Abu Dhabi Judicial Department Expands Use of Alternatives to Imprisonment

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has recorded significant growth in the use of alternative penalties to imprisonment for minor offences, with electronic monitoring orders rising by an average of 170 per cent and community service measures increasing by 83.5 per cent between 2023 and 2025.

Counsellor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, ADJD Undersecretary, said the results reflected the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the ADJD, to develop an integrated judicial and correctional system aligned with international best practice. He said the approach sought to balance punishment with rehabilitation and support the successful reintegration of offenders into society.

The figures were presented at a regular meeting of the ADJD’s Committee on Correctional and Rehabilitation Policies, chaired by the Undersecretary. The committee reviewed performance indicators showing continued expansion in the use of alternative penalties, particularly community service measures.

Under the programme, individuals convicted of non-serious offences may be required to perform community service instead of serving custodial sentences. The ADJD said the increasing use of such measures demonstrated their value as a tool for behavioural rehabilitation while providing an alternative to imprisonment for appropriate cases.

The committee also reviewed developments in the electronic monitoring system, which uses technology to track offenders’ locations. The system operates under a strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Police and forms part of efforts to introduce advanced technological solutions to support the justice and correctional system.

According to the ADJD, alternative penalties have contributed to strengthening rehabilitation and helping offenders reintegrate into society, while also supporting wider objectives relating to public safety and community stability.

The meeting concluded with the committee commending the efforts of strategic partners and relevant institutions. It stressed that continued co-operation would be essential to expanding effective rehabilitation measures, advancing the objectives of the judicial system and further strengthening community safety and stability.

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