• Home
• /
• UAE

19 Abu Dhabi inmates accept Islam

Abu Dhabi - New lease on life for Abu Dhabi inmates after rehab

A total number of 457 inmates were sent to the Al Ain Punitive and Correctional Institutions Department by the Abu Dhabi Police - 19 of which have converted to Islam, Khaleej Times has learned.

On Monday, Abu Dhabi Police officials said the inmates from the correctional institution have immensely benefited from the rehabilitation programmes, which aims to help them integrate better into society after serving their sentences.

Police also added that the 19 who converted to Islam during their rehabilitation, came from different nationalities and backgrounds.

Lieutenant Colonel Ali Al Ketbi, Director of the Department, said that the rehabilitation and training programmes included carpentry, sewing, painting and handicrafts, aimed at developing the inmates' skills and enhancing their confidence after serving their sentences.

"The programmes also provide practical experience to help the inmates obtain jobs in the labour market, as well as allowing them to integrate into the society."

The products and handcrafts made by the inmates have even been displayed and sold to consumers in various outlets and at events.

Lieutenant Colonel Al Ketbi pointed out that the rehabilitation center held 61,105 activities for the inmates last year, including sport programmes, cultural and religious lectures, as well as health awareness classes.

The Punitive and Correctional Institutions Department at the Abu Dhabi Police in Al Ain also includes a care center for juvenile. The center had 150 students last year studying primary, preparatory and secondary levels in accordance with the Ministry of Education curriculum.

The young inmates were also given the opportunity to join the labour market programme to complete their higher education studies.

jasmine@khaleejtimes.com