SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates: All Sharjah government employees are set to receive salary increases under a new financial support package that also raises the minimum living threshold for government pensioners and families receiving social assistance.
The measures, approved by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, will take effect from September and have a combined annual cost of more than Dh1.187 billion.
The salary measures cover 17,776 government employees and account for more than Dh720 million of the annual expenditure.
The package is designed to raise the minimum decent living level to Dh20,000 per month.
Higher support for pensioners and families
The new measures extend beyond the government workforce.
A total of 6,652 families receiving social assistance will benefit from an increased minimum living threshold, at an annual cost of about Dh195.1 million.
The same Dh20,000 threshold will apply to 2,251 Sharjah government pensioners, with the measure expected to cost about Dh113.1 million annually.
A further 5,300 Emirati pensioners who retired from entities other than the Sharjah government will receive complementary grants to bring their income up to the minimum level.
That measure carries an estimated annual cost of Dh159 million.
Higher-paid employees also included
The salary increases will apply across Sharjah’s government workforce, including employees who are already receiving higher salaries.
A separate review is being prepared for higher salary categories to determine the appropriate increases. The study is expected to be reviewed by the Sharjah government shortly.
The decision reflects Sharjah’s wider approach to strengthening household financial stability and improving living standards for citizens and government employees.
Ruler urges careful financial planning
Sheikh Sultan has also called on beneficiaries to manage their finances responsibly following the salary adjustments.
He encouraged households to prioritize saving and avoid taking on unnecessary debt, particularly as additional income becomes available.
Sharjah cuts marine berth fees
Separately, Sheikh Sultan directed a 50% reduction in fees for services linked to marine vessel berths.
The remaining fees will be collected for fishermen’s associations, which will oversee the management of the facilities and associated services.
The measure is intended to support the upkeep and regulation of marine berths while ensuring they remain accessible to fishermen and other eligible users.
The latest financial package comes as Sharjah continues to expand support for government employees, pensioners and families. The salary increases and related measures are scheduled to take effect from September, with the higher salary categories to be addressed following the ongoing review.
