Dubai Prisons Earn Global Human Rights Recognition

Correctional institutions achieve 100% compliance with international standards and receive ACA’s Global Eagle Award.

Dubai’s Correctional and Penal Institutions have achieved a major international milestone after receiving accreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA) and winning the organisation’s prestigious Global Eagle Award.

The recognition makes Dubai the first jurisdiction in the region and the third globally to receive the award, following a comprehensive assessment that confirmed 100 per cent compliance with international human rights standards applicable to correctional and rehabilitation facilities.

Years of Excellence in Rehabilitation

The achievement reflects Dubai’s continued efforts to develop a modern correctional system focused on rehabilitation, dignity and successful reintegration into society.

Dubai’s journey with ACA accreditation began in 2020 when the Central Correctional and Penal Institution achieved full compliance and accreditation, placing it among leading internationally recognised facilities.

The accreditation was renewed in 2023, while Dubai’s Women’s Correctional and Penal Institution became the first women’s correctional and rehabilitation facility worldwide to achieve ACA accreditation with complete compliance.

The latest accreditation of the Misdemeanours and Minor Offences Institution completed the requirements for Dubai to receive the Global Eagle Award — the ACA’s highest recognition.

Human Rights at the Core of Rehabilitation

Dubai Police Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri said the achievement reflects Dubai Police’s commitment to implementing the UAE’s human rights vision by adopting the highest international standards across its rehabilitation system.

He highlighted that the correctional system prioritises human dignity, protects individual rights and ensures rehabilitation services are aligned with UAE legislation and global best practices.

Al Marri also praised the efforts of teams involved in achieving the international recognition.

A Modern Rehabilitation Model

Brigadier Sultan Al Owais, Director of the General Department of Correctional and Penal Institutions at Dubai Police, said the award represents years of work to create a rehabilitation environment that supports wellbeing, education and reintegration.

He explained that Dubai’s correctional institutions provide comprehensive healthcare services, educational and vocational programmes, personal development initiatives, digital learning opportunities and innovation-focused activities.

The system also supports family welfare, respects religious practices, enables continued education and works with government and private sector partners to assist vulnerable individuals and strengthen rehabilitation outcomes.

Strengthening Global Standards

Colonel Hamad Rashid Al Marri, Deputy Director of the General Department of Correctional and Penal Institutions, said Dubai’s accreditation journey was driven by a commitment to benchmarking its rehabilitation system against the world’s highest standards.

He described the Global Eagle Award as a significant achievement that will further enhance institutional performance, improve service quality and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global model for human rights-based rehabilitation.