YOUSUF SAIFUDDIN KAPADIA (DUBAI)
In a heartwarming gesture, the Dubai Police has fulfiled a young woman's wish to have her marriage contract signed in the presence of her father, an inmate at the General Department of Correctional and Punitive Establishments.
The Department turned a young Arab girl's dream into reality on her special day by allowing her inmate father to be by her side and witness her marriage, according to a statement issued by the force on Sunday.
The wedding plan was put into motion after the girl had submitted a heartfelt request to the Department, seeking their assistance to fulfil her sincere wish.
Under the directives of His Excellency Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, the Assistant Commander-in-Chief of Criminal Investigation Affairs at Dubai Police, the department worked tirelessly to ensure her wish was fulfilled.
In her appeal, the young girl wrote about a marriage proposal she had received from an Arab man, but emphasised on the importance of her father's consent - an inmate in the Dubai Punitive and Correctional Establishments - and his presence at this momentous occasion, as it was a significant moment in her life and for the entire family.
Commenting on the girl's request, Brigadier Marwan Jalfar, Director of the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments, spoke about how the department evaluated the request, considering both the financial and emotional aspects regarding her father's presence during the preparations for her marriage as he was the family's primary breadwinner.
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In a compassionate response, as per directives by His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, the Department immediately approved her request, reflecting their dedication to humanitarian initiatives for society.
Comprehensive support and home preparation
Brig. Jalfar also shared that the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments had launched the 'Bring Joy to the Inmate's Daughter' initiative to ensure the bride's happiness and provide complete support beyond arranging the wedding venue.
"The Department expanded the support to encompass assistance in preparing and furnishing her new home, aiming to create a harmonious and joyful marital environment for the couple, while also acknowledging its positive influence on her father," he added.
Brig. Jalfar thanked Sheikh Ahmed Al-Shihi, an authorised Islamic marriage official (Mazoon), for graciously accepting the request of the Punitive and Correctional Establishments to attend and officiate the marriage ceremony.
He also conveyed his best wishes to the couple for their future life together.
Humanitarian initiatives
Brig Salah Jumaa Bu Asaibah, Deputy Director of the General at the Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments, emphasised that the 'Bring Joy to the Inmate's Daughter' initiative is one of various initiatives aimed at ensuring the happiness of inmates' children, especially in challenging circumstances.
He highlighted that the initiative promoted values of tolerance and love in society, and wished the couple a happy life together.
Gratitude
The bride, her father, and the groom expressed their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Dubai Police for this initiative that brought them immense joy and happiness.
Humanitarian acts
The force is known for it's humanitarian acts and initiatives, including granting the wishes of two Serbian siblings, Nikola (10) and Natalia (9) Vlahovic, recently, by taking them on an exciting tour aboard the force's iconic patrol vehicles.
The Dubai Police provided custom-tailored police uniforms for the two children, ensuring that every detail contributed to their immersive experience. The siblings were picked up from their accommodation and escorted to the Smart Police Station (SPS) in the lively La Mer area.
'You made me happy'
In 2020, under Dubai Police's “Asaadtumoni” (You Made Me Happy) humanitarian initiative, 51 children of female inmates benefited at the punitive and correctional institutions in Dubai.
Carried out by the Protection of Children and Women Department at the General Department of Human Rights at Dubai Police in collaboration with General Department of Punitive and Correctional Institutions, the initiative featured distributing toys, clothing and food coupons to the inmates’ children and families.
Talking about the facilities provided to children of inmates, a senior official explained that they receive special care, protection and also have access to kindergarten, play hall, clinic and a dining hall.
Launched in 2014, the initiative has succeeded in ensuring happiness for hundreds of inmates’ children.