The approval came during the 17th session of the third ordinary term for the 11th legislative chapter at the council headquarters in Sharjah, a development that follows the General Secretariat of the Executive Council’s referral of the draft on April 9. Halima Hamid Al Owais chaired the session, which was attended by Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Dr Mansour Mohammad bin Nassar and other officials from the legal department and Sharjah Police. Members debated and incorporated several amendments before passing the measure that seeks to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the emirate’s correctional system.
Emphasis within the draft law rests on rehabilitation programmes, social reintegration and the humane treatment of inmates, as outlined in the council’s review. Provisions address behavioural reform, vocational training, psychological support, healthcare services and post-release assistance designed to help individuals return to society successfully. The law also defines the institution’s structure, management mechanisms, operational powers and the balance between security needs and humanitarian obligations, according to discussions at the meeting.
In remarks to the council, Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer welcomed the deliberations and called the draft one of Sharjah’s key legislative initiatives. “Every meeting with this respected council renews our happiness in discussing issues that concern citizens and residents in Sharjah,” he said. Bin Amer added that the input from members would improve security institutions and the functioning of the correctional facility.
Dr Mansour Mohammad bin Nassar, for his part, commended the council for its contribution to the legislative process and linked the law to the establishment of an independent judicial system in the emirate. He noted that the correctional institution previously operated under federal oversight, but the formation of the Sharjah Judicial Council under directives from Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi required dedicated local legislation for entities under Sharjah Police and the Public Prosecution. The development aligns with Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2024 that sets national standards for penal and correctional institutions, according to official UAE legal records.
Additional participants in the session comprised students from the 27th batch at the Sharjah Academy for Police Sciences, who were urged to learn from the legislative discussions as part of their training. Al Owais opened proceedings with a speech on the significance of Eid Al Adha, encouraging devotion to worship and positive actions ahead of the holiday. Meera Khalifa Al Muqarrab, the council’s secretary-general, confirmed the procedural timeline that led to the approval following the 15th session review on April 30.
