Ras Al Khaimah Prison Education Programme Recognised by UNESCO

A prison education initiative in Ras Al Khaimah has been recognised in a case study by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning as a regional model for correctional education.
The programme, launched in 2011, is part of the emirate’s contribution to the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities and focuses on expanding access to education within correctional settings. It is implemented by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research in collaboration with the Ras Al Khaimah Correctional Facility.
The initiative provides inmates and correctional officers with access to learning resources, including a multipurpose library with more than 9,000 titles, alongside spaces for reading, group activities and counselling.
Courses offered through the programme include literacy in Arabic and English, small business and office management, information and communications technology, art, mental health first aid and life skills. Data cited in the UNESCO case study shows that nearly 25% of the inmate population has used the library since its launch, while more than 1,000 inmates have completed at least one educational course.
The study also references participant feedback indicating improved prospects for reintegration and personal development following involvement in the programme.
Ras Al Khaimah joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2022 and has since documented initiatives across formal, non-formal and informal education, including programmes within correctional institutions.