Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has approved a part-time employment system across Sharjah Government departments to provide work opportunities for 1,000 senior citizens.
The initiative is designed to enable older residents who may no longer be able to work full-time to remain engaged in the workforce through flexible, less demanding roles. The programme will offer two working arrangements: an hourly system allowing senior employees to work for one or two hours a day, depending on their capabilities, and a daily system involving three non-consecutive working days a week.
Speaking on the Direct Line programme broadcast by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Sheikh Dr Sultan said the initiative was intended not only to provide an income but also to help senior citizens remain socially active and connected with the wider community.
He said the programme would focus on older people who spend much of their time at home and may experience isolation or a loss of purpose after leaving full-time employment.
The roles will be designed to minimise physical demands. Sheikh Dr Sultan cited work at Sharjah museums as an example, where senior employees could check visitors’ tickets at entrances while seated. Workplace-provided transport will also be available to pick up and drop off participating senior citizens.
The programme is intended to give senior citizens an opportunity to maintain a daily routine, interact with visitors and members of the community, and continue contributing to society while earning an income.
The Sharjah Ruler also approved several other measures affecting government employees and social service beneficiaries. Social support will increase for 1,473 beneficiaries, while 3,270 Sharjah Government employees in senior grades will receive salary increases. Pension payments for 1,470 Sharjah Government retirees will also be increased based on their grades.
Sheikh Dr Sultan directed that the salary increases apply across Sharjah Government entities, including centralised and decentralised departments and universities.
He also ordered an acceleration of recruitment during the remaining months of 2026 to fill 1,200 positions, helping the emirate reach its target of creating 3,000 new government jobs during the year.
The part-time employment system will operate separately from the Human Resources Department’s standard financial calculations, with a dedicated framework established for the programme.
The measures reflect Sharjah’s wider focus on employment, social support and participation across different segments of the community, with the senior citizens’ programme placing particular emphasis on flexible work and continued social engagement.