Sharjah Ruler raises minimum wage for Emiratis to Dh25,000

Sheikh Dr Sultan promises to review amount if living expenses rise

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, at the Bait Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al Qasimi historic house in Kalba. Wam

The first phase of a careful restoration of the historic building is complete.

The building will open to the public once the work is complete. Wam

The building's eastern section includes an outer majlis overlooking the shore. Wam

The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, opens the new Kalba Corniche. Wam

The new Kalba Corniche includes a jogging track. Wam

More than 1,500 trees were planted along with additional picnicking spaces for visitors. Wam

A flood drain network was also built as part of the project. Wam

Construction on Kalba Corniche has been progressing for many years. Antonie Robertson / The National

The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, also laid the cornerstone of Kalba's new Clock Tower Square. Wam

The tower will soar 42 metres above the town. Wam

The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, opened Khor Kalba Fort and also viewed plans for a new museum. Wam

The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, opened Khor Kalba Fort and also viewed plans for a new museum. It is believed the fort was built about 1745. Wam

The fort was added to in a second phase of building in 1820. Wam

Inside the fort is a treasure trove of ancient artefacts.

Dr Sheikh Sultan also laid the foundation stone for the new Souq Al Jubail. Wam

Souq Al Jubail will be four times the area of the existing market. Wam

The Ruler also visited the new Soor Kalba project. Wam

The Dh180 million initiative involves the construction of 105 buildings including 420 apartments and 319 shops overlooking Kalba Corniche. Wam

Kalba lake on a quiet morning. The enclave is known for its mountains, mangroves and historic buildings. Reem Mohammed / The National

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has raised the minimum wage for citizens in the emirate to Dh25,000 from Dh17,500.

The 43 per cent increase follows a Sharjah government study that assessed the living standards of citizens.

"We raised salaries to Dh25,000 after conducting studies with the Department of Social Services," Sheikh Dr Sultan said on Sharjah Media Office's Twitter account.

"I was watching all the expenditure details of individuals and families to know which salary would grant them a decent life.

"If life expenses increase, we will conduct a new study. If the situation becomes detrimental to people with low income, I will not leave them.”

He said the government had established a committee to assess and assist Emiratis looking for employment.

"There are more than 12,000 jobseekers in Sharjah," Sheikh Dr Sultan said. "We will not close the door to any jobseeker, even those who do not meet the terms of employment.

"We have ordered the formation of a committee called the Employment Processing Committee, which will work under my supervision.

"It will consist of statistics, social services and human resources departments in the government of Sharjah.

"Its mission is to study the employment applications and find solutions to address the problems of everyone who faces an employment difficulty."

In December, Sharjah approved a Dh33.6 billion budget for 2021 – a 12 per cent increase on last year – to fund measures to support economic and social development.

Last year, the emirate introduced Dh1bn of economic stimulus in response to the challenges caused by Covid-19.

The package included waiving, reducing or cancelling some government fees and charges.

Sharjah Ruler oversees Kalba regeneration