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Education, job skills: New rehab initiative in RAK gives inmates shot at life after prison
Participating inmates undergo comprehensive evaluations that measure literacy, numeracy, language proficiency, life skills, and psychological well-being
A new rehabilitation programme launched in Ras Al Khaimah is offering inmates a structured, supported pathway back into society, combining education, vocational training, and psychological care to prepare participants for life after release and reduce the risk of re-offending.
The initiative, introduced by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research (AQF), is being implemented at the Ras Al Khaimah Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility as part of a broader effort to strengthen rehabilitative justice and community safety.
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Designed on the basis of evidence-based principles, the programme aligns with international best practices in correctional rehabilitation and social reintegration.
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According to AQF, the programme aims not only to address individual rehabilitation needs, but also to deliver wider social benefits, including stronger family stability, improved social cohesion and enhanced public safety. By focusing on education, skills development and psychological wellbeing, the initiative seeks to address some of the root causes of reoffending.
The programme, which will run through 2027, is built on a needs-based and data-driven assessment model. Participating inmates undergo comprehensive evaluations that measure literacy, numeracy, language proficiency, life skills, and psychological well-being. Based on the outcomes, personalised learning and rehabilitation pathways are developed, ensuring each participant receives targeted support tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.
The initiative is structured around three core pillars. The first focuses on foundational education and life skills, strengthening communication abilities, basic academic competencies and personal discipline. The second pillar delivers accredited vocational training, providing inmates with practical, job-ready skills designed to improve employability and workforce readiness upon release. The third pillar centres on psychological support and awareness programmes, offering counselling, behavioural therapy, and mental health sessions to encourage positive identity development and long-term behavioural change.
Programme delivery is supported by a network of accredited local and international partners to ensure quality and relevance. Education components are delivered in collaboration with Amideast, while vocational training is provided with the support of Lootah Technical Center and Spearhead Training. Specialized organizations, including the Erada Rehabilitation Center, contribute professional psychological counselling and addiction rehabilitation services.
Commenting on the launch, Dr Natasha Ridge, Executive Director of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, said the initiative reflects a long-term investment in social stability. “Effective rehabilitation begins with understanding individual needs. Delivering education and training within correctional settings provides inmates with genuine opportunities to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society after release,” she said.
Colonel Thiab Al Harash, Director of the Ras Al Khaimah Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility, said the programme strengthens the rehabilitative role of correctional institutions. “By focusing on education, skills development and psychological support, we are creating an environment that encourages personal responsibility, positive behavioural change and readiness for reintegration. Such initiatives contribute directly to safer and more cohesive communities,” he said.
AQF said the programme will be implemented over the 2025–2027 period, with structured evaluations conducted at the end of each cycle to measure educational, psychological and social outcomes. The findings will be used to refine the programme and assess its potential for expansion, positioning it as a replicable, evidence-based model for broader application across the UAE.
Azza Al Ali
Azza Al Ali is a reporter from Ras Al Khaimah, dedicated to sharing stories that bring the community’s voices to life. She’s passionate about connecting with people and highlighting what truly matters to them.
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