Dubai: Dubai Police, represented by the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments, the Positive Spirit Council, and the General Department of Community Happiness, celebrated the ‘World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development’ with inmates of correctional establishments. The initiative aimed to entrench the values of tolerance and human coexistence, positively supporting the psychological and social stability of inmates and contributing to a reformative environment based on mutual respect and cultural openness.

The event was attended by Brigadier Salah Buassiba, Director of the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments, and his deputy, Colonel Yousef Abdul Karim Juma; Ms. Fatima Buhajeer, Chairperson of the Positive Spirit Council and Head of the Cultural Diversity Section at the General Department of Community Happiness; along with a number of officers, and personnel, with the participation of the establisment's inmates.

Brig. Salah Buassiba affirmed that Dubai Police places great importance on humanitarian and reform programmes and initiatives that contribute to strengthening social cohesion and entrenching the concepts of mutual respect among different cultures. He noted that the role of correctional establishments is not limited to security and enforcement aspects alone, but extends to include humanitarian and rehabilitative dimensions that support the positive and effective reintegration of inmates into society.

Meanwhile, Ms. Fatima Buhajeer, Chairperson of the Positive Spirit Council, said that celebrating cultural diversity embodies an important social and humanitarian message that seeks to strengthen human bonds among different segments of society. She affirmed that Dubai has become a pioneering global model in embracing different cultures and peoples within an environment of security, tolerance, and coexistence.

She added: "We believe that cultural diversity is a central part of social stability and integration, especially in a city like Dubai, which is home to more than 200 nationalities of diverse cultures, thought, and faith. It is from this standpoint that we are committed to promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence among the various communities and groups in society."

The event featured several activities, including performances by each inmate, who presented an aspect of their culture and heritage through poetry and introductions to their language, country, customs, and traditions. The event also featured diverse folk dance performances, interactive sports games, and health awareness workshops in both Arabic and English, organised in cooperation with the Dubai Police Health Centre, focusing on sports and injury prevention. Attendees also enjoyed musical performances by the Dubai Police musical band, alongside the joyful and engaging participation of the police mascot "Officer Amna”, which added an atmosphere of happiness and interaction among inmates and attendees.