Sharjah Ruler unveils part-time work plan for 1,000 senior citizens

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved a new system that will allow 1,000 senior citizens to return to government offices for part-time work.

The programme will offer two flexible options for the elderly, their spouses, and retirees. Senior citizens could either work three non-consecutive days a week, or for an hour or two a day based on their preferences.

Speaking on the Direct Line programme, His Highness said the move is not aimed to gain full-time employees, but to give senior citizens who have "little left to look forward to" a reason to "get out, see the world around them, meet people, and interact with visitors and customers again" while earning a wage. 

"This programme doesn't fall under the financial calculations of the Human Resources Department; it has its own special system, which I created myself," the Sharjah Ruler added. 

Sheikh Dr Sultan also approved a pay rise for 3,270 senior Sharjah government employees, capped at AED 160 million annually, and a higher pension for 1,470 retirees. He also authorised an AED 60 million increase in support for 1,473 beneficiaries of social services.

He also directed a faster recruitment process to fill 1,200 job openings in 2026 to meet the 3,000-yearly target.