The state of correctional facilities in a country are often a reflection of its humane and progressive ethos and the UAE has an exceptionally strong system that operates on the principle of rehabilitation and reintegration as its core objectives. These objectives are vital, transformative components of the punitive process that in the UAE are distinguished by their practice rather than their theoretical presence in the policy manual.
The range of rehabilitative programmes in the correctional facilities in the UAE is extensive, with inmates receiving vocational training in an array of fields from craft-making, tailoring, designing, carpentry to even recycling garbage, and many more. Inmates also learn how to give first aid, extinguish minor fires and take art classes. This diversity of skills acquisition ensures that every inmate, depending on his or her abilities, is able to discover a vocation or talent that will stand him or her in good stead when released.
The prison system also makes room for inmates’ grievances to be heard. For example, the female inmates of Al Awir prison in Dubai can nominate a representative per prison cell who enables their voices to reach the high-ranking officials, informing them about their needs and problems.
This is a pragmatic, positive outcome-based methodology that forms the core of the rehabilitation and redemptive principles. It helps inmates realise that the time spent behind bars is not an irreplaceable loss, but an experience that will help them refocus on a better life pivoted on economic wherewithal and purposed by a dignified existence.
This is what every inmate deserves, having served term and the UAE is ensuring that.
