Sharjah's New Policies for Well-Being

Strengthening Social Welfare in Sharjah: New Support Guidelines for Islamic Affairs Workers

Sharjah, one of the most dynamically developing emirates of the United Arab Emirates, has once again made decisions that clearly reflect its long-term commitment to the welfare of its people. Recent governmental measures have significantly increased the amount of social support for employees of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and other beneficiaries, which can be seen not only as economic relief but as a sign of community appreciation.

Increase in Support Value: A New Benchmark in Social Care

According to the Sharjah government's decision, from January 2026, every person receiving social services will be entitled to a monthly support of 17,500 dirhams. This amount represents a significant improvement compared to the previous social care structure, aiming to ensure a dignified livelihood for the concerned parties. The newly defined support level now not only serves to meet basic needs but also contributes to the long-term stability and well-being of the families involved.

This action aligns with the Sharjah leadership's ambition to continuously develop the organizational and administrative foundations of governmental institutions. Welfare measures are not isolated decisions but part of a comprehensive reform process aiming to improve the quality of life for citizens and long-term residents of Sharjah.

Official Employment for Imams and Retroactive Benefits

A highlighted element of the new guidelines is that mosque imams serving in the emirate—who previously worked only on an honorary basis—will now officially become part of Sharjah's governmental workforce. This transition not only provides them with financial recognition but also official status and long-term employment rights protection.

It is important to emphasize that the decision also has retroactive effect: imams serving in mosques will receive financial compensation for the past period when they were not official employees. This clearly indicates that the government not only looks to the future but also values past contributions.

This step can also be interpreted as a form of social recognition: imams play an important spiritual and community leadership role, and now their official status reflects this. The measure reinforces that Sharjah values those who work for the community, regardless of their position.

Comprehensive Benefits for Charity Workers

As part of the series of measures, employees of Sharjah Charity International, who previously worked under a general employment framework, will also be integrated into the governmental human resources system. This means they will be entitled to the full benefit package provided to government employees, which includes promotion opportunities and reclassification of job positions based on qualifications.

This decision primarily benefits employees with higher education, who have not yet enjoyed its advantages in terms of salary or advancement. Workers in the charitable field are often sidelined in benefits systems, but Sharjah sets an example by enforcing equal treatment and professional recognition in this field as well.

Social Solidarity as a Governmental Principle

The above measures not only represent budget numbers or administrative steps, but also reflect a deeper societal value system. Sharjah leadership has clearly stated that human dignity, social security, and community cohesion are not just goals but tasks to be realized daily.

The new decisions contribute to maintaining Sharjah as one of the most livable emirates, where the government considers the situation of public servants and those in need, and takes concrete steps towards social justice. Workers in Islamic affairs, imams, social aid recipients, and charity employees all become part of a process that puts human well-being and development at the forefront.

Summary: Progress Towards a More Humane Society

Sharjah’s new support measures are not merely measurable in numbers. These actions reflect a mindset shift that treats citizens and community workers not as costs, but as investments. Ensuring social stability, dignified livelihoods, and professional recognition are goals that serve the benefit of all emirate residents in the long run.

While the whole world watches megacities like Dubai, it is worth noticing that Sharjah also sets an example in humane and sustainable governance. The decisions made here highlight that welfare can stem not only from economic performance but from social care as well.

(Source of the article: based on the Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ statement.)