A number of decisions were adopted in Sharjah during the current month that will increase the income of thousands of civil servants, pensioners, and social support recipients.
These measures also include the creation of 1000 part-time vacancies for the elderly, their spouses, and pensioners, as well as a directive to hire 1200 Emiratis by the end of 2026. These decisions were approved by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
What is the new standard of 20,000 dirhams?
On September 3rd, the Ruler of Sharjah approved an increase in the standard of living in the Sharjah government to 20,000 dirhams per month, starting in September. This decision affects 6,652 families receiving social support from the Sharjah government, with annual expenditures of approximately 195.13 million dirhams; 2,251 Sharjah government pensioners, accounting for about 113.06 million dirhams annually; 5,300 citizens retired from institutions outside the Sharjah government who receive supplementary allowances, with annual costs of 159 million dirhams; and 17,776 Sharjah government employees, exceeding 720 million dirhams annually.
The total annual cost of this decision exceeds 1.187 billion dirhams. Sheikh Sultan stated during a call on the Direct Line program that the increases were approved immediately after preparation, and no employee, including high earners, would be left without an increase.
Who will receive further salary increases?
On September 7th, Sheikh Dr. Sultan approved salary increases for 3,270 Sharjah government employees working in Groups 3, 2, 1, Special A, and Special B. The annual expenditure for this increase exceeds 160 million dirhams. Salary adjustments were also approved within the general and professional systems covering engineers, doctors, veterinarians, pharmacists, and medical technicians.
Under the general employment system, each level will receive a net monthly increase of 3,375 dirhams after deducting insurance contributions, starting in September. Sheikh Dr. Sultan ordered that these increases apply to employees of centralized and decentralized Sharjah government institutions, including universities.
What has changed for pensioners and social support recipients? The package from September 7th also provided for an increase in pension payments for 1,470 Sharjah government pensioners, calculated based on group. These increases will cost more than 37 million dirhams per year. Additionally, 1,473 social service recipients will each receive an increase of 3,375 dirhams, amounting to nearly 60 million dirhams annually. Official announcements show that the total number of individuals covered by the two rounds of social support increases reaches 8,125 people.
How will the part-time system work?
Sharjah has approved a part-time employment system in government departments to employ 1000 elderly citizens. This program is intended for the older generation, their spouses, and pensioners who may not be able to manage full-time employment. Sheikh Dr. Sultan emphasized that the goal of the program is not to hire pensioners capable of working full-time, but to assist elderly people who spend their days at home with small future plans.
The system offers two work options: one or two hours a day depending on the employee's capabilities, or three non-consecutive days a week with a day off after each working day. Sheikh Dr. Sultan noted that the positions will not require physical exertion, citing the example of checking visitor tickets at the Sharjah Museum entrance. He also stated that employees will be transported to and from work using transportation provided by the workplace.
The Ruler noted that this program will help bring the elderly out of isolation, involve them in community life, and allow them to earn a salary while contributing to society. Sharjah government institutions have been instructed to accelerate the recruitment of 1200 Emirati men and women in the remaining months of 2026. These appointments will complete the emirate's goal of creating 3000 government jobs for citizens this year. According to official data, between January 5th and September 3rd, 1800 Emiratis were hired in Sharjah government institutions, of whom 996 were men and 804 were women. Training for additional appointments is ongoing, according to an official announcement.