Dubai Police are teaching culinary arts and cooking skills to prison inmates in an effort to give them skills to find jobs on their release.
Along with partners, the police have created a cookbook and provided certification to inmates in correctional facilities.
The initiative was launched in collaboration with the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments, the Emirates Literature Foundation, and the Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company.
Dubai inmates learn culinary arts
According to retired Major General Mohammed Saeed Al Marri, the “Culinary Arts” initiative aims to train and develop the inmates’ cooking skills, preparing them for the job market upon completion of their sentences, as well as equipping them with a vital skill that can enhance their quality-of-life post-release.
He also pointed out that upon completing the initiative’s training course, inmates can work in the hospitality sector due to the certificate they will receive, allowing them to turn their cooking skills into a career.
Al Marri indicated that the initiative receives generous care and attention from the Council due to its significant impact on the inmates, in cooperation with the Emirates Literature Foundation and the Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company.
He said: “The initiative has featured several projects, including publishing a booklet authored by the inmates that contain cooking ingredients and recipes.
“The initiative has also provided inmates with training workshops in coordination with the Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company”.
Brig. Marwan Jalfar explained that the Gen. Dept. of Punitive and Correctional Establishments is committed to utilising such initiatives to rehabilitate inmates and diversify their skills and professions during their sentences.
He stressed the importance of providing care and humanitarian services to inmates, embracing them, and supporting them to start fresh lives as productive individuals.
He noted that the initiative has benefitted 30 inmates so far.
As’aad Eid, Regional General Manager and Customer Relations Manager at Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company, said: “We are proud of our 17-year partnership with Dubai Police, which has resulted in numerous joint initiatives and collaborative work.
“The company will offer a comprehensive training program for inmates that will cover theoretical and practical aspects. Upon completion, they will receive a certificate in culinary arts”.
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