Sharjah reveals 50 per cent fee exemption for unattested lease contracts and launches food security initiative

Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC), chaired the Council’s meeting on Tuesday morning at the Ruler’s Office.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Vice Chairman of the Council, and Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Vice Chairman of the Council.

The meeting reviewed a range of government topics aimed at supporting Sharjah’s comprehensive development across all sectors, and at enhancing the quality of life for families and individuals through programmes and initiatives that promote well-being and social stability.

The Council issued a decision regarding the settlement of unattested lease contracts in the Emirate of Sharjah.

The decision stipulates that lease contracts not previously attested and concluded before the implementation of Law No. (5) of 2024 concerning the leasing of properties in Sharjah and its Executive Regulations shall be settled as follows:

1. Those required to attest lease contracts in accordance with the law in effect at the time of signing shall receive a 50% exemption from the attestation fees applicable to unattested and expired contracts before 19 September 2024.

2. Those attesting their contracts shall be exempted from the administrative fine related to non-attestation.

3. These exemptions shall be valid from 1 November 2025 to 31 December 2025, and will apply to all types of lease contracts (residential, commercial, industrial, and investment).

In line with the vision and directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to strengthen the food security system, support the agricultural sector, and encourage Emirati farmers, the Council approved the Hasaad Centre Project for collecting vegetables and fruits.

The centre aims to provide an integrated hub close to farmers to reduce their burdens and facilitate access to services.

It will also enable the signing of contracts with retail chains and distributors, ensure packaging and labelling according to approved quality and food safety standards, and enhance satisfaction among both farmers and retailers through clear agreements on quantity, quality, and timing.

Additionally, the project will help reduce market risks for farmers through pre-agreed contracts and the implementation of annual agricultural planning.

The Council was briefed on preparations for Sharjah’s 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, which aim to strengthen the spirit of unity and national pride while celebrating the UAE’s achievements and cultural heritage.

The celebrations, to be held across all cities and regions of the Emirate, will include a diverse array of artistic, theatrical, and folkloric performances, the establishment of heritage and cultural zones, and activities for families, youth, and talented individuals. The events will also feature the participation of small and medium national enterprises.

Recently, the Council approved the exemption of several housing support beneficiaries, converting their allocations from loan category to grant category, after meeting the required eligibility conditions.

A total of 113 families benefited from this decision, in accordance with the executive regulations of the Sharjah Department of Housing (SDH).

This approval reflects the humanitarian approach adopted by the Emirate of Sharjah under the directives of Sheikh Sultan aimed at supporting citizens, reducing their burdens, and ensuring them a dignified and stable life that strengthens their role in serving their families and community.

The Council also approved the Legislative Drafting Guideline for the Emirate of Sharjah, designed to standardise methodologies, enhance the quality of legislative texts, and ensure their alignment with existing legal frameworks.

The guideline outlines best practices and technical recommendations to assist government entities involved in drafting or reviewing laws and regulations, while also keeping pace with technological advancements through the automation of legislation.

The structure of legislation includes the title and preamble of the law, the introductory section, the general framework of the legislation, the main provisions and concluding articles, in addition to the general rules, legislative drafting elements, sources, and references.

WAM