Dubai prisoners receive international honour

Dubai: Inmates at the Dubai Police Punitive and Correctional Establishments received an international honour after they won the 4th edition of the Intercontinental Chess Cup for Prisoners.

André Vögtlin, Chair of the FIDE Social Commission, which promotes diversity, equity and inclusion globally, honoured the inmates and congratulated them upon their victory over 115 teams from 51 countries. The tournament was held over three days online and was organised by the Cook County Office in Chicago last October.

Lt. Col. Mohammed Abdullah Al Obaidli, Director of the Inmate Education and Training Department, was also present. He thanked Vögtlin for visiting the country to recognise and congratulate the inmate chess team.

He highlighted Dubai Police’s commitment to involving inmates in various sports tournaments, intellectual games, and local, regional, and international educational programmes. He emphasised that these activities are vital for improving inmates’ physical fitness, channeling their energy into positive pursuits, and utilising their free time effectively.

“Additionally, they boost motivation through both individual and team competitions, including the Continental Chess Championship, in which Dubai’s inmates participate annually,” he added.

Al Obaidli also praised the efforts of the technical and operational teams in the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments in supporting and encouraging the inmates.