewing section.
“I have been in the tailoring trade since I was 13, then I studied dyeing, printing and textile processing. At the workshop we make customised dishdashas and abayas to order, prison and some police uniforms. I also teach new inmates. Working helps a lot, because it makes me feel like I have a routine, I wake up in the morning, go to work, eat, shower and sleep, then go for my Quran lessons. Working also helps me not forget my trade, as I apply what I know each day.” I.A.M. said.
