One hundred twenty six inmates in Qatar’s correctional institutions are continuing their formal education while serving their sentences, reflecting the country’s growing emphasis on rehabilitation through learning as a pathway to reintegration.The initiative was highlighted during the launch of Unified Gulf Inmate Week 2025, which underscores the Gulf Cooperation Council’s shared humanitarian approach to corrections and its commitment to strengthening the reformative role of penal institutions.Colonel Yousef Bilal al-Abdullah, Assistant Director of the Correctional and Rehabilitation Institutions Department at the Ministry of Interior, said 126 inmates are currently enrolled in various educational programmes, ranging from transitional levels to higher education, while undergoing rehabilitation.He explained that Qatar’s rehabilitation framework within penal and correctional institutions is built on two main pillars: education and vocational training, with education playing a central role in shaping behaviour, values and long-term prospects.“Correctional and rehabilitation institutions are not merely places for serving sentences,” Colonel al-Abdullah said, noting that they are designed to rectify behaviour, foster positive values and build inmates’ character on solid educational and social foundations — all of which enhance opportunities for successful reintegration into society after release.As part of the educational pillar, inmates are able to pursue structured academic pathways, including a diploma programme implemented in co-operation with the Community College. Colonel al-Abdullah said the first graduating cohort, comprising around 20 inmates, is expected to complete its studies in January 2026.The programmes cover a range of disciplines, including secretarial studies and administrative work, alongside ongoing collaboration with Cambridge College in the fields of secretarial studies, libraries and administrative affairs.The opening ceremony of Unified Gulf Inmate Week featured a symbolic theatrical performance conveying the importance of community and institutional solidarity in granting inmates a second chance based on trust, support and inclusion. The performance emphasised that meaningful reform extends beyond the walls of correctional facilities and relies on the role of society in welcoming individuals back after release.Colonel al-Abdullah said the performance was delivered in co-operation with the Ministry of Culture, civil society organisations and several departments within the Ministry of Interior, as part of efforts to strengthen community partnerships in support of rehabilitation and reform programmes.Alongside education, the vocational pillar of rehabilitation focuses on equipping inmates with practical trades and skills that enable them to secure legitimate employment after completing their sentences, contributing to financial stability for themselves and their families.To support productive engagement, correctional and rehabilitation institutions also take part in local and international exhibitions showcasing inmates’ products, including an exhibition currently being held at Villagio Mall. These products are additionally marketed electronically through the Ministry of Interior’s Sooum application, with full financial returns directed to inmates after the cost of raw materials is deducted — providing a lawful source of income aimed at ensuring stability following release.