Look: New inmate rehab club opens at Ras Al Khaimah's correctional facility

Ras Al Khaimah: In a landmark move towards reform-focused rehabilitation, a social and educational club has been opened at Ras Al Khaimah’s Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility.
The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, in partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Police General Headquarters, inaugurated the club, which offers a comprehensive approach to inmate rehabilitation.
The club is among the first of its kind initiatives in the UAE, offering a holistic model that brings together educational, cultural, psychological and social support services in a dedicated and thoughtfully designed space.
It has been developed to empower inmates through access to knowledge, mental well-being support, and skills development.

New learning opportunities

At the heart of the club is a state-of-the-art library, boasting more than 9,000 titles and powered by the international Koha Library Management System. This digital platform ensures streamlined access and cataloging, enhancing learning opportunities for both inmates and staff. It also includes a fully equipped training room, laptops, workstations, an interactive smart screen with internet, enabling both virtual and in-person learning sessions. A private psychological consultation room provides a confidential setting for one-on-one counselling, ensuring inmates receive the mental health and behavioural support necessary for personal growth.

Promoting mental health
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior dignitaries, including Mohammed Omran, Chairman of the Al Qasimi Foundation; Dr Natasha Ridge, Executive Director of the Al Qasimi Foundation; Brigadier Dr Tariq Mohammed bin Saif, Director General of Police Operations at Ras Al Khaimah Police; and Brigadier Abdullah Mohammed Al Haimer, Director of the Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility.

Brigadier Al Haimer noted that the opening of the club marks a “transformative chapter” in their correctional efforts.
“We are not only offering resources but also building a space where dignity, self-improvement, and community values are central to rehabilitation.”

The club features inviting reading nooks, modern furnishings, and aesthetic touches such as greenery and natural light – all aimed at promoting mental well-being and positive engagement. It is operated through a collaborative model involving correctional facility staff and trained inmate volunteers, working closely with the Al Qasimi Foundation team.

Better future for all
“This initiative is a reflection of Ras Al Khaimah’s belief in second chances, in education as a vehicle for hope, and in the ability of individuals to grow in an environment where dignity, self-empowerment, and human rights are paramount,” Omran said.

Meanwhile, Dr Natasha highlighted the initiative’s broader educational value, pointing: “This is more than a physical space – it is a symbol of inclusion and hope. By investing in knowledge and well-being for all members of our community, Ras Al Khaimah is ensuring a better future, not only for those inside but also for society at large.”