Sultan approves Dhs17,500 allowance for 6,317 citizens

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has directed to increase the monthly allowances for 6,317 citizens in Sharjah to Dhs17,500 per month. This adjustment will apply to categories including the elderly, widows, divorcees, and low-income individuals (two or more). The total annual cost of this initiative amounts to Dhs524 million, with the updated allowances set to take effect from January 2026.

Maryam Majid Al Shamsi, Head of the Sharjah Social Services Department, announced through the “Direct Line” that, as part of the directives of the Ruler of Sharjah, monthly allowances for 6,317 citizens in the Emirate have been increased to Dhs17,500. This adjustment applies to categories including elderly individuals, widows, divorcees, and low-income groups (two or more), with an annual total reaching Dhs524 million. Beneficiaries will start receiving the revised allowances beginning January 2026.

A couple of weeks ago, Sheikh Sultan had approved the general organisational structure of the Department of Islamic Affairs.

He also directed that the value of social assistance for all beneficiaries of the Social Services Department be increased to Dhs17,500.

The approval of the general organisational structure of Department of Islamic Affairs comes as part of efforts to strengthen its ability to carry out its duties within its areas of competence, in line with the ongoing development of organisational frameworks and administrative foundations across government departments and authorities in the emirate of Sharjah.

Sheikh Sultan has also directed that mosque imams in the emirate, who had been working under a stipend-based system, be appointed to the Sharjah Government payroll as of 1st January, with retroactive compensatory financial payments granted for the period during which they previously worked under the stipend system.

This directive came in recognition of their efforts in serving the houses of worship and in affirmation of the importance of their role in leading congregations.

The Sharjah Ruler also directed that the value of social assistance provided to all beneficiaries of the Social Services Department be increased to a decent standard of living, setting the amount at Dhs17,500, with disbursement to begin from January.

This directive reflects the Sharjah Ruler’s keenness to enhance living stability for beneficiary families and to improve quality of life.

These directives embody the approach of the Ruler of Sharjah in strengthening a comprehensive social welfare system and continuing support for eligible groups, reflecting a humanitarian vision that places people at the forefront of development, empowers families to meet essential needs, and reinforces the values of social solidarity that distinguish the emirate of Sharjah.