By Imran Malik | Community & Government Desk | SharjahNews.ae | MediaBites.com.pk
Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Sultan has approved raising government employee salaries to AED 20,000 monthly at an annual cost exceeding AED 1.187 billion, benefiting employees, retirees, and social support families effective September.
He worked through the night. By 2:30 AM on Thursday, it was done.
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved one of the most comprehensive salary and social support increases in the emirate’s history — raising the standard of decent living for Sharjah government employees to AED 20,000 per month at an annual cost exceeding AED 1.187 billion, effective from September 2026.
Who Benefits — The Numbers
Government employees: 17,776 employees benefit at an annual cost exceeding AED 720 million
Social support families: 6,652 families benefit at an annual cost of AED 195,130,164
Sharjah Government retirees: 2,251 retirees benefit at an annual cost of AED 113,056,572
Outside Government retirees under Supplementary Grants scheme: 5,300 citizens benefit at an annual cost of AED 159 million
Fishermen: 50% reduction in marine vessel berth fees with remaining 50% directed to fishermen’s societies
The Ruler’s Own Words
Speaking during a phone-in on the Al Khat Al Mubasher Direct Line program, Sheikh Sultan explained his thinking with the directness that has defined his 52-year stewardship of Sharjah.
“We worked as quickly as possible to finalize and approve an increase in the minimum standard of decent living for beneficiaries of social support, Sharjah Government retirees, citizens who are retirees from outside the Sharjah Government, and Sharjah Government employees,” he said.
“We approved these increases immediately after they were prepared, and there will be no employee whose salary does not increase, including those with high salaries. We have prioritized those in need.”
On the market reality driving his decision: “Prices have generally increased, not only for food but also for clothing and all essential and non-essential needs of life. Therefore, we have raised salaries to a level sufficient to cover citizens’ needs.”
And on his broader philosophy of governance: “We are all in one ship protected by Almighty Allah.”
A Father’s Vision of Leadership
What distinguishes Sheikh Sultan’s announcement from a standard government salary increase is the depth of personal engagement he brings to every dimension of his people’s lives.
He spoke about maternity leave set at three months. Government nurseries established across Sharjah. Two hours of daily work leave for six months for breastfeeding mothers. Government-covered healthy meals for children in nurseries. Sports and cultural facilities funded from the budget for 52 years.
“I personally involve myself in even the smallest details of raising and caring for my children from birth, throughout their childhood and youth, and at every stage of their lives,” he said.
He also addressed a citizen who had made false allegations on television, saying he refused to allow the man to be punished or humiliated. “I believe in educating and guiding people even when they are adults.”
What This Means for Sharjah
For Sharjah’s South Asian expat community — Pakistanis, Indians, Bangladeshis — who make up a significant portion of the emirate’s workforce, a government that invests AED 1.187 billion in one night to raise its employees’ standard of living sends a powerful message about the values that govern this emirate.
SharjahNews.ae congratulates every Sharjah government employee, retiree, and support family benefiting from His Highness’s historic approval. Sharjah is fortunate to have a ruler who works until 2:30 AM for his people.
— Imran Malik | Community and Government Desk | SharjahNews.ae | MediaBites.com.pk
