How this Emirati helps juvenile offenders turn their lives around

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 23, 2026

Aisha Al Banna, a rehabilitation specialist at Dubai’s Community Development Authority, received the Young Employee award for creating tailored programmes that have eliminated recidivism among juvenile offenders and achieved full reintegration. Her approach, which includes family involvement and continuous support, highlights the importance of personalized rehabilitation and aims to sustain long-term behavioural change as youth reenter society.

Aisha Al Banna, a 30-year-old rehabilitation specialist from the Community Development Authority’s (CDA) Soun Centre for Care and Rehabilitation in Dubai, has been recognized for her work with juvenile offenders, earning the Young Employee award presented by the Dubai Quality Group. Her efforts have focused on helping young offenders reintegrate into society and reducing recidivism through a comprehensive, tailored approach.

Al Banna has developed five specialised rehabilitation programmes that provide over 300 hours of training, targeting behavioural support, life skills development, family involvement, social reintegration, and continuous follow-up after programme completion. These initiatives have achieved a reported reduction in recidivism from 12 percent to zero among participants, alongside a 100 percent reintegration rate.

Al Banna emphasizes that successful rehabilitation extends beyond behavioural correction. Her approach centers on engagement with both the beneficiaries and their families, ensuring that support continues well beyond the conclusion of the formal programmes. “We focus on the specific needs of each beneficiary, involve families in the rehabilitation process, and provide continuous support throughout their journey,” she explained.

One programme Al Banna highlights as particularly meaningful involves teaching juveniles literacy skills. She views literacy not only as an educational tool but also as a means to build confidence, ambition, and access to new opportunities. Al Banna pointed to the importance of reading, referencing its cultural and religious significance, and described the literacy programme as a way to inspire young people to pursue new paths in life.

Family participation and community collaboration play a significant role in the success of the rehabilitation efforts. By bringing together offenders, their families, and support networks, Al Banna’s programmes aim to create a stable foundation for lasting behavioural change. To formalize and sustain these practices, she has developed four operational guides and contributed over 300 hours of training to professionals in the field.

Al Banna attributes her motivation to her family and the supportive leadership environment in the United Arab Emirates. She expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by the nation’s leadership, which she says encourages continuous learning and community contribution among young Emiratis.

Looking ahead, Al Banna underscores the importance of tailoring rehabilitation to the individual needs of beneficiaries and maintaining support beyond programme completion. She advocates for ongoing research and innovation in rehabilitation methods to ensure sustainable outcomes for young offenders as they transition back into society.

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