Sharjah Ruler launches scheme to bring retired people back to work part-time

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has introduced a new initiative to rehire retired individuals and spouses as part-time workers in the public sector. This flexible system allows employees to work three days a week or specific hours, as announced by the emirate's media office. The primary goal of this program is to enhance work-life balance and improve the financial stability of families.

In addition to providing employment opportunities, the scheme aims to foster social participation among community members, according to the media office's statement on Monday.

Under the new policy, male public sector employees in Sharjah can retire at the age of 55 or after 20 years of service. Those who choose to retire early will receive a reduced pension until full payments commence upon reaching the mandatory retirement age. The same rules apply to female employees, with the mandatory retirement age set at 50.

Women with children under 18 can retire at 45. Sheikh Dr Sultan also mandated the employment of 1,200 Emiratis in the Sharjah government, aiming to bring 3,000 UAE citizens into the emirate's public sector by the end of the year. As of January 2026, there were 1,800 Emiratis working in the Sharjah government. Last week, The National reported that Sheikh Dr Sultan had set a minimum monthly wage of Dh20,000 ($5,445) for government employees in the emirate.