Dubai correctional, penal instititions bag global human rights accreditation

Mr Al Marri said the recognition reinforced the force’s commitment on human rights strategy and applying international best practices across its rehabilitation system.

Yunusa Umar • August 4, 2026

The Dubai correctional and penal institutions in the United Arab Emirates have been awarded international accreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA) after recording 100 per cent compliance with international human rights standards.

The authorities announced on Tuesday that Dubai Police’s correctional institutions received the ACA’s Global Eagle Award.

According to Dubai Police, the award followed a comprehensive assessment by the ACA, which found the institutions fully compliant with international standards for correctional and rehabilitation facilities.

The Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, said the recognition reinforced the force’s commitment on human rights strategy and applying international best practices across its rehabilitation system.

He noted that the institutions were committed to protecting the dignity and rights of inmates while delivering rehabilitation services in line with the UAE’s legal framework and global standards.

Also, the Director of the General Department of Correctional and Penal Institutions, Brigadier Sultan Al Owais, noted that the recognition was the result of sustained efforts to create a rehabilitation system focused on dignity, wellbeing and successful reintegration into society.

Mr Al Owais stated that the mates had access to healthcare, education, vocational training, digital learning, personal development programmes and family support services.

He added that the institutions also work with government and private sector partners to assist financially vulnerable inmates.

On his part, the Deputy Director of the department, Colonel Hamad Rashid Al Marri, said the accreditation process was aimed at benchmarking Dubai’s correctional system against global standards and would help improve institutional performance and service delivery.

The accreditation was renewed in 2023, while its Women’s Correctional and Penal Institution became the first women’s correctional facility worldwide to achieve full ACA accreditation.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.