Saudi Arabia is taking its entertainment programs to local prisons

In collaboration with Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority (GEA), one prison in Jeddah has been providing inmates with a wide range of entertainment programs. 

The Briman Prison has been giving its inmates the chance to take part in theater and music courses, giving them "a chance to take part in cultural activities and performances, which their families were allowed to attend." 

Speaking to Al Arabiya, one inmate said the move brought him happiness and confidence. 

"I feel like it's a dream... I wasn't expecting to be able to be part of an entertainment event which my family can come and share with me," he explained. 

Another prisoner said that before being granted access to the jail's entertainment programs, he felt like he was missing out on activities that have >recently started taking place in the country. 

The newly launched programs aren't an individual initiative based in one prison. Instead, they are part of a long-term commitment towards rehabilitation by the kingdom's Ministry of Interior. These programs were only strengthened by the country's Vision 2030 and are now being tailored to fit its goals. 

Given that 2019 has been announced as the kingdom's "Year of Entertainment," it makes sense for inmate rehabilitation programs to be included.

Earlier this year, the newly appointed chief of the kingdom's Entertainment Authority Turki Al Al-Sheikh promised a new era of entertainment is on the horizon for the country.  So far, 2019 has witnessed a host of festivals, concerts, and shows that bolster his statement. 

The kingdom's Ministry of Interior has previously launched several programs aimed at rehabilitating inmates. 

According to data from the Directorate of Prisons, a total of 558 prisoners in the Jeddah authority took part in a range of workshops held in prisons in 2015. These included courses on social theater, educational and social lectures, and poetry workshops.

The country allows inmates to get married in prison and >often hosts (and pays) for the marriage celebrations. 

The Saudi Ministry of Interior also governs the thiqah (confidence) program "for prisoners whose prison term is about to end," preparing them for reintegration into society.

An official at the Briman Prison explained that a special team of employees continues to help and support prisoners even after they leave jail. 

"We add them to WhatsApp groups, we look out for them, and have activities for prisoners after they've left, we take them on beach activities — we continue to help them," he said.