ABU DHABI // Overcrowded cells, cruel guards, indiscriminate violence: we have all seen and heard the clichés used to describe prisons in the Middle East — and Al Wathba defies every one of them.
It is closer to a residential detention centre, with living quarters, a clean and well-kept kitchen, a library, a theatre and a workshop.
Built 35 years ago, Al Wathba, about 40 minutes outside of Abu Dhabi city, is the largest and oldest of the emirate's five prisons.
Men's and women's quarters are separated by large metal gates and tight security. But beyond the gates the women's quarters are decorated with murals of pelicans, falcons and forts. Pink flowers bloom along the fortress-style walls and a Quranic verse encouraging hard work is painted over the entrance to the women's prison.
Almost 80 per cent of inmates at Al Wathba are incarcerated for petty crimes, according to Col Mohammed Al Zaabi, manager of Abu Dhabi's punishment and corrections department.
"Our crime rates in the emirate are very low in comparison with other countries, for many reasons, like the low number of organised gangs, strong social networks and religious beliefs. Currently it is not at a concerning rate. Homicides are very low and the majority of crimes prevalent in Abu Dhabi are financial, followed by drug-related crimes and a few thefts."
These kinds of crimes, he said, are almost always tied to the state of the economy.
Abu Dhabi prides itself on its prison conditions, and Col Al Zaabi says the abuses reported in other countries would be impossible in the UAE.
"We live in a globalised world and most of our prisoners are deported after their sentences," he says. "If they had been abused at our correctional facilities in any way then they would speak about it when they went home."
Al Wathba is often subject to random visits from human rights departments and public prosecutors. "They inspect every part of the prison and have private interviews with the inmates," Col Al Zaabi says.
"We follow specific guidelines to ensure that they all receive their full rights in rehabilitation, medical care, nutrition, communicating with their families and their lawyers.
"They have the complete freedom and support of the facility and are not prevented from any of their rights."
Cell standards at Wathba are controlled. "Every prisoner has their own bed," Col Al Zaabi said. "We have cells for two, four and a few for eight inmates — it all depends on the size of the room and its capacity."
He said that within the prison inmates were treated equally.
"Everything we provide and all services are for expatriates and nationals. At our facilities there is no difference in nationalities. Even how they are distributed in their cells. The concept of separating UAE nationals from expatriates does not exist. Everyone is in the same ward and same cell.
"We have noticed that people of the same nationality are more comfortable together but that's a personal preference and we allow it, but our policy is that everyone be in the same ward and cell."
Prisoners are, however, segregated according to their crimes.
"Drug offenders are separated from other prisoners. Those who are in for petty crimes, such as traffic offences or cheques have their own separate wards. They are all legally categorised. Even inmates with mental illness have their own cells."
In a system always striving to improve and meet international standards, Col Al Zaabi said the inmate was always the focus.
"Today we seek to be updated and in line with international building standards. This prison is 35 years old but we are constantly updating it and providing the necessary services.
"Thirty-five years ago, the correctional philosophy was different and services were limited. Today, we are looking at other countries, at their facilities and their practices in rehabilitating prisoners.
"I can't tell you that everything is going to happen overnight. That's almost impossible. But we are doing it in steps and stages and in a short while, I am confident that we will have the best correctional facilities in the world."
salnuwais@thenational.ae
The stats
Ship name: MSC Bellissima
Ship class: Meraviglia Class
Delivery date: February 27, 2019
Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT
Passenger capacity: 5,686
Crew members: 1,536
Number of cabins: 2,217
Length: 315.3 metres
Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
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At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
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Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
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Poacher
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Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
Best Foreign Language Film nominees
Capernaum (Lebanon)
Cold War (Poland)
Never Look Away (Germany)
Roma (Mexico)
Shoplifters (Japan)
Results
6.30pm: Madjani Stakes Group 2 (PA) Dh97,500 (Dirt) 1,900m, Winner: RB Frynchh Dude, Pat Cosgrave (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,400m, Winner: Mnasek, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson.
7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Grand Dubai, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
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8.50pm: Dubai Creek Mile Listed (TB) Dh132,500 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Thegreatcollection, Pat Cosgrave, Doug Watson.
9.25pm: Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (D) 1,900m, Winner: Sanad Libya, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
10pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (D) 1,400m, Winner: Madkhal, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass.
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
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THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
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Expo details
Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.
It is expected to attract 25 million visits
Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.
More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020
The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area
It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Set-jetting on the Emerald Isle
Other shows filmed in Ireland include: Vikings (County Wicklow), The Fall (Belfast), Line of Duty (Belfast), Penny Dreadful (Dublin), Ripper Street (Dublin), Krypton (Belfast)
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Hunger and Fury: The Crisis of Democracy in the Balkans
Jasmin Mujanović, Hurst Publishers
Malcolm & Marie
Directed by: Sam Levinson
Starring: John David Washington and Zendaya
Three stars
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Election pledges on migration
CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections"
SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom"
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
