DUBAI, 11th July, 2023 (WAM) — The Dubai Police Advisory Council for Community Service has launched the "Culinary Arts" initiative to unleash inmates' culinary talents and invest in their abilities.
This was announced during a press conference at the Officer's Club, attended by retired Major General Mohammed Saeed Al Marri, Secretary-General of the Council, Brigadier Marwan Abdul Karim Julfar, Director of the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments at Dubai Police, As'aad Eid, Regional General Manager and Customer Relations Manager at Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company, several officers, and journalists.
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.
Enhance Inmate Skills
According to Al Marri, the "Culinary Arts" initiative trains and develops the inmates' cooking skills, prepares them for the job market upon completing their sentences, and equips them with a vital skill to 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.
Continuous Support
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.
"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," he added.
Brig. Marwan Jalfar explained that the General Department 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.
Training Programme
As'aad Eid, 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 programme for inmates that will cover theoretical and practical aspects. Upon completion, they will receive a certificate in culinary arts.”