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Abu Dhabi: Judiciary expands alternative penalties to imprisonment

Gulf News, 5 August 2026: Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) announced strong growth in the use of alternative penalties for minor offences and misdemeanours, reinforcing a rehabilitative approach that supports offender reintegration and strengthens social responsibility.

Between 2023 and 2025, electronic monitoring rulings rose by an average of 170%, while community service measures grew by 83.5%. Counsellor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of ADJD, said these achievements reflect the vision of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Presidential Court and Chairman of ADJD, to build a judicial and correctional system aligned with international best practices.

Community service measures require individuals convicted of non‑serious offences to perform service instead of serving prison sentences, while electronic monitoring uses advanced technology to track offenders in partnership with Abu Dhabi Police. The Correctional and Rehabilitation Policies Committee noted that these measures foster responsibility, discipline, and community engagement, striking a balance between law enforcement and rehabilitation.

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