Drawn by misleading job prospects and promises of a better future, many women arrive in the UAE only to realize they are victims of human trafficking. Deceived by false contracts, they lose their freedom and are exploited by those who promised them safety and stable employment.
When such cases are detected by the police, public prosecution, or the national hotline, victims are placed in specialized shelters for care and rehabilitation. The Aman Center for Women and Children is one such facility, offering medical care, psychological support, legal aid, and vocational training to assist survivors in rebuilding their lives.
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Many victims arrive traumatized or physically harmed from prolonged exploitation. They often face health problems, including chronic illnesses or physical abuse effects. During their stay, they receive medical care, counseling, and skills training for independent living.
After legal proceedings conclude, survivors can choose to work in the UAE or return home with help from the Victim Support Fund, which assists them in launching small businesses like beauty salons, tailoring shops, or grocery stores. Several women who stayed at the shelter have since established successful ventures back home.
Khadija Mohammad Al Ajil, Director of the Aman Center, emphasizes emotional recovery and long-term stability. “We aim to restore dignity and independence,” she said. “Some women start anew here, while others return home with the skills and confidence to restart.”
The center also addresses family-related cases involving women and young girls facing educational or social hurdles. One case involved a girl who dropped out of school due to family issues but was supported to resume her education through counseling and partnerships with private universities, eventually graduating and finding employment.
Another girl, facing restrictive family expectations, received guidance along with her family through workshops on communication and adolescent behavior, improving family relationships and her motivation to continue studying.
Al-Ajil noted the evolving challenges families face due to population growth and the diverse nationalities in the UAE. “Social issues change with society, and institutions like ours must adapt to provide guidance, awareness, and rehabilitation,” she said.
She also mentioned an increase in calls from children reporting mistreatment, often due to cultural or generational misunderstandings. “Sometimes a child calls saying their parents were violent because they were denied iPad time,” Al-Ajil explained. “Our role is to help families and children differentiate between harmful behavior and responsible parenting.”
To reduce intimidation, the center conducts interviews and hearings in child-friendly rooms equipped with digital tools, avoiding formal courtroom settings. “The environment should be safe, comfortable, and familiar; that’s how children open up and trust,” she said.
While the center provides temporary shelter from a day to six months depending on the case, the focus remains on rehabilitation and reintegration. Counseling, skills training, and workshops strengthen family bonds and emotional resilience.
Whether cases involve exploitation or family tension, the approach is consistent: addressing root causes to prevent recurrence. “We start with the family because that’s where change begins,” Al-Ajil said. “When families learn to support their children effectively, the impact is lasting.”
Through these programs, the Aman Center continues to offer refuge and rehabilitation, aiding women and children in vulnerable situations to recover, rebuild, and regain stability in their lives.
