{
  "id": 5044727,
  "title": "'Give back the money': Sharjah Ruler orders free education for Sudanese pupils after fees wrongly collected",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/give-back-the-money-sharjah-ruler-orders-free-education-for-sudanese",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-02T08:01:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/09/02/sharjah-ruler-sudanese-students-school-fee/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sharjah's Ruler, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, has directed the Sharjah Private Education Authority to cease collecting fees from Sudanese pupils at the Sudan Private School and refund any previously paid amounts. Sheikh Dr Sultan explained that the school was established specifically to provide free education to Sudanese community members who could not afford other options. He noted that the authority had introduced nominal fees, which could still burden families in need. The Ruler has instructed the authority not to collect any fees from these students, emphasizing his direct oversight of the school's operations. He also mentioned that any teacher found to have mistreated a student would be immediately dismissed, while underperforming staff would receive training and support, to be removed if they failed to improve. Sheikh Dr Sultan's directive follows a message from a Sudanese parent expressing concern over being asked to pay substantial tuition fees and having certificates withheld until outstanding fees were paid. This action is part of the UAE's ongoing support for Sudanese people since the conflict began in 2023, including providing temporary accommodation at Dubai Airports and assisting with residency visas. The UAE's humanitarian aid to Sudan since 2023 has exceeded $800 million, with total aid since 2015 reaching $4.24 billion.",
  "summary": "Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has ordered the Sharjah Private Education Authority to stop collecting fees from Sudanese pupils at Sudan Private School and to refund any money already paid. Speaking during a phone-in on Direct Line , hosted by Mohammed Khalaf, director general of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Sheikh Dr Sultan said the school was established…",
  "key_points": [
    "Sheikh Dr Sultan orders free education for Sudanese pupils at Sharjah school.",
    "Fees wrongly collected from Sudanese students at Sudan Private School.",
    "Ruler directs refund of paid amounts and strict oversight of school operations."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "'Give back the money': Sharjah Ruler orders free education for Sudanese pupils after fees wrongly collected",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/give-back-the-money-sharjah-ruler-orders-free-education-for-sudanese-5047084",
        "published": "2026-09-02T08:01:23.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}