Qatar's Ministry of Interior Launches “Sooum” App to Market Inmate‑Made Products

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has announced that products manufactured by inmates in Qatar’s correctional facilities will now be available for purchase through the Ministry’s official “Sooum” mobile application, beginning Sunday, June 14, 2026. The initiative was unveiled by the Penal and Correctional Institutions Department in a social media statement, marking a new step in rehabilitation and reintegration programs.

The Ministry explained that the platform will serve as a digital marketplace showcasing items produced by inmates, ranging from handicrafts and baked goods to practical everyday products. Officials emphasized that the project is designed to provide inmates with opportunities to acquire vocational skills, engage in productive work, and contribute positively to society while serving their sentences.

By introducing the “Sooum” app, the MoI is aligning correctional services with Qatar’s broader digital transformation strategy, ensuring that the products are accessible to the public in a transparent and efficient manner. The initiative also reflects a shift in correctional philosophy, where rehabilitation and productivity are prioritized alongside security.

The Ministry highlighted that the program delivers benefits on multiple levels. Inmates gain valuable experience and a sense of purpose, families are reassured by the constructive engagement of their relatives, and society at large is offered unique products while supporting rehabilitation efforts. The initiative also helps reduce stigma by demonstrating the capabilities of inmates and reinforcing the principle that correctional institutions can serve as centers of reform and productivity.

Officials noted that the launch of the “Sooum” app marketplace is part of ongoing efforts to modernize correctional services, strengthen community participation, and promote sustainable rehabilitation practices.

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