Ras Al Khaimah is diverse, and the mix of residents provides richness to community life. In addition to its education-related capacity development initiatives, the Foundation offers a number of programs tailored to different audiences. The primary goal of these initiatives is to develop the skills of individuals and organizations so that they can contribute to and better serve the emirate.
While the Al Qasimi Foundation has a strong focus on education, its capacity development initiatives also aim to strategically advance the public sector in Ras Al Khaimah, particularly the effectiveness of local government. Given the diversity of government institutions and their individual needs, the Al Qasimi Foundation works with local policymakers to identify and develop individual solutions. This approach ensures that activities are targeted and appropriate to locally identified issues and concerns. When possible, the Al Qasimi Foundation partners with local organizations and other public institutions to further enhance our work with government entities.
The L.E.A.D. (Lead. Engage. Accelerate. Disrupt.) program is the Foundation’s flagship initiative designed for Emirati graduates and early-career professionals. This supportive, year-long experience incorporates skills training, government placements, coaching, and collaborative projects. L.E.A.D. empowers participants with vital tools and a confident mindset, enabling them to excel as leaders and significantly impact the transformation of Ras Al Khaimah’s public sector.
We collaborate closely with the government entities of Ras Al Khaimah to provide customized courses that foster employee growth and improve service delivery. Our program features workshops on customer service, soft skills, workplace communication, and digital fluency. We also facilitate English and other foreign language learning and support specialized training programs designed to help employees adapt to the evolving demands of their roles and departments. Through strategic partnerships, we assist Emirati professionals in obtaining certifications that advance their career paths, including qualifications in project management, digital tools, and business communication. Our goal is to ensure local talent is well-prepared to tackle complex challenges and capitalize on new opportunities in a competitive job market.
The Foundation partners with the Ras Al Khaimah Police to improve the English communication skills among police personnel, which aids in fostering more effective community engagement and public service delivery. English language training is available to officers at all levels, from new recruits to seasoned staff, emphasizing the development of confidence, cross-cultural understanding, and situational fluency. This training empowers law enforcement professionals to better serve the diverse population of Ras Al Khaimah. This initiative forms part of the Foundation’s wider efforts to enhance the capabilities of local government institutions and address the changing needs of the community.
The Foundation collaborates with globally recognized testing providers to deliver English language proficiency assessments to government entities in Ras Al Khaimah. These assessments inform promotion and training strategies by providing dependable and consistent benchmarks. In cases where direct training isn’t available, the Foundation provides advisory support, assisting departments in pinpointing the best English language solutions suited to their unique contexts and workforce requirements. The Foundation is always prepared to offer customized recommendations and assistance to government partners as needed.
The prison program started in 2013 with just four courses for male inmates. As interest grew, so did the range of courses, now offering subjects like English, Arabic, IT, arts, life skills, and mental health first aid, among others. The program includes educational, vocational, religious, and cultural categories, and professional development courses for correctional officers. By 2024, over 150 courses had been provided to more than 5,000 inmates. To enhance feedback, the evaluation system was updated in 2024, separating inmate course feedback from instructor performance. This dual evaluation system will be fully launched in 2025.
The Ras Al Khaimah Correctional Facility's inmates' library has been transformed into the first of its kind in the UAE, offering a library of over 9,000 books categorized through the global "Koha" program, with an electronic borrowing system. This spacious facility is the largest of its kind in the country, featuring dedicated areas for self-study, consultation, and social interaction. It also includes comfortable seating and communication spaces, creating a social hub for inmates to engage in discussions and connect with each other.
In addition, the educational hall can accommodate up to 20 inmates, equipped with laptops and an electronic display screen for interactive learning. With remote communication facilities for video conferencing, inmates can access external training courses, enhancing their educational opportunities. This transformation is a significant step in providing inmates with tools for self-improvement, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration into society.
As it continues to evolve, the prison program stands as an initiative for how education and rehabilitation can drive meaningful, systemic change. Through its holistic approach, the Ras Al Khaimah Prison Program aims to rehabilitate, educate, and support inmates—ultimately reducing recidivism and promoting successful reintegration into the community. Its long-term goals are rooted in creating social impact by restoring purpose, building self-reliance, and strengthening communities.
Creating pathways to education, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
Ertiqaa is an integrated education and rehabilitation program led by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research in partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility (RAKCF) and specialized third party training providers.
Building on the Foundation’s work in prison education since 2011, Ertiqaa supports Emirati inmates through personalized learning pathways that focus on foundational education, vocational training, creative activities, and counselling and personal development.
The program aims to equip participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to rebuild their lives, improve employment readiness, and successfully reintegrate into society.
Program at a Glance
