Participants to Gain Practical Farming Experience and Accredited Certificates.
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Silal, an Abu Dhabi-based food and agri-tech company, to introduce a specialised agricultural training programme for inmates at correctional and rehabilitation centres.
The initiative is designed to provide participants with advanced vocational and professional farming skills, supporting their rehabilitation and helping prepare them for successful reintegration into society.
The agreement was signed by Counsellor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, and Dhafer Rashid Al Qasimi, Chief Executive Officer of Silal, during Global Food Week 2026 at ADNEC Abu Dhabi, which runs from October 6 to 8.
Al Abri said the initiative comes in line with the directives of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
He said the programme forms part of efforts to develop inmate rehabilitation initiatives in accordance with international best practices, while providing participants with vocational and professional skills that can help them return to society as productive members.
Al Qasimi said the programme is intended to provide inmates with practical skills that can support their rehabilitation and help them reintegrate into society after completing their sentences.
He described the initiative as an important part of Silal’s environmental, social and corporate governance framework, aimed at improving lives and strengthening communities. The programme also seeks to contribute to food security and develop national capabilities while creating meaningful and measurable social impact.
Running for 12 months, the initiative will equip participants with practical experience and knowledge in sustainable agriculture. The training is designed to improve their employment prospects and create opportunities for greater economic and social participation following their release.
The programme also aligns with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department’s strategy to advance restorative justice by turning the rehabilitation period into an opportunity for personal development, skills-building and empowerment.
Based on the “Farmer Field Schools” model, the programme will give participants hands-on experience in modern agricultural techniques and technologies.
Training will cover the entire crop-growing process, from preparing the land and seedlings through to cultivation and harvesting. Participants will also develop entrepreneurship skills that could help them pursue employment or business opportunities after completing their sentences.
Sessions will take place twice a week under the supervision of Silal experts, allowing participants to combine practical training with specialised agricultural knowledge.
Those who complete the programme will receive accredited certificates, providing them with recognised qualifications that could support their future employment and reintegration into the workforce.
