Dubai: Coinciding with the celebrations of Eid Al Adha, the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Institutions is to release the second group of indebted inmates upon the receipt of the second payment of two-million-dirhams pledge made to Dubai’s Punitive and Correctional Institutions. 

This generous donation was pledged by the Hussain Sajwani – DAMAC Foundation (HSDF) as part of the 'Fresh Slate' initiative that was launched last April in cooperation with the Dubai Police General Headquarters. 

The contribution sought to settle the current financial obligations of detainees, both male and female, so they can be released, allowing them to return to their families and look after their welfare, give them a fresh opportunity to turn their life around, and eventually become productive members of society.  

Major General Dr Mohammad Abdullah Al Murr, Director of the General Department of Human Rights at Dubai Police said: “We want to thank His Excellency Hussain Sajwani and his Charitable Foundation for launching this great initiative which will help detainees and their families who are struggling financially. This initiative will also support Dubai Police’s efforts to achieve social solidarity that our true Islamic religion urges. The joint-effort with Hussain Sajwani-DAMAC Foundation will establish a new stage of mutual cooperation and reflects our commitment to being a positive force for good in the UAE.” 

“Life can sometimes present challenges that lead people to make decisions putting them on the wrong side of the law, without willfully intending to break social rules that protect society,” said Hussain Sajwani, Founder of Hussain Sajwani-DAMAC Foundation. “We want to give these people a fresh start so they can embark on a new path, and live a respectful life.”

Fresh Slate is among a trio of charitable projects being launched by HSDF this year, with others to be announced shortly. These initiatives are part of the Foundation’s ongoing corporate social responsibility agenda, which has supported and benefited a number of charitable organisations in the education and youth sectors over the past few years.