In a significant move to strengthen social welfare protections, Sharjah’s Ruler Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has authorized a substantial increase in monthly financial assistance for vulnerable residents. The enhanced program will provide 17,500 AED (approximately $4,765) per month to 4,237 eligible cases across the emirate, representing an annual investment exceeding 404 million AED.
The comprehensive social support initiative specifically targets several demographic groups facing economic challenges. Elderly residents constitute the largest beneficiary group with 3,126 cases, followed by 877 divorced women and 134 widows. Additionally, 100 low-income households comprising two or more persons aged 45-59 will receive the enhanced assistance.
Implementation will follow a phased approach beginning in Sharjah City, where 2,415 cases will receive support costing over 231 million AED annually. Subsequent expansion will cover Khor Fakkan (513 cases, 50 million AED), Kalba (588 cases, 57 million AED), Dibba Al-Hisn (248 cases, 23 million AED), and Al Dhaid (173 cases, 16.4 million AED).
The welfare enhancement forms part of Sharjah’s broader strategy to establish an integrated social safety net. In parallel developments, the Ruler has approved processing 560 employment requests and addressing 672 housing rent cases, while accelerating housing construction applications across the emirate.
This initiative follows closely after Sheikh Dr. Sultan’s January 5 directive increasing support for Department of Islamic Affairs employees. In another significant policy shift, mosque imams previously working under stipend arrangements will be transitioned to official government payroll positions effective January 1, with retroactive compensation for their prior service period.