ADJD celebrates World Inmate Day with focus on rehabilitation The event highlights successful partnerships and innovative programs supporting inmate rehabilitation and social reintegration. June 19, 2025
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has organized a special event to mark World Inmate Day, observed annually on July 18, underscoring its commitment to restorative justice and the reintegration of inmates through pioneering rehabilitation initiatives.
The event brought together several strategic partners and stakeholders who support inmate rehabilitation programs across the emirate. Counselor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of the ADJD, addressed attendees and stressed that celebrating World Inmate Day aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
Yousef Saeed Al Abri reiterated that correctional facilities play a vital role as platforms for personal growth, rehabilitation, and reintegration, supporting inmates in building meaningful lives post-release. Al Abri highlighted the department’s approach to implementing holistic rehabilitation programs that address psychological, social, and vocational dimensions, helping inmates develop positive behaviors and pursue productive paths once their sentences are completed.
ADJD celebrates World Inmate Day
The official celebration began with a powerful documentary that featured the real-life stories of inmates who have transformed within correctional centers. Their accounts illustrated how the department’s integrated rehabilitation programs have successfully contributed to rebuilding character and motivating long-term change.
The event showcased several initiatives introduced in 2025, in collaboration with the Authority of Social Contributions – Ma’an and Hayat Post-Care Association. These initiatives include the launch of the Digital Creative Studio, which trains inmates in advanced graphic design and video editing, as well as the establishment of a Fine Arts Center and programming courses that provide inmates with essential digital skills for the modern job market.
The Quran Memorization Program, which has benefited over 500 male and female inmates, was also highlighted, along with the ‘Travel Bag’ project that equips released inmates with the necessary supplies to start afresh.
Financial support for inmates was another focal point of the event. The Faraj Fund contributed AED 1.2 million ($3,26,708) in the first half of the year to help release financially distressed inmates. Additionally, the Higher Colleges of Technology facilitated job readiness training for 70 inmates, while the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat organized religious lectures and Quran competitions that reached more than 600 inmates.
World Inmate Day with focus on rehabilitation
Ahead of the main celebration, cultural and creative programs were held at Al Wathba and Al Ain correctional centers. These activities included artistic and theatrical performances, cultural contests, the honoring of graduates from the job-readiness program, and recognition of academically outstanding inmates. Inmates also shared personal success stories and creative works, reflecting the depth of the positive transformation achieved through sustained rehabilitation efforts.
Concluding the event, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department honored several partners and institutions that have played a significant role in supporting rehabilitation programs. Among those recognised were the General Directorate of Penal and Correctional Institutions at the Ministry of Interior, the Authority of Social Contributions – Ma’an, Hayat Post-Care Association, Faraj Fund, Higher Colleges of Technology, the National Rehabilitation Center, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, and the Emirates Red Crescent.
The honored organizations expressed pride in their continued collaboration with ADJD. They reaffirmed their dedication to developing impactful rehabilitation programs that foster positive change and create opportunities for a more stable and hopeful future for inmates.