*The club promotes the comprehensive rehabilitation of inmates.

*The club includes a library containing 9,000 books, managed through the digital “Koha” system, in addition to training and counseling facilities.

*The club is operated in partnership between staff and volunteer inmates under the supervision of the Al Qasimi Foundation, in a model that embodies comprehensive and participatory rehabilitation.

In a pioneering step toward reform and rehabilitation, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, in cooperation with Ras Al Khaimah Police General Command, officially inaugurated today the Social and Educational Club at the Punitive and Correctional Establishment in Ras Al Khaimah.

The opening ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including H.E. Mohammed Omran Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Board of Al Qasimi Foundation; Dr. Natasha Ridge, Executive Director of the Foundation; H.E. Brigadier Dr. Tariq Mohammed bin Saif, Director General of Police Operations; and H.E. Brigadier Abdullah Mohammed Al Haimer, Director of the Punitive and Correctional Establishment.

A Comprehensive Approach to Rehabilitation

The Social and Educational Club is one of the first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates, offering an integrated model that combines educational, cultural, psychological, and social services within a carefully designed environment.

The club was developed with the aim of empowering inmates through access to knowledge, supporting mental health, and developing skills, all of which are essential elements in the rehabilitation and reintegration process.

At the core of the project is a modern library with over 9,000 titles, run using the Koha global library management system.

This advanced digital system enables precise cataloging and instant access to resources, facilitating the learning process for both inmates and staff within an organized and effective educational environment.

The club also includes a fully equipped training hall, featuring laptops, individual desks, and an interactive smart screen with internet access, enabling in-person and virtual educational sessions. It also contains a private psychological counseling room, providing a safe and confidential environment for individual sessions to ensure inmates receive the necessary psychological and behavioral support for personal growth.

In his speech during the event, H.E. Brigadier Abdullah Al Haimer, Director of the Punitive and Correctional establishment, stated: “This club represents a new phase in our reform efforts. We do not merely provide resources; rather, we create a space where respect, self-development, and community values are embodied as fundamental pillars of the rehabilitation process.”

Carefully designed and meticulously maintained, the club features comfortable reading sessions, modern furniture, and aesthetic touches such as green spaces and natural light, all aimed at promoting mental health and positive interaction. The club is managed through a cooperative model involving staff of the correctional establishment and trained volunteer inmates, in close collaboration with Al Qasimi Foundation team. This integrated approach reflects a broader philosophy based on community rehabilitation and shared responsibility.

A Shared Vision for Empowerment

Commenting on the broader dimension of the initiative, H.E. Mohammed Omran Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Board of the Al Qasimi Foundation, stated:
“This initiative reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s belief in second chances, in education as a means of hope, and in the human capacity to evolve within an environment that values dignity, self-empowerment, and human rights.”
The inauguration ceremony of the Social and Educational Club reaffirms the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah’s ongoing commitment to a humane, progressive reform approach and the protection of human rights. It also underscores the importance of rehabilitation as a shared social responsibility. This initiative represents a national precedent demonstrating how education, mental health, and institutional cooperation can integrate to achieve effective and tangible change.

Dr. Natasha Ridge, Executive Director of the Al Qasimi Foundation, also emphasized the broader educational value of this initiative, concluding with:
“This project is not merely a physical space, it is a symbol of inclusion and hope. By investing in knowledge and well-being for all members of society, Ras Al Khaimah ensures a better future, not only for those inside the establishment but for the community as a whole.”