Sharjah Raises Minimum Decent-Living Income for Government Employees to AED20,000

Sharjah: The Sharjah Government has raised the minimum decent-living standard to AED20,000 per month for government employees under a wide-ranging support package approved by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

The measures took effect from September 2026 and carry a total annual cost of more than AED1.187 billion, according to the Sharjah Government Media Bureau. 

17,776 Government Employees to Benefit

The salary-related measures will benefit 17,776 Sharjah Government employees, with the government allocating more than AED720 million annually for this part of the package. 

The Ruler of Sharjah also indicated that salary increases would not be limited only to lower-paid employees. Employees on higher salaries are also expected to benefit, although the government is separately studying appropriate increases for different salary categories. 

The AED20,000 figure refers to Sharjah’s minimum decent-living standard for eligible government employees and support categories, rather than a general minimum wage applying to all private-sector workers in the UAE.

Social Assistance Families Included

The new package also raises the minimum decent-living standard for families receiving social assistance from the Sharjah Government.

A total of 6,652 families will benefit, at an estimated annual cost of AED195.13 million. 

The move is intended to provide greater financial security for households facing rising living expenses and ensure eligible families maintain an adequate standard of living.

Retirees Also Covered

Sharjah Government retirees are included in the new measures.

Around 2,251 retirees will benefit from the revised minimum living standard, at an annual cost of approximately AED113.06 million. 

The package also covers 5,300 Sharjah citizens who retired from entities outside the Sharjah Government and receive support through the emirate’s Supplementary Grants programme.

Around AED159 million annually has been allocated for this group. 

New Government Employees to Receive Higher Starting Salaries

The revised salary structure will also affect people entering Sharjah Government employment.

According to The National, newly recruited employees with a university degree are expected to receive a starting monthly salary of around AED27,125, while school-leavers entering government service will receive approximately AED20,950 per month. 

The changes form part of Sharjah’s wider strategy to support Emirati families and improve financial stability among government employees and retirees.

Sharjah Ruler Highlights Cost-of-Living Pressures

During remarks on the Direct Line programme, Sheikh Dr Sultan highlighted the financial pressures facing households and said priority had been given to citizens most in need.

He also encouraged residents to avoid unnecessary borrowing and to save wherever possible as living costs continue to place pressure on household budgets. 

Additional Support for Fishermen

The package includes measures beyond salaries and social assistance.

Sheikh Dr Sultan also directed a 50% reduction in fees for services related to marine vessel berths, with the remaining portion to be collected for fishermen’s societies.

The measure aims to support fishermen while helping maintain and regulate marine berthing facilities across the emirate. 

Major Social Support Package for Sharjah

The latest decision represents a significant expansion of financial support for Sharjah citizens, covering government workers, retirees and families receiving social assistance.

With annual spending exceeding AED1.187 billion, the initiative reinforces Sharjah’s focus on improving household financial security and maintaining an adequate standard of living for eligible beneficiaries. 

Source: Sharjah Government Media Bureau / Emirates News Agency (WAM)