The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department is participating in Global Food Week 2026 with a dedicated display of products from its correctional and rehabilitation centres, according to a report by the Emirates News Agency. The exhibits include food products, dates and handicrafts created by inmates as part of vocational training initiatives. ADJD officials noted that the showcase provides an opportunity for the public to view the output of these programmes, which focus on building practical skills among participants.
Global Food Week 2026 has drawn a record 2,580 exhibitors from 92 countries to the capital, a Gulf News assessment found. The three-day gathering at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi spans approximately 42,000 square metres of exhibition space, reflecting a 25 percent increase from the previous edition. ADNEC Group data places the number of participating countries 23 percent higher than in 2025, with 26 new nations joining the platform that connects agriculture, processing, trade and technology sectors.
The ADJD’s involvement aligns with its broader rehabilitation strategy, a Zawya report on the department’s 2026 activities indicated. In 2025 the number of inmates completing educational tracks in partnership with the Higher Colleges of Technology reached 139, marking a 54 percent rise from the prior year according to ADJD figures. These programmes aim to prepare participants for reintegration by developing vocational competencies that extend to agricultural production and artisanal crafts.
Similar efforts across the UAE have demonstrated measurable outcomes, according to separate reporting on Dubai Police initiatives. More than 300 inmates participated in the Hasad farming project at Dubai Central Jail, generating Dh900,000 in revenue that was reinvested into further rehabilitation activities, a National newspaper account stated. The farm spans 9,600 square metres and trains participants in climate-smart techniques, with harvested crops supplied to local markets and restaurants.
ADJD has recently expanded its agricultural training through a memorandum of understanding with Silal, an Abu Dhabi food and agri-tech company, a Gulf News dispatch reported on October 7. The 12-month programme delivers hands-on instruction in sustainable farming methods and grants accredited certificates to participants. Sessions occur twice weekly under expert supervision, supporting the department’s goal of transforming correctional facilities into environments that emphasise skill acquisition and economic self-sufficiency.
