Dubai's prisons receive prestigious international accreditation

The General Department of Correctional and Punitive Establishments of Dubai Police has received the prestigious international accreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA).

This accreditation recognises the 100 per cent compliance of Dubai’s prisons with international human rights standards.

Dubai's women's prison is the world's first female correctional facility to be accredited by ACA, while the men's prison in Dubai is the fifth in the world and first in the Middle East to receive the accreditation,

Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police commended the dedication of all individuals and teams who have contributed to this accomplishment and underlined the force's commitment to continuously strive for excellence.

ACA is the world's largest and oldest organisation devoted to advancing excellence among punitive and correctional establishments.

The General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments receives international accreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA). In a press conference, @DubaiPoliceHQ extends its appreciation to the visionary leadership of the UAE for their support in… pic.twitter.com/U3q3n7jYDL

— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) August 17, 2023

During a press conference, Dubai Police shed light on the initiatives and services it has undertaken to protect the rights of inmates.

Sustained excellence

Major General Dr. Abdul Quddus Abdul Razzaq Al Obaidly, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Excellence and Pioneering Affairs said that Dubai Police achieved a perfect 100 per cent compliance rate across 137 international human rights standards.

"These standards encompass a comprehensive array of both obligatory and discretionary criteria and cover the entire spectrum of services, programmes and initiatives extended to inmates, spanning the organisation's seven pivotal domains, namely safety, security, order, healthcare, justice, administration and programmes and activities tailored for inmates," he explained.

Reform and rehabilitation

Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of Criminal Investigation Affairs highlighted the transformative approach of Dubai's punitive and correctional establishments, focusing on rehabilitation and hope.

"We provide inmates opportunities to enhance their capabilities through personal creative projects, while electronic libraries provide them access to a wealth of knowledge," he said.

"In collaboration with partners from the public and private sectors, Dubai Police’s punitive and correctional establishments also support the humanitarian needs of inmates' families and children. They also ensure their freedom to practise their religious rituals and offer them opportunities to continue their education and alleviate their financial burdens," he added.

Humanitarian support

Brigadier Marwan Abdul Karim Julfar, Director of the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments at Dubai Police, emphasised that Dubai's prisons serve as a pioneering model for reform and rehabilitation.

He noted that substantial financial resources are allocated annually to ensure that both male and female inmates receive all facilities and services, according to their human and legal rights.  

"From 2021 to the middle of this year, we have implemented 169 programmes for inmates, including 52 training and vocational programmes, 82 educational programmes, 25 sports programmes and ten religious programmes," he said.

"In collaboration with our partners, we've delivered crucial humanitarian aid totalling AED 23,355,786 to both male and female inmates between early 2021 and mid-2023. This support has encompassed various necessities including housing rent, educational costs for inmates’ children, essential medical supplies and daily living essentials.

"Additionally, we've extended monthly allowances to those in need, provided assistance for medical treatment and equipment, supported childbirth expenses for female inmates, facilitated birth certificates for their children, and offered vital healthcare supplies, clothing and further humanitarian assistance," Julfar added.

Exceptional environment

Colonel Jameela Al Zaabi, Director of the women's prison, said the prison environment promotes a social atmosphere characterised by friendship, compassion and respect, and positive interaction between the inmates and police personnel.

"We provide the inmates with programmes that ensure they spend their time productively, including educational courses, training and vocational activities. These enable them to acquire new life skills and make a new start in life after completing their sentences," she explained.