Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has approved an increase in the standard of decent living for Sharjah Government employees to AED20,000 per month, with the measure taking effect from September 2026.
The decision carries an annual cost of more than AED1.187 billion and is part of a broader package aimed at raising the minimum standard of living for government employees, retirees and families receiving social support in the emirate.
The approval will benefit 17,776 Sharjah Government employees, with annual allocations exceeding AED720 million. Sheikh Sultan said the measures had been prioritised for those most in need, while noting that a study is also underway to consider salary increases for higher-paid categories.
“We have prioritised those in need, who are the categories covered by the approval, as those with high salaries, thankfully, have the means,” Sheikh Sultan said during a phone-in on the Al Khat Al Mubasher (Direct Line) programme.
He added that the study on higher-paid employees would be reviewed the following week and that allocations for all salaries would be increased.
The package also covers citizens receiving social support from the Sharjah Government. The revised minimum standard of decent living will benefit 6,652 families, with an annual cost of AED195.13 million.
Sharjah Government retirees will also see their standard of decent living raised to the minimum level. The measure will benefit 2,251 retirees and carries an annual cost of AED113.06 million.
A further 5,300 citizens who retired from entities outside the Sharjah Government will benefit under the “Supplementary Grants” scheme, with an annual allocation of AED159 million.
The measures were approved following work to finalise the revised allocations and link them to Sharjah’s financial budget. Sheikh Sultan said the approvals were completed in the early hours of Thursday after work continued through Wednesday.
The Sharjah Ruler also said the emirate was moving to align government salaries with those offered by the governments of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
“We have observed that salaries in the governments of Abu Dhabi and Dubai are good, and we are moving forward with them, as we are all in one ship protected by Almighty Allah,” he said.
Beyond salaries and social support, Sheikh Sultan announced a 50% reduction in fees for services related to marine vessel berths. The remaining 50% will be collected for the benefit of fishermen’s societies.
The measure is intended to support the preservation and sustainable use of marine berths, regulate access and ensure their continued availability to eligible fishermen and users. It will also enable fishermen’s societies to take a greater role in managing and maintaining the facilities and providing related services.
Sheikh Sultan urged beneficiaries to use the improved financial support responsibly, encouraging citizens to organise their finances, save where possible and avoid unnecessary borrowing.
He also highlighted the emirate’s long-term investment in children and young people through education, sports, cultural activities and other facilities, saying that these investments have formed part of Sharjah’s development priorities for more than five decades.
The Ruler concluded by stressing that financial improvements should be accompanied by responsible parenting and the values of wisdom, kindness and preservation of dignity.