Dubai: The General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments at Dubai Police organised the World Cup tournament for inmates, in cooperation with the Positive Spirit Council at the General Department of Community Happiness. The tournament coincides with the FIFA World Cup currently being held in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with the participation of 48 teams divided into 12 groups.

The launch of the tournament was attended by Brigadier Salah Juma Buassiba, Director of the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments; his deputy, Colonel Youssef Juma Karam; Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Abdullah Al Obaidly, Director of the Inmates' Education and Training Department; and a number of officers.

Brig. Buassiba stated that the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments has become a beacon of education and culture for inmates through the purposeful programmes and courses it offers. “Through its vital role in rehabilitating inmates by providing educational, cultural, training, and sports programmes, the department helps them integrate into society. This underscores the importance of such programmes in carrying the torch of reform without regression,” he added.

Furthermore, Brig. Buassiba explained that the department's rehabilitation plan is based on the principle of ‘humanity before place’. “It implements a range of programmes that enhance inmates' self‑confidence and, in turn, their confidence in the institution. These programmes also help remove the fear and hesitation they may feel towards the communities they will return to after serving their sentences, enabling them to benefit themselves and serve their society,” he continued.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Mohammed Al Obaidly stated that the department always seeks to offer the best sports and recreational programmes and activities for inmates, aiming to promote a positive spirit, maintain their physical fitness, and rehabilitate them to integrate effectively into society while keeping pace with major global sporting events. He noted that Dubai Police annually involves inmates in sports tournaments, mind games, and various educational and training programmes, both locally and regionally and internationally. He emphasised the impact of such participation on improving their physical fitness, channelling their energies in ways that benefit them physically, morally, and mentally, and filling their leisure time .

Lt. Col. Al Obaidly praised the significant turnout of inmates to actively participate in the tournament, affirming that the department aims through it to highlight the sporting talents of inmates and engage with the global event in a spirit of challenge and excellence.