Dubai introduces inaugural football league for prison inmates

Dubai has unveiled a pioneering initiative, introducing the first-of-its-kind football league for inmates serving sentences in the emirate. The endeavor, jointly organized by the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) and Dubai Police, aims to leverage sports as a means of rehabilitation and equipping prisoners with skills for their post-incarceration lives.

Fourteen teams, each consisting of six players, will actively participate in matches scheduled to take place at Al Awir Prison from April 7 to May 31. The collaboration between DSC and Dubai Police reflects a holistic approach to inmate rehabilitation, extending beyond punitive measures.

Brigadier Marwan Abdul Karim Julfar, the Director of the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments at Dubai Police, emphasizes the significance of providing inmates, referred to as 'guests,' with opportunities for personal development during their time in prison. He underscores the multifaceted preparation efforts, including education, lifestyle adjustments, and sports involvement, as essential components for inmates' successful reintegration into society.

The initiative spans nearly three months, allowing inmates serving longer sentences to actively participate in the football league. Brigadier Julfar highlights the positive impact of engaging inmates in sports and workshops, facilitating a transition "from aggression to a more positive demeanor." Cooperation, personal growth, and evolution are fostered through such programs, contributing to a positive shift in inmates' behavior.

Salem Al Karbi, the event organizer, emphasizes that the league will adhere to the rules of the UAE Football Federation and marks the first official league held under government supervision.

In recent years, collaborative efforts between DSC and Dubai Police have included the provision of sports equipment and the establishment of dedicated areas for sports activities within correctional facilities. The "Sports Inmates Program," initiated in 2017, involved training instructors within these institutions to coach inmates.

Nasser Aman Al Rahma, Assistant Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council, contextualizes this initiative within the success of the Sports Inmates Program. He underscores the role of sports in supporting inmates' rehabilitation and their eventual return to society. Notable achievements include the qualification of over 1,800 inmates in specialized courses, enabling some to work in the sports sector upon release.

The initiative reflects a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to inmate rehabilitation, leveraging sports as a catalyst for positive change and successful societal reintegration.